ON1 Photo RAW 2026 Debuts With Powerful AI Upgrades
ON1 is set to release Photo RAW 2026 this fall, bringing a host of major upgrades, new creative tools, and significant interface improvements to its all-in-one RAW photo editor.
Watch the official announcement video for a first look.
This October, photographers can get their hands on the latest version, ON1 Photo RAW 2026, which promises substantial enhancements in three key areas: masking, resizing, and creative effects. The update also introduces new features aimed at improving workflow efficiency, expanding compatibility, and offering more creative freedom for photographers of all skill levels, including those who work with analog film.
Revolutionizing Masking with Advanced AI
ON1 has long been praised for its masking capabilities, and Photo RAW 2026 introduces the most significant update since Super Select AI. The new system allows for one-click subject and background masks, which can then be combined or subtracted using a layered approach within a single edit. This provides unprecedented flexibility for targeting specific areas of an image.
Additionally, the AI-driven edge detection has been refined to better isolate complex subjects like hair, foliage, and fine textures, reducing the need for manual adjustments. This precision will save valuable time for photographers, especially when editing portraits and detailed landscape shots.
Image created with the new Double Exposure tool.
Unleash Creativity with Four New Filters
Photo RAW 2026 expands its creative toolkit with four brand-new filters:
- Depth Lighting: Add cinematic lighting effects with natural falloff, simulating studio light directly on your RAW file.
- Split Field: A modern take on graduated filters, offering more creative control for balancing exposure across the frame.
- Double Exposure: Artistically blend multiple images together for unique composite creations.
- Motion: Apply realistic motion blur to static images, injecting a sense of energy and movement.
To help you access your favorite tools faster, ON1 has also added a favorites system and improved search functionality within the Effects module. A new set of "starting point" presets is included to help users kickstart their edits with popular styles.
The new Motion Filter in action.
Applying cinematic effects with the Depth Lighting Filter.
Balancing exposure with the Splitfield Filter.
Seamless Upscaling with Integrated Resize AI
ON1's popular standalone Resize AI software is now fully integrated into Photo RAW 2026, eliminating the need to switch between applications. This update introduces two new AI models for upscaling:
- Highest Quality Model: Perfect for restoring old photos, enlarging AI-generated images, or preparing files for large-format printing where maximum detail is essential.
- Standard Model: Optimized for speed and efficiency, making it ideal for batch processing or working with noisy or compressed images.
This integration streamlines the entire editing workflow, allowing photographers to manage everything within a single application.
See the new features and tools in more detail here.
Streamlined Workflows for Every Photographer
Photo RAW 2026 also brings several key usability enhancements. For analog enthusiasts, a new Negative Mode automatically inverts and color-corrects film scans. The software now includes native grayscale support for more accurate handling of black-and-white images from scanned film or older digital cameras.
The user interface has been updated with flexible panel docking and adjustable workspaces, allowing you to customize your editing environment. The Perspective Tool has been upgraded to offer independent horizontal and vertical adjustments with automatic scaling, preserving image proportions during correction.
ON1 has also expanded its RAW support for the latest camera models from Sony, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and OM System.
The new masking stack allows for complex composite edits.
ON1's Competitive Edge in the Photo Editing Market
With Photo RAW 2026, ON1 continues to position itself as a strong competitor to Adobe Lightroom and Capture One. The integration of Resize AI and the advanced masking capabilities offer features that often require separate plugins in other software, making ON1 a compelling all-in-one solution.
While Lightroom excels with its cloud ecosystem and Capture One is a favorite for tethered studio work, ON1 focuses on providing a complete, self-contained editing experience. Its emphasis on AI-driven tools and creative effects appeals to photographers who want powerful features without juggling multiple subscriptions.
To ease the transition for new users, ON1 has introduced a new first-run onboarding experience. This feature provides guided introductions and workflow suggestions tailored for those migrating from other editors.
Learn more about the enhanced masking capabilities.
Get Ready for ON1 Photo RAW 2026
ON1 Photo RAW 2026 is scheduled for release in October. Customers who pre-order will receive immediate access to Photo RAW 2025 and will get a complimentary upgrade to the 2026 version upon its launch. The software is available as a standalone editor or as the MAX Edition, which includes plugin support for Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Capture One, and other platforms. A 30-day fully functional free trial will also be available for those who wish to try it before buying.
