Where’d My Retouch Tool Go?! 😫 Apple Photos Changes in macOS Sequoia

Haamid el-Dar

Apple Photos changes macOS Sequoia

So you updated to macOS Sequoia, eager to explore all the new features, but suddenly your trusty retouch tool in Apple Photos has vanished! Poof! Gone! 💨 Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This change has left many Apple Photos users scratching their heads (and maybe shedding a few tears). Let’s dive into what happened and explore the new “Clean Up” tool that replaced it. Discover the latest changes to Apple Photos in macOS Sequoia, including the new Clean Up tool and missing retouch tool.

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Retouch vs. Clean Up: What’s the Difference? 🤔

Apple decided to replace the beloved retouch tool with a new tool called “Clean Up.” While both aim to help you remove unwanted elements from your photos, they work quite differently.

  • Retouch: This tool was like a magic eraser, perfect for removing small blemishes, dust spots, or even larger objects with careful use. It offered precise control and blending options.
  • Clean Up: This new tool is more focused on removing larger objects and distractions from the background. It uses Apple’s AI to intelligently fill in the surrounding area, which works well for some situations but not so much for others.

Why Did Apple Remove the Retouch Tool? 🤷‍♀️

Apple hasn’t officially explained the reasoning behind this change. Some speculate it’s to simplify the editing tools, while others believe it’s to push users towards the AI-powered “Clean Up” tool. Whatever the reason, many users are unhappy with the change, finding the new tool-less versatile and precise.

How to Use the “Clean Up” Tool (If You Must) 🧹

While the “Clean Up” tool might not be a perfect replacement, it can be useful in some situations. Here’s how it works:

  1. Open your photo in Apple Photos.
  2. Click the “Edit” button.
  3. Select the “Clean Up” tab.
  4. Adjust the brush size using the slider.
  5. Click, brush, or circle the object you want to remove.
  6. The tool will automatically fill in the surrounding area.

This video, titled “MacOS Sequoia: 30+ INSANE CHANGES“, is owned by MacVince on YouTube.

What Can You Do If You Miss the Retouch Tool? 💔

Unfortunately, there’s no way to bring back the old retouch tool in macOS Sequoia. However, you can:

  • Submit feedback to Apple: Let Apple know you’re unhappy with the change and want the retouch tool back. You can do this through the Feedback Assistant app or on Apple’s website.
  • Use third-party photo editing apps: Apps like Pixelmator Pro or Affinity Photo offer more advanced retouching tools and features.
  • Revert to an older macOS version: If you really rely on the retouch tool, you could consider reverting to an older macOS version (but this is generally not recommended).

More Info for the Apple retouch tool has gone

FAQs About Apple Photos changes macOS Sequoia

Is the retouch tool gone forever?

As of now, it seems to be gone in macOS Sequoia. However, with enough user feedback, Apple might consider bringing it back.

Is the “Clean Up” tool better than the retouch tool?

It depends on your needs. “Clean Up” is good for removing larger objects, but the retouch tool was more versatile for fine-grained edits.

Why is Apple making Photos harder to use?

Many users feel this change makes photo editing less intuitive. Hopefully, Apple will listen to user feedback and improve the tools in future updates.

What are the best alternatives to Apple Photos?

There are many great photo editing apps available, like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and Luminar Neo.

Where can I learn more about photo editing?

There are tons of online resources, tutorials, and courses available to help you improve your photo editing skills.

Don’t Give Up on Photo Editing! 💪

While the removal of the retouch tool is frustrating, don’t let it discourage you. Explore the new “Clean Up” tool, try out third-party apps, and keep providing feedback to Apple. And most importantly, keep capturing and editing those precious memories!

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