Lightroom adds Prompt to Edit with Nano Banana 2
Lightroom desktop 9.6 brings early access editing from text prompts, separate DNG outputs and generative credit costs
Adobe added Prompt to Edit to Lightroom desktop 9.6 on September 29. The feature lets photographers request restoration and creative changes in words, extending what they can do inside the photography app.
The September release notes also describe improved reflection removal and support for additional cameras and lenses. Prompt to Edit is the generative editing addition, offered in early access.
From a prompt to a separate photograph
Adobe’s workflow guide starts with a photo in detail view. Open Prompt to Edit through the View menu, then select an example or write instructions. Examples cover tasks such as repairing scratches and restoring color. You can revise and save a prompt for later use.
Output settings offer Nano Banana 2 at 2K or 4K. Lightroom saves the generated result as a separate DNG beside the original. The optional Create stack setting groups the pair, with stacks currently supported only in Cloud.
Check credits before experimenting
Adobe’s generative credit rules classify partner models as premium features. Its current individual Lightroom plan includes 250 monthly credits, while Photography 1TB includes 1,000. These credits cover eligible generative work across Adobe apps, so other tools can draw on the same allowance.
The screenshot in Adobe’s Lightroom guide shows a 4K generation costing 30 credits. Treat that as a documented example rather than a permanent price promise. Check the panel’s displayed charge and remaining balance before generating.
Adobe’s partner model guidance requires a Creative Cloud account with premium feature access and warns that availability varies by country or region. Supported enterprise plans also let administrators control model access. The Lightroom guide does not provide a complete regional availability list.
Check the app and the result
This feature is documented for Lightroom desktop 9.6. The separate Lightroom Classic 15.6 release lists reflection improvements and camera and lens support, without listing Prompt to Edit. Check which application you use before expecting the new panel.
For an old family scan, a sensible first test is one specific repair on a backed up image. Compare the result with the source, particularly faces, lettering and small objects. A convincing restoration can still introduce details that were never recorded. Keep the original when historical accuracy matters.
The useful test is whether the generated version meets the intended job. Separate outputs make that comparison easier, but also add files to manage. Treat saved prompts as starting points and review each result rather than assuming the same wording will preserve every photograph.
Illustrative Nikon D850 photograph by G1MFG at English Wikipedia, taken September 11 2017. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 4.0. This archival equipment photograph does not show the new Lightroom feature. Converted to WebP for site delivery.
