Google Launches LightLab, AI Lighting Control for Images

• Michael Willson
• May 25, 2025

Google has launched LightLab, a powerful new AI tool that gives you precise control over lighting in any single image. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, or content creator, LightLab lets you add, adjust, or change light in a photo without needing 3D models or multiple exposures.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly what LightLab is, how it works, what makes it different from other editing tools, and why it’s being called a major leap forward in image editing.

What is Google LightLab?

LightLab is an AI tool developed by Google Research that lets you adjust the lighting in images using natural controls. It doesn’t require complex tools or extra photos. You can simply insert a new light, move it around, or change how the light looks—directly in the image.

Core capabilities of LightLab

• Adjust brightness, color, and type of lighting
• Add new lights to existing photos
• Change shadows and highlights naturally
• Create mood shifts or lighting direction changes

How LightLab Works

LightLab uses a special kind of AI called a diffusion model. This type of AI is trained on a large dataset of image pairs—each with different lighting setups. Once trained, LightLab learns how lighting behaves in the real world.

When you upload a photo and give lighting instructions, it re-generates the image with your lighting choices, keeping details and realism intact.

Why diffusion models matter here

These models let LightLab edit light in ways that are physically believable. The changes look like they were actually captured by a camera—not edited afterward.

How It’s Different from Other Tools

Most image editing tools (like Photoshop or Luminar) either:

• Work with masks and layers manually
• Require you to edit light pixel by pixel
• Can’t simulate real lighting from scratch

LightLab solves that. You don’t need technical skills or multiple images. Just add or modify light naturally.

Real-World Use Cases

1. Photo retouching

Fix lighting problems in a single portrait without doing a reshoot.

2. E-commerce and product photography

Change lighting setup to highlight product features without rephotographing.

3. Social media content

Add drama or brightness to content to match trends or seasonal themes.

4. Film and media production

Re-light scenes to match a different mood or story direction.

Google LightLab vs Traditional Photo Editing Tools

How to Use LightLab?

Currently, LightLab is a research demo and not a public product. But here’s how it’s expected to work when released:

• Upload a photo
• Choose or insert a virtual light source
• Adjust color, direction, or brightness
• Get an updated image instantly

It works without needing 3D info or depth maps, which is a huge breakthrough.

Who Is This Useful For?

• Content creators who want more creative control
• Designers and photographers needing faster workflows
• Developers building visual apps or creative tools
• AI researchers studying generative image control

LightLab vs Other AI Image Tools

Certification Paths to Explore AI Further

With AI tools like LightLab pushing the boundaries of creativity and automation, learning how these technologies work under the hood can give creators and developers an edge. Earning an AI Certification can provide that foundational understanding, while a Data Science Certification offers the skills to interpret and build on the data these tools rely on. For those applying AI across marketing or digital business, a Marketing and Business Certification can tie these insights to strategy and growth.

Final Thoughts

Google LightLab offers a glimpse into the future of creative tools—where we can interact with images like a director does with light on a set. No layers, no complicated controls—just tell it how you want the image to feel, and it responds.

It’s still in research, but once available, it could change how we edit visuals across photography, design, and film.