Adobe Photoshop Neural Filters | 2023

This is a comprehensive, deep-dive review of Adobe Photoshop Neural Filters (specifically the 2023/early 2024 iteration).

While Adobe markets these as "one-click miracles," the reality for professional users is more nuanced. This review separates the marketing hype from the practical utility, categorizing filters by their actual workflow value.

Cons

❌ Cloud dependency – Some filters upload your image to Adobe servers (privacy concerns, requires internet).
❌ Inconsistent quality – Old photos or complex backgrounds may produce artifacts.
❌ Limited output resolution – Even “High” output can look soft at 100% zoom.
❌ No batch processing – Can’t apply to multiple images at once.
❌ Resource heavy – Slower on older GPUs or integrated graphics (Intel Iris, etc.). Adobe Photoshop Neural Filters 2023

1. The "Must-Haves" (Production Workhorses)

These are the filters that have genuinely integrated into professional workflows.

• Skin Smoothing:

  • The Good: This is arguably the most useful filter in the pack. It detects faces and smooths texture while preserving edges. It is far superior to the old "Surface Blur" technique.
  • The Bad: On high-resolution studio shoots (40MP+), it can create a "plastic" look if pushed above 40%. It often misses neck texture compared to facial texture.
  • Workflow Tip: Apply it, then immediately drop the layer opacity to 50% or add a mask to retain natural pores.

• Photo Coloring (Colorize):

  • The Good: It does a surprisingly good job of detecting objects (skies, grass, skin) and applying logical colors. It handles sepia-toned and faded B&W images better than competitors.
  • The Bad: It struggles with overlapping subjects. If a hand is in front of a shirt, the colors often bleed.
  • Pro Feature: The ability to use "Reference Image" color grading is a game-changer for matching campaign aesthetics, though the AI often ignores the reference if the lighting doesn't match.

• Super Zoom:

  • The Good: It genuinely rescues unusable crops. It upscales and sharpens simultaneously.
  • The Bad: It invents details that aren't there. For forensic or documentary work, this is unethical/dangerous. For creative compositing, however, it is a lifesaver.

2. Portrait Retouching (The "Face-Aware" Tools)

These filters changed the game for portrait photographers by removing the need for tedious frequency separation or liquifying.

• Skin Smoothing: This distinguishes between skin texture and blemishes. It smooths tones while preserving the natural pore structure, avoiding the "plastic" look of older blur tools.
• Smart Portrait: This is arguably the most powerful filter. It creates a 3D mesh of the subject's face, allowing editors to manipulate "hidden" attributes. Users can adjust:
  • Head Direction: Turn the subject’s head slightly to face the camera.
  • Light Direction: Relight the face after the photo has been taken.
  • Facial Attributes: Adjust the thickness of eyebrows, the width of the nose, or the intensity of a smile.
  • Age: regress or progress the apparent age of the subject.

3. Neural Filter: "Depth Blur" (Now with Z-Depth Maps)

Depth Blur isn't new, but the 2023 version finally fixes the "halo" errors around hair and glasses. The new AI Refine Edge button allows the filter to read the actual geometry of the scene, creating bokeh (lens blur) that mimics expensive f/1.4 glass rather than a cheap smartphone simulation. This is a comprehensive, deep-dive review of Adobe

Comparison to Alternatives

| Tool | Advantage over Neural Filters | |------|-------------------------------| | Luminar Neo | Better sky replacement and portrait bokeh | | Topaz Photo AI | Superior denoise, sharpen, upscale | | Runway ML / Stable Diffusion | More creative control and outpainting | | Retouch4me | Better one-click skin/blemish removal |

But – no other tool integrates as seamlessly into Photoshop’s layer-based workflow. Cons ❌ Cloud dependency – Some filters upload