Nearly every Adobe program gets frequent updates, so we’ve rounded up the best ones you need to try in 2022.
Adobe Introduces New Features
In October 2022, Adobe announced multiple new features across the Creative Cloud software. With the previous introduction of Adobe Sensei technology, Adobe has since implemented new tools using artificial intelligence that allow you to transform your digital art, videos, or photography more effectively.
Adobe continues to introduce new tools and features, especially since Adobe acquired Substance 3D in mid-2022 and is set to acquire Figma in 2023. So this October 2022 update won’t be the last by any stretch.
1. Photoshop’s Object Selection Tool
The Object Selection tool has been available in Photoshop for some time, but Adobe has made it even smarter. You no longer need to draw a selection around the object you’re selecting.
Instead, just select the Object Selection tool (W) in the toolbar and hover your cursor over an object to highlight it. Then click to apply a selection around it.
You can select multiple objects using this feature. And you can modify the selection in the upper settings bar using the Add to Selection or Subtract from Selection options.
2. Photoshop’s New Neural Filters
More new Photoshop features include the additions to the neural filters. Neural filters use Adobe Sensei technology to aid in photo editing. One of these options is adding a smile to a portrait. To access the neural filters, go to Filter > Neural Filters.
From the Neural Filters dialog box, you’ll be met with a list of options. Two new neural filters have been introduced: photo restoration and changing backdrops. Some neural filters are in beta, so you can test them, but they might not become permanent. These are landscape mixer, harmonization, color transfer, and depth blur.
3. Lightroom’s Targeted Selection Tool
This new Lightroom feature is like Photoshop’s Object Selection tool. It allows you to use a masking brush that will detect the object in the image you’re masking. This saves you time since you don’t have to precisely brush over a specific area yourself; Lightroom detects the boundaries and uses a red highlight to show the selected area.
From this targeted selection, you can easily mask and edit specific areas of your image, such as removing unsightly lights, people in the background, or ugly distractions on the ground.
4. Illustrator’s Intertwine Tool
Illustrator has a new Intertwine feature. This easy-to-use tool allows you to layer and weave your illustrations without using layers or destructing your images. You can weave live text boxes and illustrated objects, and the best part is, it’s totally reversible.
Read our full guide on how the Intertwine tool works in Illustrator. It’s a great addition to the Illustrator software and will be a handy tool for many artists.
5. Illustrator’s Expand and Export 3D Feature
More of Illustrator’s new features are additions and improvements to its 3D tools. The 3D tools in Illustrator have improved greatly since Adobe Photoshop removed its 3D features.
The new update allows you to expand and export 3D features better than before. Now, you have the export options of OBJ, GLTF, and USD formats. With these formats, you can import your 3D illustrations into other 3D software, like Adobe Substance 3D or even Procreate.
6. Illustrator and InDesign’s Paste Text Formatting Feature
While InDesign is mostly used for layout design, sometimes Illustrator is the better option for certain projects. Illustrator’s text function focuses more on typography design rather than layout design, so until now, you had to manually format the layout of the text.
This new update brings better text formatting within Illustrator—including automatic bullet points and list numbers—but also comes with a great way to preserve text formatting between Illustrator and InDesign. This prevents having to redesign for space or fitting the text around your illustration as you switch between programs.
It’s a simple enough process; write and design your text layout in either InDesign or Illustrator, then select the text and hit Cmd + C (Mac) or Ctrl + C (Windows) to copy it. Go to the other program—Illustrator or InDesign—and paste using Cmd + V (Mac) or Ctrl + V (Windows). Your text will retain the same formatting you wrote it in from the first program.
7. Illustrator’s Quick Actions for Faster Edits
A lot of editing in Illustrator is manually applied, especially for fancy effects like neon or other themes. Illustrator’s new Quick Actions work like filters to apply traditionally complex edits in one click—and they’re editable after application.
To find the Quick Actions menu, select the object you’re editing, then select the Discover icon (magnifying glass in the top-right corner), and go to Browse > Quick Actions. From there, you’ll see a list of options, like retro style for text, recolor artwork, convert sketch to vector, and apply neon glow to text.
The instructions for each action will say what type of objects the action can be applied to. The effects for text can only be applied to live text boxes, for example. Select your object and click Apply in the dialog box. Once applied, your new effect can be refined and edited in the Appearance or Properties panels.
New Features in Your Creative Toolkit
Adobe swoops in once again with some great, much-needed, updates. There are consistent updates in almost all Creative Cloud programs, and even some updates in the non-Creative Cloud programs such as Substance 3D and Adobe Express.
The Photoshop and Lightroom updates save time with selections. Photoshop’s neural filters breathe new imagination into your photos. InDesign is now updated to work more seamlessly with Illustrator’s text formatting. And Illustrator now has Quick Actions effects, the Intertwine feature for dynamic layering, and better export options for your 3D designs.
Adobe continues to offer the best in creative design, and there’s no stopping here.
