How to use Magic Editor on the Pixel 8

Google Pixel 8 hands on with AI features
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)

The Magic Editor is what Google likes to call "the future of editing," and we completely agree. This powerful tool that is currently exclusive to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices works like magic, making editing images the easiest task imaginable. Thanks to the power of generative AI, Magic Editor goes as far as to create elements from nothing, perfecting your shots.

So, if you've got your hands on the Google Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, you've got to have some fun with the innovative photo editing tool. Learn how to use Magic Editor on the Pixel 8 with this simple guide.

How to use Magic Editor on the Pixel 8

Before jumping in, know that Magic Editor can only be used on images that are backed up to Google Photos. With that out of the way, let's begin!

1. Open Google Photos on your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro.

2. Choose a photo that is backed up to Google Photos.

3. Tap the Edit button at the bottom.

(Image credit: Android Central)

4. Select the Magic Editor button at the bottom-left corner.

5. Tap or circle any object you want to edit.

6. To add or erase the item, tap the + or - buttons.

(Image credit: Android Central)

7. Press and hold, and then drag the selected item to move it around.

8. To change the size, pinch to scale the object.

9. Drop it and let go for Magic Editor to fill out the image using AI. You can also erase the object from here.

10. Tap the check mark once you're happy with the results.

(Image credit: Android Central)

11. Slide through the carousel to see them all.

12. Hit the checkmark if you like one.

13. Slide all the way to the right to generate new results if you don't like any.

Google Photos goes up against Adobe Photoshop

With the new editing options in the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google Photos is a powerful photo editing app that competes with the likes of Adobe Photoshop. Just like the Generative Fill feature in Photoshop, Magic Editor can edit your pictures to the extent of creating graphics from scratch.

The pick-and-drop option isn't the limit of Google's Magic Editor on the Pixel 8 series. The tool can also increase and decrease the size of objects. Pair this with the other cool features of Google Photos, and you can rework an image to perfect it like no other. Faces can be swapped, skies can be replaced, and you can even add portrait light.

Although Magic Editor is limited to the Pixel 8 phones at the moment, we're hoping it will eventually make its way to other Pixels, followed by Google One subscribers, in the footsteps of Magic Eraser.

Namerah Saud Fatmi
Editor — Accessories, speakers, and tablets

Namerah enjoys geeking out over accessories, gadgets, and all sorts of smart tech. She spends her time guzzling coffee, writing, casual gaming, and cuddling with her furry best friends. Find her on Twitter @NamerahS.