Adobe Unveils Firefly Image Model 4 and Ultra with Moodboarding App
Adobe has rolled out two powerful upgrades to its text-to-image AI model lineup. Called Firefly Image Model 4 and Firefly Image Model 4 Ultra, both aim to give creators more control and better image quality. These releases are part of a broader set of upgrades across Adobe’s Creative Cloud tools, marking a push to stay competitive in the fast-evolving world of generative AI.
Firefly Image Model 4 and Ultra: What’s New?
The Firefly Image Model 4 is now available via the Firefly web app. Adobe says this is its fastest and most realistic model so far. It allows users to generate images up to 2K resolution and tweak camera angles, image styles, and format sizes more easily than before.
For users who need greater detail and realism, Adobe is offering the Firefly Image Model 4 Ultra. This version is built to handle complex scenes with intricate details, such as small objects and layered textures. While the standard model is tuned for speed and efficiency, the Ultra version leans into depth and nuance.
Both models reflect a trend seen in the AI space — giving users the choice between faster results or more refined output.
Firefly Boards: A Fresh Take on Moodboarding
Alongside its new image models, Adobe has introduced Firefly Boards in public beta. This tool works like a collaborative moodboard, similar to FigJam, and was first teased last year during Adobe Max under the name “Project Concept.” It allows users to brainstorm, visualize, and share creative ideas using AI-generated visuals.
While it’s still in beta, Firefly Boards signals Adobe’s push to blend collaboration and creativity with AI-driven features.
Integration with Other AI Models: A Step Toward Openness?
In an interesting move, Adobe is now letting users tap into third-party AI models directly from the Firefly web app. You can choose to use OpenAI’s image model, Google’s Imagen 3, or Google’s Veo 2 for video, with support for Luma, Pika, and others “coming soon.”
But there’s a catch. Adobe marks these third-party models as “experimental” and not safe for commercial use. That’s a strong contrast to Adobe’s in-house models, which are trained on licensed or public domain content and are marked as “commercially safe.” This transparency is a smart move, especially for professionals.
Creative Cloud Updates: Useful, But Not Groundbreaking
Photoshop and Illustrator are also getting some AI love. Photoshop now lets you auto-select tricky details like hair or facial features. It also simplifies color adjustments. A smarter Actions panel can now suggest edits based on your past work.
Illustrator’s generative shape fill and text-to-pattern tools are finally out of beta. These tools are handy, but some users may find that they still need manual tweaks for fine-tuned results. While the updates are welcome, they may not feel game-changing for advanced users.
What Adobe Could Do Better?
Adobe’s push toward AI integration is impressive, but not without gaps. While the Firefly Ultra model improves image quality, the processing speed can slow down noticeably for complex scenes. Also, the third-party model access, though promising, needs clearer use cases and integration ease.
Some might also find Firefly Boards too early in its development stage to rely on for professional work. It still lacks advanced customization and export options that design teams may expect.
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