Adobe Firefly Now Supports Third-Party AI Models from OpenAI and Google

A major upgrade to Adobe’s Firefly AI platform has been revealed, with ambitions to incorporate both its own proprietary models and cutting-edge image-generation models from OpenAI and Google. In a move aimed at enhancing creative flexibility for its vast user base, Adobe is also bringing the Firefly application to mobile platforms, making cutting-edge generative tools more accessible for creators on the go.

Adobe, a global leader in creative software and the powerhouse behind popular programs like Photoshop and Premiere Pro, has been actively developing its in-house artificial intelligence technology since 2023. The company’s Firefly service enables users to generate high-quality visuals and video content with AI assistance, and Adobe has consistently emphasized that its native models are designed to be commercially safe-ensuring users are not at legal risk when incorporating AI-generated media into professional projects.

However, in a strategic shift that reflects the evolving nature of generative AI, Adobe is now expanding its offerings by including powerful third-party models. Firefly users will soon be able to access and create imagery using OpenAI’s image-generation capabilities via GPT, Google’s Imagen 3, Veo 2, and Flux 1.1 Pro. This diversification marks a milestone in Adobe’s broader AI strategy, which also includes future collaborations with other tech companies such as fal.ai, Luma, and Runway, expected to join the Firefly ecosystem in the near future.

The reasoning behind this multi-model strategy was elucidated by Ely Greenfield, chief technology officer for digital media at Adobe. In an interview with Reuters, he noted that while many professional clients prefer Adobe’s Firefly models for production purposes due to their guaranteed commercial safety, others are increasingly interested in leveraging various AI tools for ideation, brainstorming, and creative exploration. By integrating a wider array of models, Adobe aims to empower users with more options tailored to different stages of their creative workflow.

Furthermore, Adobe is ensuring a seamless experience by allowing users to import AI-generated content from Firefly directly into flagship applications like Photoshop with minimal effort. All image-generation services-whether Adobe’s own or third-party-can be paid for using the existing credit-based system within Firefly. While Adobe has not revealed the specifics of revenue sharing with its external model partners, this unified payment model simplifies access and usage for customers, reinforcing Adobe’s role as a hub for AI-enhanced creativity.