When Adobe unveiled Generative Fill for Photoshop in May 2023, the internet went wild with how the tool had taken photo editing to new heights. On Tuesday at Adobe Max London, the company unveiled the latest Photoshop in beta, which boasts an in-app image generator powered by a new Firefly image model, a more advanced Generative Fill, and other new features and tools to optimize photo editing.

"This massive new update to Photoshop takes creativity to unprecedented levels -- whether you are a professional or brand new to Photoshop," Ashley Still, Adobe SVP of Creative Product Group, said in a statement.

Also: The best AI image generators of 2024: Tested and reviewed

The upgraded Photoshop makes it easier for users to add or tweak elements to their projects; new tools include the Generate Image feature, which lets users generate images from text prompts without leaving the application. 

The upgraded Generative Fill lets users upload Reference Images to generate new elements for their project that best fit the reference picture's style, as seen below.

Similarly, the Generate Similar feature lets users import images and generate variations that they can add to their projects, as demonstrated in the video below.

The new Generate Background feature lets users replace or create a background of an image with a simple text prompt, as seen in the photo below. Lastly, with Enhance Detail, users can improve the clarity and sharpness of an image, according to the release. 

All the above generative AI capabilities are powered by the Firefly Image 3 Foundation Model, which Adobe says can deliver better quality renditions, higher prompt accuracy, clear text displays, and more customization options. The new Firefly Image 3 model is accessible in beta via the Firefly web application on the Firefly website, where users will also be able to access the new Generative Expand and Generative Fill features.

Adobe reiterates that Adobe Firefly was designed for commercial use, and was trained on licensed content that doesn't infringe on copyright and other intellectual property. The company also notes that it uses a continuous review approach to block and remove content that violates its policies, likely a nod to the controversy it recently faced regarding the content used to train its image models.

In addition to the new Firefly features, Photoshop also received other new, useful tools such as Adjustment Brush, which allows users to apply "non-destructive adjustments" to parts of their images; Improved Font Browser, which gives users real-time access to Adobe's font library without leaving Photoshop; and Adjustment Presets, which allows users to apply a filter with one click. 

Artificial Intelligence

Do employers want AI skills or AI-enhanced skills? That could depend on you

5 ways AI can help you study for finals - for free

The best free AI courses (and whether AI 'micro-degrees' and certificates are worth it)

I tested the AI gadget that got the internet buzzing and it left me wanting more

• Do employers want AI skills or AI-enhanced skills? That could depend on you
• 5 ways AI can help you study for finals - for free
• The best free AI courses (and whether AI 'micro-degrees' and certificates are worth it)
• I tested the AI gadget that got the internet buzzing and it left me wanting more