Discover the future of image manipulation: Adobe's Generative Fill AI tool in Photoshop

Adobe is set to revolutionize the capabilities of its popular image editing software, Adobe Photoshop, with the introduction of a cutting-edge AI tool called Generative Fill. Powered by Adobe's AI image generator, Adobe Firefly, Generative Fill aims to provide users with enhanced image manipulation capabilities. Although currently only available in Photoshop Beta, a full release of this remarkable feature is expected to take place in Photoshop later in 2023.

Generative Fill enables users to extend their images and make additions or subtractions using simple text prompts. Working within individual layers of a Photoshop image file, the tool offers three options for expanding the image or generating new objects. While Generative Fill can operate autonomously, it performs optimally when guided by user input, granting users greater control over the outcome. In many ways, Generative Fill can be likened to Photoshop's Content-Aware Fill feature; however, it distinguishes itself by providing more flexibility and control to the user.

Here are some of the things Adobe boasts you can do with the Generative Fill tool:

• Generate objects: Select an area in your image, then describe what you’d like to add/replace through a text prompt.
• Generate backgrounds: Select the background behind your subject, then generate a new scene from a text prompt.
• Extend images: Extend the canvas of your image, then make a selection of the empty region. Generating without a prompt will create a harmonious extension of your scene. Generating with a prompt will add content to your image while extending the rest of your scene.
• Remove objects: Select the object you want to remove, then generate without a prompt to let the Generative AI technology make it disappear. 

During demonstrations, Generative Fill showcased its impressive capabilities in seamlessly handling backgrounds and filling in empty spaces within images. However, there were instances where the tool generated objects like cars and puddles that appeared unnatural. Adobe's commitment to training the AI image generator, Firefly, with content it has the right to use ensures that creations made using Generative Fill are safe for commercial use. Firefly draws on a wealth of training data, including Adobe Stock images and openly licensed content, ensuring a wide range of usable and legally compliant resources.

Generative Fill goes beyond image manipulation by supporting Content Credentials, which allows users to attach attribution data to their images. This feature helps inform viewers if AI was utilized during the image's creation or editing process. Looking ahead, Adobe plans to integrate Firefly with Adobe Express, its cloud-based design platform. Although no confirmed release date has been announced, Generative Fill undoubtedly promises to be a game-changer for Photoshop users and photo retouching in general. This integration is poised to further empower designers and artists with seamless and efficient AI-powered image editing capabilities, solidifying its position as an essential tool in the industry.

Our take: It is interesting to see how the AI-Powered features of Adobe Firefly are beginning to arrive in the leading desktop Suite, which is undoubtedly the industry standard today. However, it is also intriguing to compare it with the changes that Affinity Photo, one of the most acclaimed alternatives in recent times, has launched just a few days ago.