ON1 is releasing the newest version of its RAW processor and image editor, Photo RAW 2019, adding new non-destructive layered editing tools, focusing stacking and an AI algorithm to transfer and display Lightroom-edited images in Photo RAW.

Here’s a look at what’s new:

● All of the editing modules from previous versions of the program have been combined into the Edit module. The former editing modules are now available as tabs (including Develop, Effects, Portrait, and Local Adjustments).
● The Edit module now includes non-destructive layers, with support for moving, stacking and masking layers. Each layer has its own non-destructive settings,back to the original file. Using layers, you can combine other photos, text or alternate exposures with your HDR photos.
● Lightroom users can transfer edited images into Photo RAW and keep those non-destructive changes in the program. ON1 says this AI-powered migration tool keeps “almost every edit you can make in Lightroom.” Folders, collections and metadata are also preserved in the migration.
● A new Focus Stacking tool automatically blend a series of photos at different focus distances.
● An Auto-Align Layers tool combines multiple photos as layers, then automatically aligns them based on image content.
● Within the reorganized Edit tab is a new Portrait tab that automatically detects faces in images to improve retouching and other portrait-friendly edits.
● A new Text tool lets you add text to images with control over font size, color, position and more. Text inputs can be saved as presets and added to images in batches (good for watermarking).
● Your keywords are now searchable in a single master list and you can edit, apply, clear or delete keywords from the list.
● Local adjustments have been enhanced to use RAW processing data, which ON1 says allows for more highlight and shadow details with more tonal range.
● There are now dedicated film grain, curves and color adjustment filters in the Effects tab. A new filter selector allows you to search for filters, learn about them and view samples of their effect.
● The user interface has been tweaked so that there’s less contrast and a new, more readable font along with updated icons, tabs and sliders that take up less room in the UI.

As you’d expect, there’s also support for new cameras and lenses plus newly-added support for HEIC image files and keyboard shortcuts for changing modules. In the winter of 2019, ON1 also plans on adding an AI Masking Tool to help users identify areas of their photos to create a selection or mask.

ON1 Photo RAW 2019 sells for $100 or for $80 if you’re upgrading from older versions. You can subscribe, too, for $130 a year.