How to use AI to enhance Photoshop and Illustrator workflows

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how designers work, and two of the biggest beneficiaries of this evolution are Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. With new AI-powered tools, what once took hours can now be done in minutes — all while keeping creative control in your hands. Let’s explore how you can use AI to enhance your Photoshop and Illustrator workflows efficiently and creatively.

Work faster in Photoshop. Image by Adobe.

AI in Photoshop: smarter editing, faster results

1. Generative Fill for instant object creation and removal
Adobe’s Generative Fill, powered by Adobe Firefly, allows you to remove or add elements simply by describing what you want. Type “remove the person on the left” or “add a coffee cup on the table,” and AI generates seamless results that blend naturally with the background. This feature saves hours of manual masking and cloning.

2. Generative Expand for composition flexibility
If your image isn’t the right size or you need more space for text, Generative Expand automatically extends the canvas and fills the new area with realistic background content. It’s a powerful tool for social media designers or marketing materials that require multiple formats.

3. AI-powered selection and retouching tools
The “Select Subject” and “Remove Tool” functions have become much more precise thanks to AI. Whether isolating complex hair or cleaning up unwanted distractions, Photoshop now understands what you’re trying to do — reducing tedious manual adjustments.

4. Style Transfer and filters
AI filters can instantly apply artistic styles, lighting effects, or skin retouching to photos. For example, the Neural Filters suite allows you to change expressions, age, or even lighting direction — ideal for mockups, creative portraits, and advertising design.

AI in Illustrator: precision meets automation

1. Generative Recolor for rapid color experimentation
Illustrator’s Generative Recolor feature lets you describe a color mood — such as “retro warm tones” or “cool ocean blues” — and AI automatically adjusts your palette. This is excellent for exploring new branding or seasonal variations without manually tweaking color swatches.

2. Vectorize with AI for clean conversions
Converting raster images into clean, editable vector art used to require manual tracing. AI-powered Image Trace now recognizes objects more accurately and creates smoother lines, saving time while maintaining design integrity.

3. Smart suggestions and pattern generation
AI helps generate pattern ideas and layouts automatically. With Adobe Firefly integration, you can even generate vector shapes, icons, and illustrations directly from text prompts — perfect for quick ideation and creative exploration.

4. Simplified typography and layout
AI can assist in font pairing, spacing adjustments, and layout suggestions. These features help designers maintain consistency while experimenting with multiple design directions efficiently.

Integrating AI into your design process

AI isn’t meant to replace creativity; it’s there to amplify it. You can integrate these tools into your workflow by:

  • Using AI for repetitive or technical tasks (e.g., masking, recoloring)
  • Generating multiple concepts quickly, then refining them manually
  • Combining AI output with your artistic intuition to create truly unique work

Staying ahead as a designer

AI will continue to evolve, bringing even smarter automation and creative possibilities. Staying familiar with these tools not only improves productivity but also enhances your adaptability in a competitive design industry. The best designers will be those who know how to balance human creativity with AI precision.

Embracing AI in Photoshop and Illustrator means more time for creativity, less time on repetition, and an expanded ability to turn your imagination into professional, polished visuals.

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