Photoshop is one of Adobe's best creative software apps, offering unlimited possibilities for creating or editing images. Starting in 2023, Adobe subscribers can access Photoshop online, known as Photoshop on the web, to access the software when you're not working on your desktop app. Photoshop on the web is similar to and different from its desktop sibling, but there are still plenty of interesting things you can do with it.
Photoshop's Generative AI tools are available online
Photo by Ruby Helyer, author. No attribution required.
One of the most exciting aspects of Photoshop's online tool is that it includes many of Adobe's AI tools. Adobe's AI is based on Adobe Firefly and offers the AI features found in Adobe's desktop software. Since you have access to powerful AI options when using Photoshop on the web, you can do almost anything with your images from anywhere. However, you may not get access to all of the AI tools, especially the latest ones.
You have access to Generative Fill, Generative Expand, text-to-image tools, and more. The Selection tool even uses Adobe Firefly's intelligent frame detection, making smart selections quick and easy, even from the browser.
The interface is different from the desktop version of Photoshop, so you may have to dig a bit in the menus to find the same AI features and other tools. Many of these aren't obvious that they're AI tools, but they support the technology nonetheless.
6 Edit RAW images with Camera Raw
You don't need any special tools to edit photos
If you use the desktop versions, you can edit your Adobe Lightroom photos in Photoshop, including using the Camera Raw plugin to edit RAW images. The good news is that you can also share your Lightroom photos on the web using Photoshop's online tool, and you can also use Camera Raw directly in the browser-based version for similar photo editing.
It allows you to log in to any computer, upload your images, and publish photos whether you're at home on your personal device or not. There aren't many RAW editors out there, so instant access is a huge plus.
Find the Camera Raw filter in the Adjust tab and open your image to edit subtleties like whites, shadows, color, texture, tint, and more. Then you can further edit the image using Photoshop and the other tools on the web. You can use Camera Raw regardless of the image format, but RAW formats benefit the most from it.
5 Edit and create images regardless of location
Edit your Photoshop projects on the go
We all have the conveniences of our home office and the desk layout we want. But sometimes you're away from home or your computer and still need to edit photos, resize and edit images, or tweak something before publishing or printing. Photoshop on the web gives you access to most Photoshop tools without having to install Adobe Photoshop on another system.
As long as you have a valid Creative Cloud subscription (or are using Photoshop's 7-day free trial on the web), you can access the tools listed. Your account will also be connected to your existing Creative Cloud account, so you can access saved presets, shared images, or anything else you use the cloud for.
Not having to download the software to use Photoshop Online also gives you access options. You may be working from a different device with less power or memory, but as long as you have internet access, you can use Photoshop on the web.
4 Apply Quick Actions filters to your photos
Change color, hue or texture with one click
Photoshop is great for photo editing and using Photoshop on the web is no different. Quick Actions let you choose from a selection of filters that you can quickly apply to your images and transform them.
Background Quick Actions affect the background of your photo—perfect for landscapes or portraits with clearly defined background areas. Three background quick actions let you remove the background entirely, blur it without affecting your subject, and even make the background itself black and white while keeping the subject in color.
Other Quick Actions tools provide filter overlays that affect lighting, color, or texture. These include actions such as enhancing shadows, adding a vignette to the edges, applying a cool filter or sepia tone to the image, adding a shine to the edges of the subject, implementing steel blue color overlays, auto tone, color, or contrast.
3 Creating layered elements
Photoshop's helpful layer tool enhances your projects
Most of your creations in Photoshop rely on the ability to use the Layers panel. Even the web browser version of Photoshop has a Layers panel at the center of its interface with the same features.
Whether you use layer masks or blend modes or add adjustments to each layer, you can edit your project in the same way as in the desktop version. Transparency and rearranging layers are just as easy, allowing you to create huge image manifestations of varying complexity.
The quick action filters are all applied as separate layers, allowing for completely non-destructive editing of your entire image creation.
2 Working with people without an account
Share, open and comment
When you create something in Photoshop that you want to share, you can easily share it on the web using Photoshop's Share button. This makes collaboration easier because anyone with the link can open the file—and you don't even need an Adobe account.
While mobile users can't use Photoshop with the web's editing tools, they can still download, view, and open documents and add comments. This is an option for getting quick feedback in an emergency when someone doesn't have access to a computer.
Related
How to use Photoshop on your iPhone
There are many options for editing photos on your iPhone, but if you want to use the editing tool that sets the gold standard, download PS Express
1 Update Creative Cloud files
Seamless editing via the cloud
When you edit your designs online in Photoshop, they're saved across the Creative Cloud. You may need to make minor corrections while you're away from your desktop app, but if you make the changes from the browser, the file will be updated at all levels.
You can also save your file as a copy if you want to prevent the file from being overwritten. It can be saved in the cloud or locally, depending on your preference.
Access to your Creative Cloud files also means you can open projects created with other apps or programs—such as illustrations created with Illustrator or the Adobe Fresco app—and edit them in Photoshop on the web from anywhere you have internet access.
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is great for media professionals who want to access their photos and videos anytime, from multiple devices. Another advantage is that you also get Adobe's powerful photo and video editing tools in the same plan.
Photoshop on the web is essentially as good as the desktop version
With a simpler interface that's not difficult to learn, Photoshop on the web lets you create or edit your creative projects even when you're away from home, the office, or your computer. This offering gives you more independence and allows you to pick up projects where you left off even when you're away from your desk – although you can't currently use your mobile device to do so.
Although Photoshop may be accessible on the web for non-subscription users, you must be an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber to use it. However, if price is a barrier, there are plenty of free Photoshop alternatives online.