Adobe is rolling out advanced AI features for Illustrator and Photoshop, powered by its latest Firefly AI models, aiming to enhance creative workflows and automate tedious tasks. These updates introduce new capabilities and improvements to existing tools, potentially saving hours of manual work for graphic designers and creative professionals.
Highlights:
- Illustrator gains the latest Firefly Vector AI-powered features, including Generative Shape Fill
- Photoshop’s Generate Image feature, powered by Firefly Image 3 Model, is now broadly available
- Adobe is offering limited generative credits to Creative Cloud customers at no extra cost
What’s New in Adobe Illustrator?
Adobe Illustrator’s latest update introduces several AI-powered features:
- Generative Shape Fill: This tool allows users to add detailed vectors to shapes using text prompts or style references, streamlining the creation of complex designs. Powered by an updated version of Adobe’s Firefly Vector model, this feature includes sliders to control the level of detail and allows users to edit AI-generated details afterward.
- Improved Text to Pattern: The beta feature now creates more sophisticated, scalable vector patterns for applications like wallpaper design.
- Enhanced Style Reference: This tool generates outputs that closely match existing styles, facilitating consistent design work.
Beyond AI, Illustrator also introduces practical tools like:
- Dimension tool: Automatically adds sizing information to projects and calculates lengths and angles of an image
- Mockup feature (beta): Previews designs on 3D products and realistically places logos on any product image
- Retype: Converts static text in images into editable text and recognizes and matches fonts for use elsewhere
How is Photoshop Evolving?
Photoshop’s updates focus on enhancing existing AI features and introducing new tools:
- Generate Image: Now generally available in both desktop and web versions, this feature allows users to create AI images within the application by describing their desired outcome.
- Enhance Detail for Generative Fill: Provides greater sharpness and detail when applied to large images.
- Selection Brush tool: Generally available, this tool simplifies object selection by allowing users to paint over areas they wish to edit.
- Adjustment Brush Tool: Streamlines repetitive tasks in image editing.
How Does Adobe Address Ethical Concerns?
Adobe has faced scrutiny over its AI implementations and is navigating a delicate balance between embracing AI technology and addressing concerns from its loyal user base:
- The company insists its Firefly models are ethically trained on licensed content from its stock platform, including work from Adobe Stock contributors who receive an annual bonus for their participation.
- Adobe recently clarified that customer projects won’t be used as AI training material, following backlash over a policy update.
- To maintain a “creator-friendly approach,” Adobe is offering Creative Cloud customers a limited number of generative credits each month at no additional cost.
Deepa Subramaniam, VP of Product Marketing for Adobe Creative Cloud, stated: “This is all value that’s baked into their Creative Cloud plan. We just want to put this technology in the hands of our users, so they’re very generous credit limits. Our goal is to empower all creative professionals to realize their creative visions. We believe that every massive technology shift offers opportunities to deliver new products and innovations to our customers, and we are focused on harnessing the power of generative AI to amplify human creativity and expression, not replace it.“
What’s the Impact on Adobe’s Business?
While Adobe isn’t charging a premium subscription for generative AI, the company is seeing financial benefits. During its latest earnings call, Adobe reported that customers were upgrading to more expensive plans to access additional generative credits for Firefly.
As AI continues to reshape the creative industry, Adobe’s approach of integrating AI tools while maintaining a focus on user empowerment and customization appears to be resonating with its customer base. The company’s ongoing challenge will be to balance innovation with the needs and concerns of its diverse user community, as some creative professionals remain concerned that AI features automating design work could reduce job opportunities.
These updates represent Adobe’s ongoing commitment to leveraging AI technology while addressing the evolving needs of creative professionals in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.
