The next generation of Adobe Creative Cloud programs is here, and it’s all about generative, AI-powered editing. At the company’s annual creative conference this week, Adobe unveiled new product updates and tools for its suite of editing software, including Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator and its AI model Firefly.
The creative industries have been rocked by the rise of generative AI, which has become increasingly common in creative software – and increasingly controversial among professional creators, Adobe’s core users. While some artists are taking legal action against AI companies, particularly over copyright infringement concerns, others are trying to figure out what, if any, applications there are for AI in creative spaces. Adobe certainly seems to think there are some, as AI powers many of its product updates and was one of the main focuses of this year’s event.
CNET was on site in Miami this year, discussing the latest news in creators and AI, including advanced previews of special projects. We’ve gone through the 100+ innovations in Creative Cloud and highlighted the biggest changes for Adobe users. Here’s everything you need to know.
Firefly’s AI video generation is here
Adobe first announced that its AI model Firefly will gain video generation capabilities in September, and Adobe confirmed Monday that the generative AI video tool will be available in public beta starting this week. It will be the first publicly available, commercially secure video model trained on Adobe Stock and other public databases. In the app, Firefly can also convert reference images into B-roll images and process 2D and 3D animations. There are also lighting and camera controls that allow you to adjust the clip the way you need it.
Premiere Pro can enhance your clips with AI
Firefly’s AI video model is also being integrated into Premiere Pro, where it powers a new feature called generative expansion. Generative Extend allows users to add two additional seconds to video clip (up to 10 seconds for audio) to help creators when they need a few extra frames, want to smooth out a transition, or hold on to a shot longer.
Generative expansion in Premiere Pro allows new clips to be created with images and sounds.
The feature uses the previous clip as a reference and builds a matching video that you can use to fill the gap in your timeline. Although it uses the content you uploaded to create the new clips, your original clip does not become part of Adobe’s training database. It will be available in beta in Premiere Pro starting Monday.
Those who use Adobe’s Firefly app or integrations will automatically get content references tied to their work — a kind of digital food label that identifies a creator’s work and any AI use. Earlier this month, Adobe announced a new, free app called Content Authenticity that focuses on creating and managing these labels.
Photoshop’s Genative Remove tackles wires and cables
Photoshop and Illustrator are getting a lot of updates, thanks in part to Adobe’s latest AI model, Firefly Image 3. Previously only available in beta, it now brings new features and updates to Creative Cloud programs.
In Photoshop, the suite of generative tools (including generative fill that lets you create text-to-image designs for a given space) is coming out of beta and becoming generally available. Photoshop’s removal tool is being upgraded to be better at removing distracting elements, such as cables and wires.
Photoshop is also introducing a new generative workspace in beta that creators can use to ideate and brainstorm. It also gives creators access to a fast generation mode. Substance 3D viewer is also coming to Photoshop in beta, making it easier to edit 3D elements within a 2D design.
Illustrator goes for 3D and sets a clear path
For Illustrator, Adobe is introducing a beta version of Project Neo into the program. Project Neo is a web app first teased at last year’s Max, aimed at helping designers and illustrators work and edit 3D designs. Deepa Subramaniam, vice president of product marketing for Creative Cloud, told CNET that Project Neo has been in private beta with about 60,000 users and has been incorporating the group’s feedback.
Objects on Path allows creators to keep elements aligned.
A new feature called Objects in Path saves creators time rearranging objects on a set path, keeping them aligned without having to manually adjust each piece. Image Trace, one of Illustrator’s most popular features, is also getting a major overhaul to hopefully make it easier to convert images to vectors. Generative shape fill also gets better selection and control.
Create custom Gatorade bottles with Firefly
Many of the updates Adobe has announced are aimed at Creative Cloud users, but this one is for everyone. You can now design your own custom Gatorade Squeeze water bottle using Firefly’s text-to-image capabilities on Gatorade’s website. Gatorade’s free membership program lets you enter what you want to appear on your water bottle, and Gatorade’s site will use Firefly to bring your vision to life.
