The Boris FX Optics 2026 update refines the user experience and adds several new ML-powered filters. A major new addition is the Photoshop Plugins Panel, a dockable workspace inside Photoshop that lets users browse, apply and adjust Optics filters without leaving the host interface. This streamlines workflow by putting Optics tools alongside standard Photoshop tools. New filters include DeNoise ML, UpRes ML, Depth Map ML and Face ML.

The DeNoise ML filter uses deep learning to reduce unwanted noise while retaining detail, useful for low-light or high-ISO images. The UpRes ML filter uses a trained ML model to upscale images while preserving structure and fine detail, useful for printing, cropping, or restoring old photos.

Depth-Aware and Facial Masking

The Depth Map ML tool analyses an image and produces a depth-based mask distinguishing near and far areas. That mask can then be used to selectively apply blur, colour correction or other adjustments according to depth, for example to simulate depth-of-field or separate foreground from background.

The Face ML mask automatically detects facial regions such as skin, eyes, lips, and mouth, and isolates them into distinct masks. This allows targeted retouching or selective colour adjustments without manual masking. It is particularly useful for portrait work and composite touch-ups. Masks created by Depth Map ML or Face ML can also be used as input sources for other filters, meaning users can chain effects such as depth-based blur or targeted colour correction.

Creative Updates: Sapphire + Particle Engine Enhancements

The update includes refreshed effects from Sapphire (v2025.5) integrated into Optics. Among the new creative tools are PixelSort, a glitch-style pixel sorting effect, and VHSDamage, which simulates analogue tape artefacts such as scanlines, noise and colour degradation.

These add modern, stylised looks beyond standard photo corrections. Additionally, the bundled particle engine Particle Illusion has been updated to v2026, with improvements in animation, camera control and an expanded emitter library. This offers more flexibility for creating smoke, dust, light-particles or abstract effects directly inside Optics.

What This Means for Post-Production Workflows

For photographers, retouchers, matte-painters and artists working in Photoshop or Lightroom, the 2026 upgrade means more of the workflow can happen inside one app: from denoising and upscaling to depth-aware masking, facial retouching, stylised looks and particle effects. The integrated panel helps avoid context-switching and may reduce export/import overhead.

For VFX and compositing artists, Depth Map ML and Face ML offer fast, per-image masking without manual rotoscoping, useful for look-development, concept visuals or quick editorial tasks. The updated Sapphire effects and particle tools expand the creative toolset for stylised or hybrid photographic/CGI work. As always with new tools or effects, test results on real images and evaluate artefacts before using in final deliveries.

Boris FX Optics 2026 is available as a subscription or a perpetual licence. The subscription costs 6 € per month or 66 € per year and includes both the standalone application and multi-host support for Photoshop and Lightroom. A perpetual licence is also offered at 112 €, providing a one-time purchase option for users who prefer to avoid ongoing payments. All versions include the same feature set and access to updates within the 2026 release cycle.

The post Optics 2026 Adds AI-Driven Masks, Upscaling & Depth Tools first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.

Continuum 2025.5 introduces two new AI-driven masking tools to Mocha and the Pixel Chooser interface: Object Brush ML and Matte Assist ML. With Object Brush ML, artists can click and paint over an object to generate editable splines automatically—no manual keyframing required. Matte Assist ML pushes automation further by segmenting a matte from a single frame and animating it over time. The tools streamline isolation for color correction, stylized FX, or patchwork, cutting down the usual masking grind to a few seconds of brushwork.

The new BCC+ Depth Map ML estimates depth from 2D footage using machine learning, outputting a grayscale depth matte. Users can toggle between two model types—performance or detail—and refine results with matte controls. The resulting depth map is usable for depth-of-field FX, transitions, or as groundwork for compositing tasks where a z-buffer would normally be missing in action.

BCC+ Frame Fixer ML deals with damaged, missing, or corrupted frames. It leverages AI to intelligently interpolate and replace frames within a specified range. The tool is effective even under strobe-heavy conditions, such as paparazzi flashes or compression artifacts. No need to patch by hand—just define the affected range and let it clean up the chaos.

BCC+ ST Map is a GPU-accelerated warper for remapping pixels using external ST (UV) map images. Whether loaded from disk or sourced from the timeline, the ST Map directs how footage is distorted based on image color data. It comes with a Watch Folder for managing maps and includes metadata overlays for better asset tracking. The result: warped footage without the warping headache—ideal for custom transitions and advanced distortion work.

FX Editor, Vignette, and Particle Illusion Tweaks

FX Editor playback is now 2x faster for 8-bit 4K content. BCC+ Vignette gets a new Blend Mode option for more nuanced application. Particle Illusion adds camera animation presets and updates its emitter library for faster dynamic effect generation.

8K Support in Title Studio

Title Studio, the integrated 3D titler, now handles resolutions up to 8K across all supported hosts. Whether you’re punching out text for broadcast or cinematic title cards, the tool ensures sharp, scalable vector results across large-format workflows.

Availability and Pricing

Continuum 2025.5 is compatible with After Effects, Premiere Pro, Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve, and VEGAS Pro (As well as OFX). Pricing starts a $99/month (all hosts, no yearly contract), or even perpetual licenses, starting at $970, with free access for users on an active support or subscription plan. Visit the official product page for more.

As always, test all updates thoroughly before deploying in production environments. New tools are powerful—but so is Murphy’s Law.

The post Continuum 2025.5 first appeared on DIGITAL PRODUCTION and was written by Bela Beier.