How to Use Adobe Firefly: A Detailed Guide

Published by Color Experts International October 16, 2023

Understanding Adobe Firefly

Adobe created a generative AI system, Adobe Firefly, which integrates with Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications.
At present, there are two ways to use Firefly— in a browser on the Firefly website or within the newest version of Photoshop and Illustrator.

The actions you can carry out include generative fill, text-to-image generation, text effects, and generative recolor. However, Adobe has a number of other tools in the works, including 3D to image, sketch to image, text to pattern, and text to vector.

Bear in mind, to leverage Firefly, you must be a subscriber to the Creative Cloud, or sign up for a free trial. The AI art generator is designed to be embedded into the Adobe ecosystem to let users of Adobe products use it as a built-in integration.

Adobe Firefly manipulates and generates images based on text prompts, along with creating visual effects for written text.

What is Adobe Firefly used for?

Adobe Firefly is predominantly used for image generation using text commands. You can also deploy it to produce visual font effects with various patterns and textures.

It can be a stellar tool for graphic designers and content creators as it brings out realistic images seamlessly without any hassle.

Although it’s still in the experimental phase, Adobe Firefly is likely to gather a broader base of users due to its exceptional outputs. It will introduce 2 more features in the future— text-to-pattern and text-to-brush.

Additionally, Adobe announced that there will be 3D creation features which made users excited about the software’s promise.

Features of Adobe Firefly

Due to constant upgrades of Adobe Firefly, it only offers a handful of features at the moment. Further features are anticipated in the near future.

Text to Image Generation

Adobe Firefly’s text-to-image is its integral feature. It’s quick, efficient, and easy to use to generate your image. All you have to do is insert a text prompt and wait for the tool to transform your words into a realistic and stunning image.

The first thing that caught my attention while leveraging this feature is the library of similar creations that pops up when you click on the text-to-image button. You can view other AI-generated images with their text prompts, giving you an idea of what to expect and also get inspiration if you need it.

You can also use one of the already-made images and modify its elements to your preference. Alternatively, you can input your text prompt and begin editing the elements to get your preferred output.

Generative Fill

Generative Fill is originally among the features of Photoshop that lets you add shadows, lighting, and reflections to the backdrop of your photo. However, in Photoshop, you do it manually but here, Adobe Firefly does it for you.

The feature is still not fully developed, but it has already started making the job of designers effortless to edit their photos. To deploy the feature, you have to select the areas of the photo you wish to edit and command the tool to perform what you want, like adding shadows or altering the lighting.

You can ask it to add elements like other objects or humans too, but at times, the tool struggles with these prompts and generates apparently fake elements.

So, it’s better to try this feature for lighting, shadows, and similar elements that are easily addable. For more technical commands, you should wait for upgrades.

Text Effects

“Text effects” is a designer-focused tool, designed to make typography easier for graphic designers. Like text-to-image, it’s pretty user-friendly too.

To make this feature work, you first input the text you want and then enter another text prompt with instructions to generate the visual effects.

You can use the tool to inject various textures and patterns to manipulate your text. However, as the tool is still not entirely updated, it only allows for 20-character texts.

Vector Recoloring

Designers have long used Adobe Illustrator to produce vector graphics, but it looks like Firefly is rivaling with its cousin software.

The vector recoloring feature allows you to paint vector images and test with their colors. Although it’s not a lot, there’s plenty of potential for this feature.

Vector recoloring features can be revolutionary in the creation of billboards and large ads if Adobe updates it to incorporate more perks & benefits.

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Midjourney vs. Adobe Firefly: How Do They Stack Up?

How to Get Started with Adobe Firefly?

To get started with Adobe Firefly to create an AI image from scratch, sign in to your Adobe account and visit Adobe Firefly’s homepage. You’ll spot large boxes with all the available features and small Generate buttons on the lower right side.

Navigate to the text-to-image box and click on “Generate”. You’ll spot an arsenal of existing AI-generated photos created by other users that you can use for inspiration. If you hover over any image from the collection, you’ll see the text command that created it.

