Adobe has released new Firefly tools for its popular design applications, Photoshop and Illustrator. These innovative features leverage the company’s proprietary AI models to enable graphic designers to create complex images and textures with ease.
A Fine Line Between Innovation and Threat
While Adobe is doubling down on AI technology, some users are feeling threatened by its increasing reliance on artificial intelligence. The company has trained Firefly on a vast dataset of creative work, including contributions from photographers and illustrators who receive an annual bonus for participating in Adobe Stock.
To address concerns about the impact of generative AI on its loyal user base, Adobe is taking a "creator-friendly approach." Creative Cloud customers will have access to a limited number of generative credits every month at no additional cost. This generous offer aims to make Firefly technology accessible to all users, rather than charging a premium subscription.
Illustrator’s New Features
The latest update for Illustrator includes several exciting features that don’t rely on generative AI:
Generative Shape Fill
- In beta, this innovative tool allows users to add details and textures to shapes through text prompts or by selecting a style reference.
- Powered by an updated version of Adobe’s Firefly Vector model, Generative Shape Fill offers sliders for adjusting the level of detail.
Dimension Tool
- This new feature enables users to calculate lengths and angles of images within Illustrator.
Mockup
- This beta tool allows creators to realistically place logos on any product by uploading an image.
- A significant improvement over its previous version, Mockup now supports custom images for logo placement.
Retype
- Illustrator’s Retype feature can recognize fonts and match them, allowing users to apply the style elsewhere in their design.
Photoshop’s Updates
Adobe has also released several new features for Photoshop, including:
Selection Brush Tool
- This innovative tool aims to streamline repetitive tasks by enabling creators to select specific areas of an image with ease.
- Available now for all Creative Cloud customers, the Selection Brush Tool is a game-changer for designers.
Adjustment Brush Tool
- Similar to the Selection Brush Tool, the Adjustment Brush Tool enables users to make targeted adjustments to their images.
- This feature is designed to save time and improve overall workflow efficiency.
Adobe’s Generative AI Strategy
While Adobe isn’t charging a premium subscription for generative AI like some competitors, it’s still seeing significant returns. On its latest earnings call, the company reported that customers are converting to pricier plans to access more generative credits for Firefly.
In just nine months since launch, Firefly has generated over 9 billion images. This impressive statistic underscores Adobe’s commitment to making AI technology accessible and user-friendly for its creative community.
A Creator-Friendly Approach
Adobe’s VP of product marketing, Deepa Subramaniam, emphasized the company’s focus on providing value to its customers: "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."
By offering a limited number of generative credits every month at no additional cost, Adobe aims to empower creators with cutting-edge AI tools without disrupting its loyal user base.
Conclusion
Adobe’s release of Firefly tools for Photoshop and Illustrator marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of design technology. By balancing innovation with a creator-friendly approach, the company is ensuring that its users remain at the forefront of creative expression. As Adobe continues to push the boundaries of AI-driven design, one thing is certain – the future of graphic design will be brighter than ever.
