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Photo editing has been revolutionized by artificial intelligence and machine learning in recent years. As an AI expert, I have seen software evolve from simple filters and preset effects to nearly autonomous editing powered by neural networks.
In this expanded guide, we will analyze the top 15 paid and free photo editors for Windows PCs with a special focus on their AI and ML capabilities.
The Rise of AI in Photo Editing
Recent advances in deep learning have enabled AI photo editors to add professional enhancements automatically with a single click. Features like automatic subject selection, detail enhancement, artifact removal and relighting save editors hours of tedious manual work.
According to surveys, over 62% of photographers now prefer AI-assisted software over traditional manual editing. Powerful neural networks can now detect faces, sky, buildings, product images etc. and edit them appropriately based on training over millions of samples.
Market reports suggest the global AI photo and video editing software market will grow at an astounding 22% CAGR to reach a value of $1.25 billion by 2026. Next we discuss editors with the most promising AI editing powered by machine learning algorithms.
1. Adobe Photoshop
Although better known for its vast editing toolset, recent Photoshop versions integrate sophisticated AI capabilities:
Neural Filters apply high-quality adjustments for facial retouching, colorization, super resolution and depth effects.
Select Subject automatically creates precises selections to isolate subjects with a click. Recent updates enhance hair and fur details.
Content-aware features like Move, Fill and Patch allow seamless object removals and scene extending by automatically synthesizing background details.
Sky Replacement identifies skies in images and replaces them realistically based on a sky image library.
Automated Actions like selecting and masking employ AI to reduce repetitive manual work.
Adobe Sensei, Photoshop‘s AI engine, leverages machine learning for continuous enhancements. These groundbreaking tools already cut editing time by 50% during testing.
2. Luminar AI
Exclusive AI-based editor Luminar AI focuses squarely on machine learning for flawless one-click photo enhancement. Its proprietary Accent AI 2.0 engine draws on data patterns from thousands of expertly edited photos.
Powerful AI Filters add professional color grading, depth effects, sun rays, relighting portraits with realistic accuracy. Automatic Sky Enhancement and Sky Replacement tools create dramatic skies in a snap.
The Portrait Enhancer automatically retouches faces, whitens teeth, evens out skin tone for magazine cover model looks. Luminar AI has transformed editing making complex enhancements easy even for amateurs.
3. Topaz Labs Gigapixel AI
Specialized AI software Topaz Gigapixel AI may seem niche but is invaluable for scaling photos for large prints or zooming into small details. Its machine learning algorithms enlarge images while preserving stunning quality.
By studying millions of image patches, it maintains clean edges and avoids artifacts from upscaling. Landscape details stay crisp without breaking while faces remain realistic. It sharpens even heavily cropped shots for reflection-free zooms.
While exceeding traditional techniques, Gigapixel AI‘s superb neural network fuelled reconstruction seems almost magical. Tiny files can be safely enlarged to 1000% more pixels for giant banners/posters. For advertising or events photography delivering big visual impact, this AI editor is a must try.
Making Editing Easier for Anyone
I always get asked by beginner photo-editing friends which software allows basic touches like brightness/contrast adjustment without complications.
That‘s where AI really opens up creative freedom – by taking care of technical processing behind the scenes. Apps like Adobe Express, Luminar, ACDSee provide easy sliders backed by AI algorithms. Adjustments stay natural since the software understands optimal parameters.
Content aware selection, deletion and healing also enable quick object removal by automatically filling backgrounds. Automatic color correction saves beginners from struggling with curves for desired moods.
So don‘t shy away from editing just because you lack the know-how. Let artificial intelligence handle the heavy lifting while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life!
I hope this AI perspective gives you a clearer idea of the photo editors which truly take advantage of machine learning advancements in the field. Do try out the automatic enhancement capabilities before deciding.