Adobe just announced the integration of Firefly, the company’s beta AI Generative application, into Photoshop. Firefly launched in March, and according to Adobe, it “became one of the most successful beta launches in Adobe’s history, with beta users generating over 100 million assets,” certainly showing strong interest in AI and image generation. Now, the pairing of Firefly and Photoshop Adobe promises photographers additional tools to enhance creative options and to allow creatives the benefit of quickly experimenting with producing or modifying content.  

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The star of this integration (so far) is Photoshop’s new Generative Fill. Using text prompts, users can extend a background or foreground, and add, remove or replace elements quickly and simply. For example, you can add a center yellow line to an unmarked road, place a neon sign in a dark alleyway, or place a bird perched on the edge of a building. If you can think it, it’s likely you can create it. Multiple options are presented for each prompt and are available on separate layers, enabling users to quickly move from one to another to see which fits best. With non-destructive editing, there’s no limit to how many iterations can safely be produced. Photoshop automatically matches the image’s perspective, lighting and style, eliminating the need to make further adjustments. A new module for Generative Fill has also been added in the Firefly beta, which can be tested on the web. 

Additionally, you’ll also find new Adjustment Presets, which present options for a style/look to choose from. Enhanced Gradients, a Remove tool and more have also been added.  

While most photographers have mixed feelings about AI-generated images, Adobe has taken steps to avoid a couple of the issues that arise from AI. First, the database of images used in Firefly are sourced from Adobe Stock and other “openly licensed content as well as [additional] public domain content without copyright restrictions,” so you don’t have to worry about copyright issues, and can use this feature freely for businesses, etc. Also, Generative Fill supports “Content Credentials.” This ensures that data about whether the content was AI-generated or AI-edited (or human generated) is embedded into the file so there’s no confusion about its origins. 

Photoshop with Firefly integration is currently only available in the desktop beta app but will be available to all Photoshop users in the second half of 2023.  

On May 23, livestream sessions about the new Photoshop features can be viewed here. For more information about both beta apps, visit www.adobe.com.

Editor’s Note: Kristina Sherk, a WPPI speaker and Photoshop expert, has created a short video explaining the new features in Photoshop. You can find it here.