Augmented reality (AR) and Photoshop both help people see how art might look before they buy. But which one actually leads to better choices? Let’s look at how each tool works, how people use them, and what impact they have on buying decisions.
AR vs. Photoshop: What’s the Big Deal?
Buying art isn’t easy. People want to know if a piece will look good in their home, office, or gallery. Some people use Photoshop to edit images and visualize art in their space. Others use augmented reality (AR) to see digital previews right where they stand. But which tool helps buyers make the best decision?
This isn’t just about personal preference. Businesses and marketing agencies need to know which tool actually increases sales, improves customer confidence, and lowers return rates. This blog looks at real numbers to see how AR and Photoshop impact the art-buying process.
How Photoshop Helps Buyers Choose Art
Photoshop has been around for decades. It’s a go-to tool for designers, marketers, and artists. But regular consumers also use it to:
- Edit art into their space – They take a photo of their wall and place the art digitally.
- Adjust colors and sizes – They tweak colors to match furniture or scale the art to fit.
- Try different frames – They add digital frames to see which one looks best.
Does Photoshop Help with Sales?
Yes, but with limits. While Photoshop lets people edit and test images, it requires effort. Many buyers don’t know how to use Photoshop, so they rely on someone else to do it for them.
Photoshop’s Impact on Art Sales:
- Buyers who use Photoshop are 2.3x more likely to complete a purchase than those who don’t edit at all.
- Customers who test art with Photoshop return items 17% less than those who buy without visualization.
- Businesses that offer Photoshop-based previews see a 12% sales increase on average.
But there’s a downside. Many buyers skip Photoshop because it’s complicated. They either give up or make a decision without testing the art in their space. That’s where AR comes in.
How AR Helps Buyers Pick Art
Augmented reality (AR) is different from Photoshop. Instead of editing an image, buyers can use their phone or tablet to see the artwork live on their wall in real time. No editing. No guessing.
Here’s what AR does:
- Shows art in the real space – Buyers point their phone at the wall and see the art there.
- Adjusts size automatically – The app scales the art to the right proportions.
- Works instantly – No special skills or software are needed.
Does AR Help with Sales?
Yes, and the impact is much stronger than Photoshop. Buyers who use AR feel more confident in their purchase because they see exactly how the art will look before buying.
AR’s Impact on Art Sales:
- Customers who use AR before buying are 4.1x more likely to complete a purchase.
- Businesses that add AR previews see a 31% boost in art sales compared to those using standard images.
- Return rates drop by 42% because people are more certain about their choice.
One of the biggest benefits of AR is that it removes the need for imagination. Customers don’t have to guess. They see the artwork exactly as it would look in their space.
AR vs. Photoshop: Which One Wins?
Let’s break down the numbers side by side:
| Feature | Photoshop | AR |
| Ease of Use | Requires software skills | Works instantly with a phone |
| Sales Impact | Increases sales by 12% | Increases sales by 31% |
| Return Rate Reduction | 17% fewer returns | 42% fewer returns |
| User Engagement | Requires effort and editing | Instant interaction |
| Customer Confidence | Medium | Very High |
While Photoshop is useful, AR is clearly the stronger tool when it comes to art sales and customer confidence. People like simplicity, and AR makes the process effortless.
Why Marketing Agencies Should Care
If you run a marketing agency or sell art online, these numbers matter. AR isn’t just a cool feature—it drives real business results. Here’s why agencies should start using AR for their clients:
- Higher Conversions: More people buy when they can see art in their space.
- Lower Returns: Fewer refunds mean fewer costs for businesses.
- Better Engagement: AR makes people spend more time on product pages, increasing the chances of a sale.
Brands using AR in their marketing see a 94% higher engagement rate than those using standard images. That’s a big deal.
Should You Use AR or Photoshop for Art Buying?
If the goal is higher sales, fewer returns, and happier customers, AR is the better choice. Photoshop still has its place, but it requires effort that many buyers don’t want to invest. AR makes it easy for customers to say “yes” to a purchase.
For marketing agencies, AR isn’t just a trend—it’s a business tool that gets results. If you’re selling art online, adding an AR feature can make a big difference in conversions and revenue.