Adobe Project Surface Swap: Artificial Intelligence to Replace Materials in Images

Published on January 04, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Project Surface Swap interface showing an architectural image where the floor material has been replaced from marble to wood, with texture adjustment controls and real-time preview

Adobe Project Surface Swap: Artificial Intelligence to Replace Materials in Images

Adobe is revolutionizing image processing with its experimental Project Surface Swap, an innovative tool that uses artificial intelligence algorithms to identify and modify materials in two-dimensional compositions. This technology represents a significant advance in automating design tasks that traditionally required hours of manual work 🎨.

Recognition and Replacement Technology

The system uses advanced neural networks that analyze the three-dimensional structure implicit in flat images. By detecting different surfaces like wood, metal, fabric, or construction materials, it allows swapping them for completely different textures while preserving the visual integrity of the original scene. The tool automatically recalculates parameters like reflections, shadows, and perspective to achieve seamless integration.

Key features of the system:
  • Automatic detection of multiple materials and surfaces in 2D images
  • Intelligent adjustment of lighting and physical properties of the substitute material
  • Preservation of visual interactions with surrounding elements
This technology could fundamentally transform how designers experiment with materials in their creative projects

Development Status and Practical Applications

Currently, Project Surface Swap is in the research prototype phase, shown by Adobe as a technology demonstration but without a confirmed commercial release date. Development teams are refining the accuracy of recognition and the quality of substitutions to achieve photorealistic results.

Potential application areas:
  • Interior design: rapid visualization of different materials in architectural spaces
  • Graphic design: experimentation with textures in creative compositions
  • Architecture: previewing material finishes in building projects

Impact on Creative Workflows

The future implementation of this technology in applications like Photoshop or Substance could drastically streamline creative processes, allowing instant material changes that currently require tedious manual work. Imagine transforming the marble of an entire kitchen to wood in seconds, although choosing the perfect shade will remain a human decision requiring artistic judgment ✨.