This is highly beneficial as you’ll comprehend how the software interprets your words and makes them realistic.

Input Your Command

After hunting for inspiration, scroll down and click the text box to start typing. Input your text command, and try to detail your command as much as you can to get an output close to what you have in mind.

Have a look at an example of a command that may be difficult to interpret— a realistic image of an animal.

The prompt lacks details like the type of animal, time of day, lighting, and more, so you’ll probably receive a very basic photo.

Add an image with the prompt “A realistic image of an animal”

Instead, try something like this— a realistic image of a lion in a forest on a sunny day with a waterfall and flowing river. Interestingly, you can also input a camera type if you wish, and the tool will generate the image as if it’s captured by it.

Add an image with the prompt “A realistic image of a lion in a forest on a sunny day with a waterfall and flowing river”

Wait for Magic to Happen

Now that you’ve typed your prompt, click on ”Generate” on the lower right side, and wait for Adobe Firefly to showcase its magic.

The beauty of the tool is that it doesn’t generate only one image but four different ones, so you can pick the one closest to your imagination and preference. You can either download it or use it to generate more images.

To carry out that, hover over your favorite image. You will find ‘Show similar’ on the left side. Click on it, and the tool will generate 3 more results inspired by this one right away.

How Do You Access Adobe Firefly?

As we mentioned above, Adobe Firefly is currently in the beta phase and completely free to use. The beta phase entails launching the software and gauging the users’ reactions and feedback.

Important point to note is that it’s still in beta, so now you can only access it from the Creative Cloud app or Adobe’s website. Adobe programs, like Photoshop and Illustrator come with built-in extensions inside them in their latest versions.

Apart from that, a 7-day trial is available that enables users to try out features for free. The following steps you have to follow to use Adobe Firefly through the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app—

Visit the Adobe Website, choose Sign In, and click Get an Adobe ID.
Fill in the requirements and click “Sign Up” thereafter.
Click on the confirmation link you will receive in your email inbox to finalize the sign-up
Next, download the Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app and launch the install
Follow the on-screen instructions until the download is finalized, and then sign in
You will find direct access to Adobe Firefly and can kick off using it

What does Adobe Firefly do?

Adobe Firefly’s main goal is to revamp creative workflows across all of its apps. Currently, it focuses on around 6 image and text effects, 4 of which we explained above. But more features are in development.

Apart from Text-to-Image, Text Effects, Generative Recolor, and Generative Fill, Adobe Firefly also features 3D to Image that generates images from the interactive positioning of 3D elements.

You can also tinker around the aspect ratio of an image with a single click by deploying the tool’s “Extend Image functionality”.

How to Use the Adobe Firefly to Extend Images in Photoshop?

Step 1

Step 1

Open your image in Photoshop and use the Crop tool to extend your canvas. Take any type of image to extend whether an abstract illustration, landscape, or people.

Step 2

Now, hold Control/Command and click your image’s layer in the Layers panel to select the layer. Then, go to Select > Inverse to invert the selection. With that, the empty parts of the canvas will be selected.

Step 3

Step 3

At this point, hit the Generative Fill button, keep the prompt box empty, and hit ”Generate”. While generating without a prompt, Photoshop will use the existing pixels as a reference and attempt to fill in the empty space.

Step 4

Step 4

You’ll be offered 3 variations to choose from in the Window > Properties panel. Or, you can go for generating more using the Generate button, also found in the Properties panel.

Generative Layers will save all generated image variations until they are rasterized. However, they will make PSD/PSB files too large.

Important to note- Adobe Firefly in Photoshop excels at extending abstract backgrounds and textures, but it also does superbly well with landscapes.

Apart from that, you can use Firefly with human subjects as well, transforming close portraits into full body shots, although the results will differ.

How to Use Adobe Firefly to Add Details in Photoshop?

Step 1

In order to add specific details to an image, use one of the selection tools to select the area where you want to add the detail. For example, you can use the Lasso tool or Rectangular Marquee tool. Other selection tools will work too.

