Adobe has officially launched Adobe Premiere version 26.0, incorporating AI-based tools that will remove one of the toughest tasks in video editing: manual rotoscoping. Released on January 20, 2026, shortly before the Sundance Film Festival, Adobe Premiere’s new update prioritizes both speed and accuracy. The standout feature is the AI object mask that comes with a supportive artificial intelligence model for subject detection.
The update greatly simplifies complex workflows by helping editors isolate moving subjects with just a single click. Using on-device processing, the software delivers faster performance while maintaining strict user data privacy standards.
The new AI masking in Adobe Premiere lets users select any person or object in a frame with just one click. As editors move the cursor over the footage, visual overlays appear quickly to highlight potential subjects on screen. Once selected, the software follows the object through the clip, adjusting to shape, lighting, and camera movements automatically in real time.
This update greatly simplifies professional workflows. Deepa Subramaniam, Adobe’s Vice President of Product Marketing, said these tools are set to offer more power, precision, and overall control to creative professionals. By moving the processing to on-device hardware, Adobe ensures the AI-powered video editing experience is not only faster but also respects user privacy by avoiding cloud-based data training.
Beyond object selection, the Adobe Premiere masking features have received a substantial performance overhaul. The redesigned Ellipse, Rectangle, and Pen tools now feature tracking capabilities that are 20 times faster than before. Editors can use bi-directional tracking to analyze footage forwards and backwards from a single point, while new 3D perspective tracking helps masks stick to rotating surfaces.
The user interface has also been improved for better overall usability. Modern Bezier curves enable smoother manual adjustments, while new colored overlays let editors preview their work with greater contrast. These tools are no longer hidden in sub-menus, now available directly from the toolbar to make professional visual effects creation more intuitive for all users.
The latest Adobe Premiere AI update is a major improvement over earlier versions that needed frame-by-frame manual adjustments. By integrating Firefly Boards and Adobe Stock directly into the timeline, the software has grown from a basic editor into a full creative hub. With a 20x increase in tracking speed, this version is a must-have upgrade for editors working on high-resolution 4K or 8K projects.
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This version is a must-have upgrade because it directly tackles the ‘rotoscoping bottleneck' that has long slowed video production. Adding the ability to anchor masks to 3D perspectives and using on-device AI models, Adobe focuses on both efficiency and user security.
Following current industry trends towards automation, this Adobe Premiere AI update bridges the gap between advanced visual effects and standard video editing workflows, helping editors achieve professional results without specialized VFX software.