New Tools (Photoshop July 2024 Release)

1. Selection Brush Tool

In the July 2024 Photoshop release (25.11.0 Release), the Selection Brush Tool was introduced, combining features of a brush tool, selection tool, and somehow the Select and Mask workspace.

Here's how it works:

• It acts as a selection tool with brush capabilities;
• Allows you to make selections by either stroking around an object or highlighting it with a brush;
• The selected area is displayed with an overlay (not the usual "marching ants" view), and you can change the overlay color and opacity;
• The selection opacity can be adjusted, enabling you to make selections with varying degrees of transparency;
• You can quickly subtract from the selection by holding Alt/Option (Similar to how you do it in the Select and Mask workspace);
• The Selection Brush Tool allows you to adjust size and hardness, similar to a regular brush, providing a quicker alternative to the Select and Mask workspace.

This tool streamlines the selection process by combining multiple functions into one tool, saving time and adding convenience for artists.

Adjustment Brush Tool

The second new tool that was introduced is the Adjustment Brush tool. Here's how it works:

• It allows you to paint adjustments directly onto your canvas;
• Select the type of adjustment (e.g., Curves, Hue/Saturation) from the options bar before painting;
• When you paint on the canvas, Photoshop automatically creates an adjustment layer in the Layers panel with a mask applied to the painted area;
• You can apply multiple adjustments by selecting a different adjustment type and painting again;
• Each new adjustment creates a new adjustment layer with its corresponding mask;
• You can modify existing adjustments via the Properties panel;
• The Contextual Task Bar (accessible through Window > Contextual Taskbar) allows you to change the type of adjustment on an existing layer (e.g., from Curves to Vibrance) quickly;
• The Adjustment Brush Tool also allows you to subtract from an adjustment effectively by selecting the brush tool with the minus icon from either the options bar or the contextual task Bar modifying the layer mask.

This tool speeds up the editing process by combining several steps into one, making adjustments more intuitive and efficient.