DxO PhotoLab 9 Unveils Powerful AI Masking and iPhone Support

Get ready for a significant evolution in photo editing. DxO has just launched DxO PhotoLab 9, and the company is calling it the most advanced end-to-end RAW editing software available. This isn't just a minor update; it's packed with game-changing features, including intelligent AI-powered masking, crucial support for Apple's ProRAW and HEIC formats, and a host of workflow improvements designed to make your editing process smoother than ever.

As Jean-Marc Alexia, VP of Product Strategy, puts it, "Version 9 is a major step forward... it’s probably our biggest upgrade to our flagship editing software of the last twenty years." Let's dive into what makes this update so special.

The Power of AI Masks for Precision Editing

The standout feature in PhotoLab 9 is undoubtedly the new AI Masks. This tool uses artificial intelligence to make smart, pixel-perfect selections in a flash. You now have three intuitive ways to create a mask:

• Simply hover your mouse over different parts of your photo and click to select them.
• Draw a rough box around the object you want to isolate.
• Choose from a list of predefined Subject Types, including common elements like sky, people, faces, and even hair.

This isn't just about speed; it's about a smarter workflow. For instance, if you select "Hair" and apply adjustments, you can intelligently copy and paste those changes to another photo. You can even save it as a context-aware preset, making complex retouching across multiple images fast, smart, and incredibly consistent.

Unmatched Control with AI and U Point Technology

DxO takes masking a step further by brilliantly combining its new AI Masks with its renowned U Point Technology. This integration offers an unparalleled level of flexibility and control. You can start with a quick AI-generated selection and then meticulously refine it using tools like Control Points, Control Lines, Graduated Filters, and the Brush tool. This allows you to build highly complex masks that would be too challenging for AI alone, giving you a significant edge over other editing software where refining selections can be a chore.

For photographers who demand the ultimate control, you can now use local adjustments to target DxO's legendary DeepPRIME noise reduction and Lens Sharpening technologies. While the automated processing is already fantastic, this gives you the power to fine-tune specific areas of your image with surgical precision.

Streamlined Workflow for Faster Photo Management

DxO PhotoLab 9 isn't just about new editing tools; it's also about making your entire process more efficient. A series of workflow improvements are designed to make organizing your photos faster and more intuitive. These new features include:

• Image Stacking: Group similar photos together to keep your library tidy.
• Favorites System: Quickly access your most-used folders and projects.
• Direct Project Access: Jump into your projects right from the Customize mode.
• Easy Folder Relocation: Effortlessly update the location of moved folders.

Additionally, a powerful new batch renaming tool gives you complete control over your file names. You can automatically generate names using image metadata, EXIF info, or custom text, and even save your own presets to apply consistent naming conventions across entire projects.

Expanded Compatibility for iPhone and Fujifilm Photographers

Great news for mobile and Fujifilm photographers! Version 9 introduces full support for Apple's iPhone image formats, including HEIC/HEIF and ProRAW. This makes it easier than ever to bring photos from your iOS device into a professional-grade editing workflow.

Fujifilm users also have reason to celebrate. DxO has officially released its DeepPRIME XD3 engine from beta, bringing full support for RAW files from all X-Trans cameras. This technology provides incredible noise reduction and detail extraction, promising unprecedented image quality, especially for photos captured in very low light.

Pricing and Availability

DxO PhotoLab 9 is available now for both macOS and Windows directly from the DxO website.

• New License: $239.99 / €239.99 / £219.99
• Upgrade from DxO PhotoLab 7 or 8: $119.99 / €119.99 / £109.99

Want to try it out first? A full-featured 30-day free trial is available for download.