Step 2

Now, select the Generative Fill button, and type in what you want to add. For example, you can type “cat”. Then, Hit “Generate” to generate it in your existing image.

Step 3

Just like for image extension, you’ll be given 3 variations to choose from in the Window > Properties panel. Or, you can generate more images using the “Generate” button located above the Variations.

Step 4

You can create as many Generative Layers as you want. Every added detail is on its own layer.

Actionable Tips for Producing Stunning AI Art with Adobe Firefly

Creating AI art can be an electrifying and rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. In order to help you get started, here are 5 tips to make your AI art more fruitful and compelling.

These tips will help you take your AI art to the next level, from selecting the right styling keyword to testing with modifiers and combinations,

1. Start with an Idea

While experimenting with Firefly, initiate with a general idea of what you want to create and incorporate a subject. The subject can be anything from an object like a building or car to living beings like humans or animals. After all, the sky is the limit with AI.

However, AI still has its limitations when handling text although this will likely change in the future. Hence, it’s advisable to avoid prompts involving word depiction.

2. Use Style Modifiers

Don’t forget to add style modifiers while crafting your prompts to spice up your images. Firefly offers a wide variety of presets, making it easy to follow this tip.

Suppose you use a style modifier in your text prompt that aligns with a preset. In that case, Firefly will exclude the word from the prompt and include it as a style.

For example, if you add modifiers like “extraordinary” or “impressive performance”, they will be automatically omitted, and the connected style will be selected for you.

3. Add a Boost Word or Two

Boosters are adjectives that level up your output when used. You can make use of words such as gorgeous, excellent, effective, etc. Generally, you’ll get optimum outcomes using these types of words rather than simply mentioning a subject.

In addition to adjectives, take advantage of words that depict an act taking place. For example, if you want to create a charming photo of a tiger in the jungle, include the word running to provide Firefly with a better idea of what you’re hunting for.

4. Be Clear, Yet Descriptive

It is vital to be particular and detailed to notch up the best results. By providing clear instructions and details while creating prompts, you amplify the quality of your art. This specificity gives the AI more info, scaling up the likelihood of satisfactory results.

However, striking a balance and avoiding overly long prompts is also crucial. While descriptors and modifiers can be helpful, excessive words may confuse and deter AI to understand your instructions.

5. Add Repetitions

Apparently, the concept may be counterproductive, but it can work well too in some settings. This is mainly because of the way AI algorithms work. Most of the current AI systems use a form of machine learning called supervised learning.

So, an AI system trained on specific data can connect what you are hunting for more clearly if you repeat certain modifiers.

For example, using the prompt “glowing river in a cave”, “blue and green glow”, and “blue water” will likely yield better outputs than simply “a river in a cave” prompt would.

Is the Use of Adobe Firefly ethical?

Adobe trained Adobe Firefly on the art they own or on copyright-free images, unlike the first wave of generative AI apps like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion,, and DALL-E, which trained on images ‘extracted’ from the internet.

So it’s legal and ethical to use Adobe Firefly undoubtedly. However, some creators may object to its uses. The key point to note is that options are always there for users to opt out of their work being used by Adobe Firefly.

What languages does Adobe Firefly Support?

At present, Adobe Firefly only supports English language prompts. However, there are plans to expand language support. You can also provide your feedback or any ideas for improvement through the Adobe Community forum or Discord.

Avail of Adobe Firefly for Quick Image Generation & Edits

Given the vast benefits that Adobe Firefly serve, it’s worth taking advantage of such an AI feature. You might have developed text content that requires detailed and killer visuals for better interpretation.

And it’s not just time-consuming to source the required images from free stock photography sites but also undiscoverable many times.

This is where Adobe Firefly comes in as with it, you can produce relevant and striking images as well as designs with no likelihood of copyright strikes. So, download the Photoshop beta in your latest premium Photoshop version and start enjoying the AI magic right away!