Visual effects leader Boris FX (USA) has debuted Optics 2026, featuring the new ‘Face ML’ algorithm for automated facial segmentation and masking. This update, launched in December 2025, allows photographers and digital artists to generate precise masks for eyes, lips, and skin with a single click. The tool is designed to integrate seamlessly into the professional post-production supply chain, serving as a powerful plugin for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom or a standalone application.

In addition to facial masking, the 2026 version includes ‘Depth Map ML’ and ‘DeNoise ML’, which utilize AI to separate background elements and remove visual artifacts. The software also incorporates new cinematic filters from the Sapphire 2025 suite, such as ‘VHSDamage’ and ‘PixelSort’, and adds 50 new presets to ‘Particle Illusion’. Boris FX remains the primary seller of these high-performance tools, targeting a wide range of creative professionals from freelance illustrators to studio retouching departments.

Optics 2026 is available as a free update for current subscribers and as a perpetual license for new buyers. The release underscores Boris FX’s commitment to “AI for artists,” focusing on automating tedious tasks to allow for more creative freedom. These tools are expected to be essential for marketing and promotional campaigns for major 2026 film releases, providing studio houses with advanced tools for high-fidelity image manipulation. (USA)