Adobe Creative Cloud gets new features at Adobe MAX 2026: Photoshop AI tools, Premiere Pro updates and more

Adobe has just wrapped up its Adobe MAX keynote, held in Miami Beach. During the event, the tech giant shared a series of announcements, and the ones that caught my eye were the new AI-powered tools, creative workflows and feature updates across its Creative Cloud apps. Users who use Adobe tools like Photoshop, Premiere, Lightroom, Illustrator and InDesign will get to see more AI in the tools. Not only that, but Adobe also announced new image models from Topaz Labs and expanded partnerships with Microsoft and Disney. Here is everything new you’ll get to see in the Creative Cloud apps.

Adobe Creative Agent expands across Creative Cloud

Adobe has confirmed that its Creative Agent is now available in several Creative Cloud applications, including Premiere Pro, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects and Frame.io. The company says users will simply need to describe the tasks they want to perform in everyday language, allowing the AI agent to handle the work in the background.

Adobe also highlighted new AI capabilities in Premiere Pro, which can now apply effects across an entire sequence, track masked subjects, and adjust colour and exposure. However, it is important to note that these AI assistants are currently in beta across Adobe’s flagship desktop applications. Additionally, access to AI agents in Photoshop remains limited to its beta application.

Adobe also previewed local integrations, which are planned for a private beta in early 2027. These integrations will allow third-party AI agents to edit local project files in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and After Effects while preserving editable elements such as layers, vectors, bins and sequences.

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Creative Cloud apps: What’s new

Aside from the above-mentioned, Adobe also introduced new AI-powered tools in Adobe Firefly, which include Firefly Design, Firefly Graph and Firefly Builder. Firefly Design (beta) will allow users to bring illustration, image editing, animation, 3D and print together on one canvas. Firefly Graph (beta) connects AI models and Adobe tools to create reusable workflows, and Firefly Builder, which is in private beta, helps users create website, presentation and app designs without coding.

Photoshop users also get new features such as Relight, which will allow them to adjust image lighting. Along with that, they also get Generative Restyle to turn prompt-based edits into adjustable sliders and improved object removal. The users will now also be able to easily compare edits with the all-new Quick Compare. Lastly, it also offers an AI-assisted editor that helps users with editing.

In Premiere Pro, Adobe is adding Color Mode for colour adjustments and tools to create videos, sound effects, background sounds and music directly in the timeline. Aside from that, you also get tools to improve audio quality and separate voices from other sounds. Adobe is also adding a beta feature known as Generative Remove that will allow users to remove unwanted objects from videos.

In Lightroom, users will now get to see Glow lighting effects, Blemish Removal and an AI feature (Open Eyes, in beta) to fix eyes using a reference photo. Not only that, but the company is also improving camera connections with desktop computers and iPads.

While talking about Illustrator, users will get updated design libraries and improved Blend controls that will help users adjust designs directly on the canvas. Lastly, Adobe is adding co-editing (beta) to its InDesign tool. The feature allows multiple people in a team to work on the same document. Furthermore, users now also need not worry about adjusting text frames when resized, as the company is introducing Flex Layout to automate that task.

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Adobe strengthens partnerships and expands its AI ecosystem

Adobe has acquired Topaz Labs, which is introducing two new image enhancement models, Wonder 4 and Image HDR, that are available to purchase. Along with that, Microsoft is also integrating Adobe Express into Photos and optimising Photoshop, Premiere, After Effects and Substance 3D Painter (beta) for ARM-based Windows PCs.

Adobe has also signed a multi-year strategic alliance with Disney, making Adobe an Official AI Innovation Partner. Under the deal, the entertainment company will use Adobe’s technology and custom AI tools for concept development across innovation labs, parks and cruises, with a focus on protecting creators and their works.