Adobe is updating its Adobe Stock service with an AI-powered feature called “Customize.” It allows anyone to “refine and tailor” stock images without ever needing to leave the Adobe Stock platform. In other words, you can make quick, easy adjustments to images, including AI-generated image variations, rather than spend hours editing in a separate app like Photoshop.
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For those unfamiliar, Adobe Stock is a paid service that gives you access to millions of assets to use in projects — including photos, videos, illustrations, vector graphics, 3D assets, templates, and more. It’s aimed at designers, marketers, business owners, etc.
The service lets you search, preview, and license any asset in its library directly from its website or within Adobe Creative Cloud apps, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects. This integration is handy for those who like to add and manipulate assets right from the Adobe tools they’re already using. But what about people who don’t use Adobe’s other apps? That’s where Customize steps in to help.
AI-powered edits in Adobe Stock
The new Customize feature is all about giving you more creative control over Adobe Stock assets. It includes AI image creation and edits, all powered by Adobe Firefly. With this tool, you can now make edits and quick adjustments to images directly in Adobe Stock. You can expand images, apply styles, and make other adjustments, but these require generative credits.
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Keep in mind Adobe already offered its Firefly AI technology in Adobe Stock for business users. In 2024, it introduced Generative Edits and Generate Variations, allowing business users to use its AI tools to generate image variations and make edits, such as removing or replacing backgrounds, adjusting aspect ratios, and applying new styles or compositions.
Now, Adobe said all users are able to “refine multiple images at once,” including changing “aspect ratios to match the format of your project and harmonizing the style of multiple images.” It also realizes that, as you’re searching for images or making iterative changes to an asset, you might prefer a previous result. So, Customize lets you view the “history of your search results and AI refinements.”
That last part is key — because Adobe Stock is using AI to help you with your images and implement changes to them. Adobe says creative professionals have been asking for AI features to handle their time-consuming tasks. It also mentioned Customize is just a preview of “what’s to come” on Adobe Stock, and that it is “continuing to add more generative AI features.”
How to use Customize
The process is easy once you log in to your Adobe Stock account. Just be aware that Adobe’s AI features require generative credits.
- Search for assets: Use the search bar to find images, photos, or illustrations.
- Select an image: Choose an image you want to edit.
- Click on “Customize”: Click on the “Customize” button to make adjustments.
- Refine your image: Use options like “Expand Image” or “Apply Style” to modify your image.
- Review your changes: View and track your edits, including all your AI-powered refinements.
- Download: Once you’re done making edits, you will be able to download and use your finalized asset.
When can you try Customize?
The Customize feature is now available for Adobe Stock users.
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If you’re subscribed to an individual or business plan, or using credits, you can begin using Adobe Stock’s Customize feature today. Plans start at $30 per month for 10 assets or 1 video. Generative credits, which are required for Customize, are included with paid subscriptions. You can find more about how many credits are included with each plan here.
