AI Photo Editing Tools in Mac Photos: How to Use

This guide walks you through using the built-in AI-powered editing tools in the Photos app on macOS. You’ll learn how to automatically enhance photos, remove backgrounds, lift subjects from images, and use smart adjustments to improve lighting and color—all without leaving the app. No special skills or additional software are needed.

What You’ll Need

• A Mac running macOS Sonoma (14.0) or later, as the most advanced AI features (like subject lift and background removal) require these versions.
• Photos stored in the Photos library (either on your Mac or synced via iCloud).
• Internet connection for some features like Visual Look Up (though most editing tools work offline).

Step-by-Step

1. Open the Photos App

Click the Photos icon in your Dock or open it from the Applications folder. Make sure your library is indexed and photos are visible.

2. Select a Photo to Edit

Double-click any photo to open it in the viewer. You can also select multiple photos for batch edits later, but start with one.

3. Enter Edit Mode

Click the Edit button in the top-right corner of the window (it looks like a slider icon). This opens the editing interface with a toolbar on the right.

4. Use the Magic Wand (Auto Enhance)

In the Edit toolbar, you’ll see a wand icon labeled Auto Enhance. Click it once. The app analyzes the photo and automatically adjusts exposure, contrast, color, and more. You’ll see the changes applied immediately. If you don’t like it, press Cmd+Z to undo, or click the wand again to toggle it off.

5. Adjust Lighting and Color with Smart Sliders

Below the Auto Enhance button, you’ll find sliders for Light and Color. These are AI-assisted because they adjust multiple underlying parameters at once. For example, dragging the Brilliance slider (under Light) smartly brightens shadows while protecting highlights. Use these sliders to fine-tune the auto enhancement.

6. Remove Background from a Subject

This is a standout AI feature. In the main photo viewer (not in Edit mode), hover your cursor over the photo. You’ll see a thin outline appear around the main subject (person, pet, object). Click on that outline to select the subject. A context menu appears. Choose Copy Subject to copy it to the clipboard, or Share to send it directly. To actually remove the background and save a transparent PNG:

1. Select the subject as above and choose Copy Subject.
2. Open the Preview app (or any image editor).
3. Press Cmd+N to create a new document from the clipboard. It will be a transparent PNG of just the subject.
4. Save it as a PNG file.

7. Use Visual Look Up for Information

While not strictly editing, Visual Look Up uses AI to recognize objects, landmarks, plants, and even pets. Click the small i icon (info button) at the bottom of a photo. If the AI recognizes something, you’ll see a small icon (like a leaf or a paw). Click it to get more information, such as the breed of a dog or the type of plant.

8. Apply Filters with AI Preview

In Edit mode, click the Filters button (three overlapping circles). Scroll through the various filters (Vivid, Dramatic, Noir, etc.). As you hover over each filter, the photo preview updates in real time, letting you see the AI-adjusted result before you commit. Click one to apply it.

9. Crop and Straighten with Auto Suggestions

Click the Crop icon (a square with arrows). The app often suggests an automatic straightening based on the horizon. Look for the Auto button at the top of the crop panel. Click it to let AI straighten the photo. You can then manually adjust the crop or rotation.

10. Save Your Changes

When you’re satisfied, click Done in the bottom-right corner. The original photo is preserved—you can always revert by editing again and choosing Revert to Original.

Common Mistakes

• Overusing Auto Enhance: It can make photos look unnatural, especially with skin tones. Use it as a starting point, then dial back the sliders.
• Expecting Background Removal to Save a File: The Photos app doesn’t directly export a transparent PNG. You must copy the subject and paste it into another app to save it.
• Forgetting to Undo: If you make a mistake, don’t panic. Press Cmd+Z to undo individual steps, or use Revert to Original to start fresh.
• Ignoring the Original: Always remember that edits are non-destructive. You can’t permanently ruin a photo, so experiment freely.

Tips

• Batch Edit: Select multiple photos in the library, then enter Edit mode. Changes you make will apply to all selected photos, which is great for consistent lighting.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Press E to enter Edit mode, Return to apply changes, and Cmd+Z to undo.
• Use the Histogram: In Edit mode, click the histogram icon to see a graph of tones. Use it to avoid clipping highlights or shadows.
• Copy Edits to Other Photos: After editing one photo, press Cmd+C (copy), select another photo, enter Edit mode, and press Cmd+V to paste the same edits.

Troubleshooting

Auto Enhance or Visual Look Up Not Working

These features require macOS Sonoma or later. Check your macOS version by clicking the Apple menu > About This Mac. If you’re on an older version, update your system. Also, Visual Look Up needs an internet connection and may not work for all photos (e.g., very dark or blurry images).

Subject Selection Not Appearing

If you hover over a photo and don’t see the outline, the subject may not be distinct enough from the background. Try a photo with a clear subject. Also, ensure you’re not in Edit mode—subject selection works in the regular viewer.

Edits Not Saving

If you close the window before clicking Done, your changes might be lost. Always click Done. If Photos crashes, your edits are usually preserved, but it’s safer to save frequently.

Photo Looks Worse After Auto Enhance

Click the wand again to toggle it off, or press Cmd+Z. Then manually adjust the sliders to your taste. Sometimes the AI over-saturates colors, so reduce the Saturation slider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use AI to remove objects from a photo in Mac Photos?

No, the Photos app doesn’t have an object removal tool like some third-party apps. You can only copy subjects, not erase unwanted elements.

Does the AI editing work on Live Photos?

Yes, but the edits apply to the still image. The Live Photo motion is preserved, but the adjustments won’t affect the video portion.

Will my edits sync to iCloud?

Yes, if you have iCloud Photos enabled, edits sync across all your devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac). The original is stored, and edits are applied on the fly.

Can I revert to the original after editing?

Yes, go back into Edit mode and click Revert to Original in the bottom-right corner. This removes all edits and restores the original photo.

Does Auto Enhance work on black-and-white photos?

It will adjust contrast and exposure, but it won’t add color back. It’s best for improving tonal range.

Is there a way to adjust the strength of the Auto Enhance?

After clicking Auto Enhance, you can manually adjust the individual sliders (Brilliance, Highlights, etc.) to fine-tune the effect. There’s no direct strength slider for the auto feature itself.

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