Adobe has some significant plans for community growth in 2025. In a bid to open up avenues for creative team building, Adobe is now announcing a new feature for Photoshop that will help creatives, including photographers, create a more seamless workflow. So, what is this brand-new element that will change how you work? It’s called Live Co-Editing. Scroll down to know more.
All images are by Adobe. Used with permission.
Currently, in beta testing, the Live Co-Editing allows Photoshop users to work simultaneously on an artwork/document through different computers in real time. As a result, users and their teams can accelerate their progress on a project while communications are more streamlined. According to Adobe, here’s how the tool can benefit users:
- Various designers can work on a document while splitting tasks and completing the project on time.
- Large creative teams can collaborate, get stakeholders’ input, and address feedback in one file.
- Creators can also easily attract clients by simply inviting them to collaborate. Photographers can then allow their clients to see the edits and even leave comments for feedback.
- Educators can teach Photoshop techniques and workflow to students, who can watch everything in real time. Furthermore, a professor can also add comments and edits to a pupil’s document for clear feedback.
As far as photographers go, this tool will allow a more suitable workflow for those who have clients: portraiture, weddings, fashion, events, and more. Furthermore, if a photographer is outsourcing the bulk of their editing work, they can collaborate closely with the editor on the mood and tone of the images. Photojournalists can band better with their editors, while art photographers can cooperate easily with the printer, especially those who print their work. As for amateurs, they will not have any work for this.
It must also be noted that many photographers work independently and find Capture One a more effective tool for their workflow. For instance, wildlife, street, or toy photographers. In such scenarios, a live editing tool may not hold much importance. Furthermore, we have reported that Capture One’s color rendering, editing workflow, and exporting variants are more efficient than their Lightroom counterparts.
Photoshop is bringing these changes following the 2024 additions. So far, the company has announced Photoshop Elements, which includes a new brush tool for removing objects, an AI-powered Depth Blur filter, and Edit and Create with the mobile companion app. These tools may not be used by photographers per se but by content creators or mobile photographers reaching a certain audience on social media.
It must be highlighted that with Adobe’s photography plan including AI, the chances of photographers finding alternatives are pretty high. As we reported earlier, Adobe would develop updates to benefit the image-making community. However, in recent days, with their venture into Generative AI, they have been more interested in profits and beating other companies than listening to the community. The Live Co-Editing tool has its purpose, but it may not be worth $9.99 to serious photographers.
While Adobe’s year has just begun, it remains to be seen how they improve their tools in favor of creatives. If we see more advancements in generative tools, as opposed to the needs of artists, then we are certain some of these updates are mere additions to keep creatives feeling they are heard and seen. But until then, we have to wait and watch.
Those interested in testing the Live Co-Editing tool can sign up and receive registration screeners. For more information, visit Adobe’s website.
