Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop add AI features that turn hours of design work into minutes
Adobe is rolling out a number of new AI features to Photoshop and Illustrator that are intended to speed up the design process and give users more control and variety. Using Adobe’s Firefly generative AI models, the company suggests that it will take a fraction of the time it currently takes to manually produce fine image details.
One of the most notable additions is the Generative Shape Fill feature. This fills detailed vector graphics into shapes based on text prompts like the one in the image above. The Firefly Vector AI model handles the rest, and you suddenly have multiple options for logos and other branding materials.
A graphic designer working on a new logo for a tech startup can use Generative Shape Fill to quickly generate complex vector patterns and shapes that match the brand’s futuristic theme. By entering specific text prompts, such as “geometric tech shapes” or “futuristic circuits,” the designer can explore a variety of intricate designs without having to draw each element by hand.
Smarter patterns
For building a pattern from scratch, the new Text to Pattern option does what its name suggests and converts a text prompt into a scalable vector pattern. If you’re not sure how to describe exactly what you want, there’s even a new Style Reference feature that uses uploaded images as inspiration for Adobe’s AI creation. Likewise, the new Retype feature can edit otherwise static text and offer ideas for a font to match the image.
The new Photoshop-specific AI features focus more on streamlining the often repetitive tasks required for image editing. The Selection Brush tool and Adjustment Brush tool do what their names suggest, making it easier to select and adjust parts of an image, with AI assistance to separate elements with more precision.
The new AI capabilities are more than just digital tools. The Dimension tool can perform precise measurements, while the Mockup function can produce visual prototypes that match the curves and edges of real objects. For example, an architect designing a new residential building can accurately lay out floor plans and elevations with the Dimension tool, while a fashion designer can apply Mockup to their designs to see how they would look on different types of garments.
AI Visualize
As good as its AI tools are, Adobe is still embroiled in the debate over how its Firefly AI models are trained. The company recently clarified that it will not use its customers’ projects for AI training , but the larger conflict over ethical AI and synthetic media is far from resolved.
Still, the AI expansion of Illustrator and Photoshop marks a milestone for Adobe’s technology strategy. And Adobe has plenty of utopian ideals, at least in its official philosophy. The company described its goal for the new AI tools as not just boosting productivity, but also creativity. The idea is that AI will help designers push the boundaries of their vision.
“Adobe’s new innovations in Illustrator and Photoshop are built directly into designers’ existing workflows, giving them new ways to create and helping them work faster so they can focus on what they do best — drawing, designing, and bringing their creative visions to life,” said Ashley Still, senior vice president of digital media at Adobe, in an interview with Adobe.release the new features.