First launched with the Pixel 8 series of phones from Google, the Magic Editor in Google Photos is now available for all Google Photos users on Android and iOS (it's not available on the Desktop). It is a powerful feature that leverages artificial intelligence, allowing you to edit your photos in multiple ways easily. You can use the Magic Editor to move and resize objects in photos, erase them, stylize photos, and more.

Here is how you can try it out now.

  1. Open the Google Photos app on your device and tap on the photo you want to edit.
  2. Then tap on the 'Edit' button.
  3. You will find the Magic Editor button, which appears as a color-changing icon on the lower left above the Cancel option. Tap on it.
  4. A notification will appear explaining the feature. Tap on 'Try now'.
Note: The photo should be backed up into Google Photos to use with Magic Editor.

Change background and image style

With the Magic Editor, you can completely change how your photos look by altering their style and background. There are a few options you can choose from, including 'Sky', 'Golden Hour', 'Portrait', and 'Stylized' (they can differ depending on the photo), though which ones you see will depend on your selected image.

  1. Open the photo you want to edit in Google Photos and open the Magic Editor.
  2. Then tap on the button with a pen icon at the bottom of the screen.
  3. This will show you the available options for changing the image style and background. Tap on the option you want to use and wait for the changes to be made.
  1. Google Photos will generate a few options depending on the style you select. You can see them by swiping to the left. Scroll completely left to get the option to generate a new set of results.
  2. To save an image you like, tap on the checkmark on the bottom right and then tap on 'Save copy'.
Note: Free users can only save ten images edited using the Magic Editor. However, if you have a Pixel device or a Google One Premium subscription, you will be able to save unlimited edited images.

Moving, resizing, and erasing objects

You can also move, resize or erase objects using the Magic Editor by tapping, brushing, or circling an object in a photo.

  1. Open Magic Editor for the photo you want to edit. Then, tap, circle, or brush over the object or area.
  2. Once you've selected an object or area, you can tap and hold it and move it to another place by dragging it.
  1. Alternatively, you can pinch the selected object to make it smaller or expand it to make it larger. The Magic Editor uses AI to fill in the space previously occupied by the image.
  2. Once you're done, tap on the arrow on the bottom right. Wait for a few seconds and the app will generate a new edited version of the photo.
  1. Swipe right to see all edited options or to generate a new set of results. You can tap and hold the new photo to see the changes that have been made compared to the original photo. If you are happy with the changes, tap on the checkmark on the bottom right. On the other hand, if you want to undo the changes, tap on the 'x' button on the bottom left.
  2. You can also remove objects from photos by erasing them. This can be especially handy when you want to remove people or backgrounds from certain photos. Select the object or person you want to remove by circling or tapping on it.
  3. Tap on the 'Erase' button at the bottom and wait for the changes to be made. Again you can choose to proceed with the changes or undo them using the buttons at the bottom left and right.

Things to know

  • You must be running the Google Photos app version 6.85 or later to be able to access the Magic Editor. If you don't have access to it yet, try checking whether there is an update available for the app and updating it if there is.
  • There is no obvious indication on edited images that they have been edited with AI using the Magic Editor. This information will only be present in the metadata of the images, which can be easily removed.
  • The Magic Editor is distinct from other AI image-editing tools in Google Photos, such as the Magic Eraser. While the Magic Editor appears as a separate option, the Magic Eraser is present in the Tools section of the app and is completely free.
  • While the Magic Editor can create stunning and highly realistic images, the results are not always accurate. However, Google is working to improve its functionality using user-provided feedback.
  • Your device must have a 64-bit chipset with at least 4 GB RAM whether you have an iPhone or Android. iPhone users should be running iOS 16 and up, whereas Android users must be running Android 8.0 and up to be able to use Magic Editor in Google Photos.