Our verdict
Being tested. An editor is using Adobe Firefly hands-on; the verdict and score appear here once they sign it off.
What it does
Adobe Firefly is Adobe’s family of AI tools for creating and editing images. In the Firefly web app you describe an image and it makes it, or you change part of a photo by describing what you want; the same AI powers features in Photoshop and Adobe Express. The app also offers other companies’ models, such as Google’s and OpenAI’s.
Adobe says its own Firefly models were trained on licensed content, such as Adobe Stock, and public domain material, and calls them safe for commercial use, which is why many businesses choose it. For the other companies’ models, Adobe leaves that judgement to you.
Why use it
- Adobe says its own models were trained on content it has the rights to use.
- Generative Fill changes or removes parts of a photo from a description.
- It works across Adobe’s apps, so you can move between them.
- A free plan with a small allowance lets you try it.
How it works
- Go to firefly.adobe.com and sign in with an Adobe account.
- Describe the image you want, or upload a photo to edit.
- Choose a model, a style and a shape, then generate.
- Refine the result, then download it.
How hard is it to use?
Beginner Easy to start. You need an account, not any technical know-how.
Type a description and pick from the results, which is why we rate it Beginner.
What it costs
Free plan; paid plans. A free plan with a small allowance of generations. Paid Firefly plans and Creative Cloud plans include more generative credits.
Prices change often, so check Adobe Firefly’s own site before you pay.
Watch out for
- Credits run out quickly if you generate a lot.
- For commercial work, choose one of Adobe’s own Firefly models: whether another company’s model is safe for commercial use is for you to check.
- Check generated images closely for odd details, such as hands and text.
Your data
Adobe says it doesn’t train generative AI on customers’ own content, whichever model you use in its apps. Check its privacy settings and terms for how your uploads are handled.
We haven’t confirmed that Adobe Firefly can keep your data in the UK, so check where it keeps your data before you share anything private or about other people.