The future trend of PS brushes: how AI and 3D technology can reshape the creative process

With the popularization of AI and 3D technology, PS brushes are evolving from traditional 2D rendering to intelligent and stereoscopic directions. This article will explore the impact of technological integration on brush tools and predict future development trends.

1、 AI Empowerment: From Manual Adjustment to Intelligent Generation

Adobe Sensei (AI technology platform) has been deeply integrated into Photoshop, optimizing the brush experience through machine learning.

Intelligent parameter recommendation:

When the user selects the "watercolor brush", AI can automatically analyze the image content (such as subject color, light and shadow direction), recommend the best parameter combination (such as "scatter 120%" and "color dynamics 30%"), and reduce trial and error time.

Case: When drawing a "sunset scene", AI recommends using a "warm tone brush" based on the sky color (orange gradient) and pre-set a "hue jitter of 15%" to make the cloud color transition naturally.

Dynamic brush adaptation:

AI can monitor the user's drawing path in real-time and automatically adjust brush attributes. For example, when drawing curves, AI increases the "angle jitter" based on the curvature to make the strokes more in line with the path direction, simulating the physical characteristics of a real brush.

Content aware filling:

Combined with 'Generative Fill', users can use a brush to paint areas, and AI automatically generates matching content. For example, using a "tree brush" to paint on an open space, AI generates different types of trees based on the surrounding environment to avoid repeating patterns.

2、 3D Integration: A Creative Revolution from Plane to Stereoscopic

The PS 2025 version now supports 3D brushes, allowing users to directly draw textures or materials on 3D models.

3D Material Brush:

Users can download presets such as "Metal Material Brush" and "Fabric Texture Brush", apply them on the surface of the 3D model, and preview the concave convex and reflective effects in real time. For example, when adding rust to a game character's armor, use a "rust brush" to draw, and AI will automatically generate bump maps and normal maps to enhance rendering realism.

Projection drawing technology:

Traditional 2D brushes are prone to distortion on 3D models, while 3D brushes use "projection mapping" technology to project strokes vertically onto the surface of the model, maintaining shape consistency. For example, when drawing labels on cylindrical bottles, 3D brushes can ensure that the text and patterns do not deform.

Virtual reality (VR) support:

Combined with VR devices such as Oculus Quest, users can use gestures to control brushes in virtual space, achieving "aerial painting". For example, architects can quickly build wall models in VR using a "brick brush", which is 50% more efficient than traditional 3D modeling software.

3、 Cross platform Collaboration: Seamless Connection from Single Machine to Cloud

The popularity of cloud technology and collaboration tools is changing the way brushes are used.

Cloud brush library:

Adobe Creative Cloud allows users to synchronize custom brushes to the cloud, and team members can access the latest presets in real-time. For example, the game development team shares a "Character Material Brush Library" to ensure that all designers use uniform parameters and avoid style deviations.

Real time collaborative editing:

Through the "PS Live" feature, multiple users can simultaneously use brushes to create on the same canvas. For example, when an advertising company collaborates remotely with a client, the client uses an "annotation brush" to annotate and modify suggestions, and the designer immediately adjusts, resulting in a 70% increase in communication efficiency.