SUMMARY
Adobe Camera Raw 18.4 has been updated with three new masking features, including bidirectional gradients for the linear gradient tool, which allows for effects to be concentrated in the middle and fade towards the edges. This update also brings an improved Select Subject mask and a vectorscope display to the histogram panel. While the vectorscope is a visualization tool, the Select Subject improvement is noted as significant. These features are currently exclusive to Camera Raw, with Lightroom expected to receive them later.
TAKEAWAYS
Camera Raw 18.4 adds bidirectional gradients, a feature requested for over a decade.
The update includes an improved Select Subject mask and a new vectorscope display.
Bidirectional gradients offer more precise control for fading effects in editing.
These masking features are currently exclusive to Camera Raw.