How to Photoshop on iPhone: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Photoshopping on your iPhone is done primarily through Adobe's official apps: the free "Photoshop Express" for quick edits and filters, or the subscription-based "Photoshop" app for desktop-like editing with layers, AI tools, and advanced masking. You download them from the App Store, grant permissions, and start editing photos directly from your camera roll. Here's how to photoshop on iPhone:

  1. Open the App Store: Tap the App Store icon on your Home Screen.
  2. Search: Tap the Search tab, type "Photoshop" into the search bar, and tap Search.
  3. Download:
    • For quick edits: Find "Adobe Photoshop Express" and tap Get.
    • For advanced editing (layers, AI): Find "Adobe Photoshop" and tap Get.
  4. Install: Wait for the app to download and install.
  5. Open & Sign In: Launch the app. Sign in with your Adobe ID (required for full Photoshop, recommended for Express to save work). Grant necessary permissions like access to your Photos.
  6. Start Editing: Choose a photo from your library and use the app's tools!

Now that you're ready to edit, let's explore what you can do!

Unlock Professional Edits in Your Pocket

Gone are the days when serious photo editing was chained to a desktop. With Adobe's Photoshop apps for iPhone, you can perform stunning edits, remove unwanted objects, create composites, and enhance your photos anywhere, anytime. Whether you're a social media enthusiast, a budding photographer, or just want to fix vacation pics, your iPhone is now a powerful editing studio.

How to Photoshop on iPhone: 2 Ways

1. Adobe Photoshop Express (Free & User-Friendly):

  • Perfect For: Quick fixes, applying filters (like HDR or Black & White), cropping, basic retouching (blemish removal), adding text, stickers, borders, and creating collages.
  • Strengths: Simple interface, fast results, excellent for on-the-go enhancements. Offers targeted adjustments for subject/background.
  • How to Use: Open the app, tap "Edit," choose a photo, and explore tabs like Filters, Adjustments, Healing, Crop, Overlays, Text, and Borders. Tap the save/export icon when done. Learn more about customizing your workflow in our Ultimate iPhone User Guide.

 

2. Adobe Photoshop (Subscription - Desktop Power):

  • Perfect For: Advanced editing, working with layers, precise selections and masking, using Generative AI (Fill & Expand), adjustment layers (Curves, Levels), complex compositing, and non-destructive editing. Save as PSD to continue on desktop.
  • Strengths: Unlocks near-desktop capabilities, including layers and professional-grade tools powered by Adobe Firefly AI.
  • How to Use: Open the app, create a new file (blank or from a photo). Use the + (plus) button to add Image Layers, Adjustment Layers, or Generative Layers. Use the bottom toolbar for Selection, Retouching, Painting, Text, and more. The Layers panel (swipe up/down on layer thumbnails) is key for organization. Export via the share icon. Need to move your masterpieces? See How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to PC.

Essential Photoshop on iPhone Skills:

  • Remove Anything (Generative Fill/Healing): Use the Remove Tool(Express) or Generative Fill (Photoshop) by simply brushing over distractions like photobombers, power lines, or blemishes. AI seamlessly fills the space.
  • Expand Your Canvas (Generative Expand): (Photoshop) Need more space around your subject? Use the Crop Tool, drag the edges out, and tap Generative Expand. AI intelligently generates new background content.
  • Master Layers: (Photoshop) The core of Photoshop! Add elements (text, images, graphics) on separate layers. Reorder them by dragging, adjust Blend Modes and Opacity, and use Layer Masks to hide/show parts non-destructively.
  • Make Precise Selections: (Photoshop) Use Object Selection, Quick Selection, or Lasso tools to isolate subjects. Tap Select Subject for AI help. Invert selections to edit backgrounds. Feather edges for soft blends.
  • Adjust Lighting & Color: Use Adjustment Layers (Photoshop - non-destructive) or sliders (Express) for Brightness/Contrast, Exposure, Vibrance/Saturation, Curves, and Color Balance. Target adjustments to specific areas using selections.
  • Non-Destructive Workflow: (Photoshop) Favor Adjustment Layersand working on new layers over editing the original pixel layer directly. This lets you tweak or undo edits anytime! Keep your projects organized using our tips on How to Customize Your iPhone Home Screen.

Pro Tips for Mobile Editing:

  • Pinch to Zoom: Essential for detailed work like retouching or precise selections.
  • Use a Stylus: For finer control, especially with brushes or detailed masking.
  • Generative Variations: If an AI result isn't perfect, check the Variations panel for options.
  • Save Versions: In Photoshop, use File > Save A Copy to keep iterations.
  • Share Seamlessly: Once edited, Use AirDrop to quickly send photos to your Mac or other Apple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Photoshop on iPhone free?
Answer: Adobe offers two apps:

  • Photoshop Express: Free to download and use for basic edits, filters, cropping, and quick fixes.
  • Full Photoshop App: Requires an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription (starting at $9.99/month) for advanced features like layers, AI tools (Generative Fill/Expand), and professional-grade editing.

2. How do I install Photoshop on my iPhone?
Answer:

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Search "Photoshop".
  3. Download either Adobe Photoshop Express (free) or Adobe Photoshop (subscription).
  4. Launch the app and sign in with your Adobe ID (required for full Photoshop).

3. Can I remove objects from photos on iPhone?
Answer: Yes! Use:

  • Photoshop Express: Tap "Healing" → "Remove Tool" and brush over objects.
  • Full Photoshop App: Use the "Generative Fill" tool (AI-powered) or the "Remove Tool" for seamless deletions.

4. How do layers work in the iPhone Photoshop app?
Answer: Layers are exclusive to the full Photoshop app (subscription). Tap the + icon to add image, text, adjustment, or AI-generated layers. Drag layers to reorder them, adjust opacity, or use blend modes. Organize projects non-destructively!

5. Can I save and transfer edited photos to my computer?
Answer: Absolutely!

Conclusion

Your iPhone is now a pocket-sized photo studio! Whether you choose the free Photoshop Express for quick touch-ups or the pro-grade Photoshop appfor AI magic and layers, mobile editing has never been more powerful. Remove distractions, expand canvases, adjust colors, and create stunning visuals anywhere. For more iPhone mastery, explore our Ultimate Settings Guide or learn to customize your Home Screen.