How to Quickly Improve Your Photos with AI

Artificial intelligence isn't just for creating things—it can also fix your photos. With the right app, you can use AI tools to remove mistakes, erase unwanted objects, and adjust colors and details. AI saves you time by enhancing your photos automatically instead of requiring manual edits. Here are some apps that can help you improve your pictures with AI.

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Microsoft Photos

If you're using Windows 10 or 11, Microsoft Photos offers a couple of AI-based tools. One is the AI-powered Designer, now built into Photos, which provides various editing options. You can also access Designer as a separate website with the same tools.

The downside is that Designer consumes AI credits from Microsoft, so you'll want to use it wisely. Another option is the built-in background tool, which lets you blur, remove, or replace backgrounds.

Edit With Designer

To get started, open Microsoft Photos in Windows 10 or 11 and select a photo. Click the "Edit with Designer" button at the top.

On the left sidebar, you'll find tools like "Crop & Rotate," "Selective Edit," and "Auto Enhance." Cropping helps remove unwanted areas, Selective Edit lets you erase or move specific elements, and Auto Enhance improves the photo automatically.

Below these options, you can remove, blur, or recolor the background. You can also apply styles like pop art, 3D, cartoon, or pixel art. At the bottom, sliders allow you to tweak brightness, contrast, saturation, shadows, sharpness, and more.

Adjust the Background

If you simply want to play with the background of a photo, make sure the photo is open. Click the Edit button in the upper left and then click the Background icon at the top.

You'll have three choices: Blur, Remove, or Replace. Pick one and adjust the intensity as needed. A brush tool lets you fine-tune the selection. When done, click "Save Options" to store the modified photo separately, overwrite the original, or copy it to the clipboard.

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Google's Magic Editor

If you use Google Photos on iOS, iPadOS, or Android, the Magic Editor can help. Open the Google Photos app, sign in, and select a photo. Tap the Edit icon, then choose the Magic Editor in the lower-left corner. When prompted, tap "Try now."

Enhance the Photo

Depending on the photo, the Magic Editor may suggest automatic improvements. Tap a suggestion to see how it changes the image. You’ll typically get a few variations—swipe through them to compare. If you like one, tap the checkmark. If not, try a different set of results or exit the editor.

Erase an Element

With the Magic Eraser, you can remove unwanted objects. Open a photo, launch the Magic Editor, and highlight the element you want to erase by circling, brushing, or tapping it. Tap "Erase," and AI will remove it. Swipe through the results to pick the best one and tap the checkmark to save it.

Move an Element

Need to reposition something in your photo? In Magic Editor mode, tap the object and drag it to a new spot. You can resize it using pinch gestures. Once you're happy, tap the right arrow to process the change. If everything looks good, tap the checkmark to save.

Unblur a Photo

If a photo is blurry, AI can sharpen it. Open the image and tap "Unblur." After processing, use the slider to adjust sharpness. When satisfied, tap "Done."

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Apple's Photos App

With newer iPhones, iPads, and Macs, Apple’s Photos app includes AI-based tools. The Clean Up tool helps remove distracting objects from images.

To use it, you’ll need a supported device, like an iPhone 16, an iPhone 15 Pro, or an iPad or Mac with an A17 Pro or M1 chip. You must also be running iOS/iPadOS 18.1 or macOS 15.1 or later.

Remove Distracting Elements

To try Clean Up, open a photo in the Photos app on your Apple device. Tap "Edit," then choose "Clean Up." Highlight the object you want gone by tapping, brushing, or circling it. AI will erase it and blend the background. If a trace remains, run the tool again. When satisfied, tap "Done."