ON1 Inc. has recently unveiled the latest version of its photo editing software, ON1 Photo RAW 2026, positioning it as a comprehensive alternative to Adobe Lightroom. The new release introduces several AI-enhanced features including localized masking creation, intelligent subject relighting, background size modification, and lossless image enlargement capabilities. The software is now available for purchase directly from the publisher's website.
The American software developer ON1 Inc. has established itself over many years as a recognized name in photo editing with its ON1 Photo RAW suite. Designed as a comprehensive solution, the software offers extensive options for both seasoned and professional photographers, with the primary goal of enabling faster and more intuitive image editing workflows. Since 2019, the software has incorporated several artificial intelligence tools including AI Match and AI Auto features. With the 2026 version, the publisher aims to significantly advance these capabilities by integrating more precise and reliable photo correction and restoration tools.
The standout feature of ON1 Photo RAW 2026 centers around AI-powered localized masking capabilities. This highly anticipated functionality allows users to create detailed masks with just a few clicks using artificial intelligence, complementing the Super Select AI mode that was introduced in 2022. The system operates through a straightforward process: users simply click on a subject, and the AI automatically detects its boundaries to create an editing mask. Users can then apply corrections to either the subject or background, and even combine multiple masks for complex editing scenarios. This feature proves particularly valuable for intricate subjects such as hair, animal fur, and feathers.
ON1 Photo RAW 2026 introduces a new Starting Points feature designed to provide users with a solid foundation for their editing work. When users select the 'ON1 Recommends' option, the software analyzes the image and suggests a healthy base edit with a single click, creating a final photo ready for export or further refinement. Within the filters menu, users can still access their favorite filters, create custom presets, or blend different effects to achieve their desired look.
The new Depth Lighting feature represents another significant addition to the software's AI-powered toolkit. Available in the Effects panel, this tool uses artificial intelligence to intelligently calculate lighting adjustments that better highlight the subject. The feature offers various sliders to control the intensity of the effect and manage the transition between foreground and background elements, allowing photographers to enhance subject prominence through strategic lighting modifications.
ON1 Photo RAW 2026 also includes an innovative Split Field Filter designed to digitally replicate the effect produced by split field lenses popular among cinematographers. This tool allows users to adjust the size of background elements without modifying foreground elements, or vice versa. The result is improved balance between different planes in images captured with wide-angle lenses, offering photographers greater control over compositional elements.
Resize AI, initially launched as a standalone application in 2022, now makes its debut within ON1 Photo RAW 2026. As the name suggests, this feature enables lossless enlargement of images through two distinct models. The Highest Quality model uses a diffusion-based process to recreate missing details, enhance sharpness, and reduce digital noise even from very small source files. The Standard model is optimized for noisy or compressed images, offering good performance levels for batch processing or use with older graphics cards. According to ON1, both models automatically remove artifacts and digital noise during processing.
The Motion Filter feature addresses the challenge of creating dynamic motion blur effects, which can be difficult to master during capture. ON1 Photo RAW 2026 allows users to add motion blur effects to any image after the fact, with various options for applying panning, zoom, or rotational movement post-capture. This capability enables photographers to create more original and visually appealing images by adding dynamic elements that weren't present during the initial shoot.
Double exposure effects have become increasingly popular, and ON1 Photo RAW 2026 now includes a dedicated mode for this photographic technique. The feature offers multiple options for controlling how images are combined, including settings for light, dark, subtle, or bold combinations. A randomize button provides users with unexpected and creative results, making it easier to achieve striking double exposure effects.
The Transform module, which previously allowed manual correction of horizontal or vertical image inclination, now features an automated mode in the 2026 version. Similar to capabilities found in Lightroom or Camera RAW, users simply draw vertical or horizontal lines, and the software automatically corrects perspective distortions. A Keystone mode is also available for even faster perspective alignment, with slider controls allowing users to adjust the intensity of corrections. These enhancements should particularly appeal to architecture photographers who frequently deal with perspective correction challenges.
ON1 Photo RAW 2026 is available immediately from the publisher's website with two main licensing options. The lifetime license is priced at $107 and allows installation on two computers. The Max version costs $182 and includes usage on three computers plus plugin functionality with Lightroom Classic or Adobe Photoshop. A subscription option is available for $96 annually, providing access on three computers, plugin functionality, 200GB of cloud storage, and all ON1 Photo RAW updates. A premium subscription tier at $192 per year offers 1TB of storage and complete access to ON1 Plus training resources. A complete 30-day trial version is available for download from the ON1 Photo RAW website.
ON1 Photo RAW 2026 represents a significant update to the photo editing software, with AI-powered localized masking helping the American publisher close the gap with major competitors like Lightroom Classic. The new Split Field mode is particularly noteworthy, potentially eliminating the need for expensive filters traditionally used in cinematography. This latest version should help ON1 Photo RAW maintain its position among the best alternatives to Adobe's solutions, though the pricing structure requiring additional payment for plugin functionality may disappoint some users.
