Photoshop in ChatGPT: Can AI Really Replace Traditional Photo Editing?

AI is predicted to dominate the world, but have you considered its role in your editing process? Adobe and OpenAI have joined forces, introducing a version of Photoshop directly into the ChatGPT interface. For those who dislike juggling multiple tabs, this could be a dream come true.

In a recent video, Anthony Morganti explores this new integration to determine if it’s truly a breakthrough or just another fancy tool that will be forgotten. He guides you through the setup, conducts some tests, and shares his unexpected feelings about how AI might be affecting your creativity.

Getting Hooked Up: The Photoshop ChatGPT App

I was thinking that maybe I need to spend a lot to use this. But according to Anthony, you don’t have to. You can actually access this feature with a free ChatGPT account, and you don’t need to have the desktop version of Photoshop on your computer. Everything works in the cloud, which is great if you’re using a laptop that gets really loud with heavy programs.

Anthony mentions that getting set up is easy and only needs to be done once. Just go to your ChatGPT settings, look for the apps, and find the Photoshop tool. After connecting your accounts, you can start giving commands to your AI photo editor. It seems like Adobe is making it easier for everyone to use “Photoshop,” even for those who have never used tools like layer masks before.

Can It Actually Edit? The Vintage Vibe Test

Anthony begins by uploading a JPEG, reminding us that the tool only works with JPEGs right now, so don’t bother with RAW files. He requests a “vintage look,” and ChatGPT goes beyond just applying a filter. It offers choices like sepia tone and lets you adjust highlights, shadows, and contrast with manual sliders.

I think this is where a casual editor might have some fun. You can tweak the image without feeling overwhelmed. But Anthony seems a bit skeptical. It’s a cool feature, but is it really “professional”? Not just yet.

Changing Clothes Without a Fitting Room

The true measure of any AI is how well it manages specific items. Anthony wants to change the color of a model’s robe. The tool successfully isolates the robe and provides a slider for adjusting the color. However, he finds the results are just “okay.”

It seems the AI doesn’t have the precise control you’d achieve by using the Pen Tool in Photoshop for a bit. If you’re creating a meme or a quick post, you might be satisfied. But if you need it for a gallery print, you might feel frustrated. The AI appears to be “guessing” where the fabric ends and the skin starts, and it doesn’t always guess correctly.

The Background Blur: A Rare Success?

We all enjoy some nice, soft background blur. Anthony tries out the blurring feature, and it works surprisingly well. But there’s a catch, you need to be clear with your requests. He found that his earlier tries didn’t work because he was too vague. Instead of just saying, “make it pretty,” he needs to say, “blur the area behind the model” to prevent the AI from turning the face into a blur.

This really shows the “Siri” problem. You can only achieve good results based on how well you explain what you want. It’s like training a smart but very literal puppy. If you ask it to “sit,” it may just sit… right in a puddle.

When the AI Starts Lying to You

Things are about to get interesting. Anthony tries something trickier: changing a dress to blue. Here, he points out a big problem with the tool. He even claims the AI “lies” to you. It says it has focused on the dress, but when you check the output, you notice that the model’s skin and hair colors have also changed.

This is a classic case of AI “hallucination.” The bot is sure it did everything perfectly, but you’re left staring at a model that looks like she’s part Smurf. This is the “Skeptical” side of our “Excited but Skeptical” theme. Just because the AI says it’s finished, doesn’t mean it did a good job. Always look closely at those details.

The Web-Based Escape Hatch

If the AI messes up, you’re not completely out of options. Anthony shows you can open the image in the online version of Photoshop to manually correct any mistakes. This gives you more control, which is helpful.

However, there’s a big drawback. Anthony mentions that you can’t save your edits back to ChatGPT. Instead, you need to download the file and then upload it again if you want to discuss it further. It’s like taking your car to a mechanic to fix the brakes, then having to drag it back home yourself. It doesn’t really create an easy back-and-forth process.

The Professional Verdict: Just Use Photoshop

If you already have the desktop version of Photoshop, Anthony has some simple advice: just use it. He believes it’s quicker and more efficient to edit yourself rather than trying to communicate with ChatGPT.

By the time you type out a few prompts, wait for the AI to respond, and then fix its errors, you could have completed the edit directly in the program. Right now, this integration seems more suited for casual users than for professionals.

The Big “I Hate AI” Reveal

Anthony shares a surprising opinion. Even though he creates many AI tutorials, he admits that he actually “hates” 90-95% of AI. That’s quite a statement from someone who earns part of his living teaching these tools.

He feels that AI stifles creativity. Why? Because it removes challenges. He points out that the difficulties in photography, like figuring out how to fix a problem or adjusting to different lighting, are what help you think critically and improve as an artist. When you just press a button and let AI “fix” things for you, you aren’t really learning. You’re simply getting a finished product.

Are You Still an Artist If the Robot Does the Work?

Anthony isn’t the only one discussing this topic. He notes that other influential figures, such as Eric Kim, have very different views on the growth of AI. This has sparked a big discussion in the community. Is AI just a tool for artists, or is it taking over the artist’s role?

Personally, I believe there’s a balance. I’ve used AI to erase an annoying trash can from a pretty landscape, and it didn’t feel like cheating to me. However, when AI starts picking colors and setting the mood for me, it feels less genuine. It’s similar to using a GPS, it helps you reach your destination, but you miss out on the joy of accidentally finding a beautiful route.

So, Yay or Nay?

Should you use Photoshop in ChatGPT?

Yes, if:

• You don’t have Photoshop and need to make quick, fun edits.
• You’re already using ChatGPT and want to visualize an idea quickly.
• You like the idea of collaborating with your software.

No, if:

• You require high-level precision, especially for masking.
• You prefer a fast, efficient workflow.
• You appreciate the creative struggle just as much as the final result.

[Photoshop & ChatGPT – Yay or Nay? I Anthony Morganti; Image credits: Pexels]

---