Adobe Express gets a massive free upgrade – including Firefly AI

The all-in-one content creation platform now offers a host of added features

A person in sunglasses stood beside some edited work created on Adobe Express, on a bright pink background
(Image credit: Adobe)

A few weeks ago, Photoshop got a huge update which saw the platform benefit from Adobe Firefly generative AI capabilities. Now, hot on the heels of that release, another Adobe staple is getting a similar boost.

Adobe Express may not have the brand name recognition of Photoshop, but it probably deserves it. The free platform enables users to edit images, photos and PDFs, with a distinct focus on social media uses. It's already a powerful free tool, and it's only going to get better with the inclusion of generative AI.

It's important to note that the version of Firefly coming to Express isn't quite the same as the one in Photoshop. That had generative fill, which Express doesn't get this time out. Instead, users will get to use text-to-image, for AI-based image generation, and text effects, which can use AI to adjust fonts.

Crucially, all of the images are safe for commercial use. Plus, while generative fill isn't present in this update, the team at Adobe did allude to that being a possibility in the future, so watch this space.

Other updates are also made to the platform. In particular, Express gets a deep connectivity with other apps in the Adobe ecosystem. For example, you can import files directly from Photoshop or Illustrator into Express. Then, if you make changes to the original file, those changes appear in Express in real-time. 

That's perfect for collaborative teams. One user on Express could ask for a change to be made, and that could be enacted elsewhere, updating instantly where it's needed.

The feature will be available in the beta version of Express from today. 

Sam Cross
Senior Staff Writer

Sam Cross is an award-winning journalist, with nine years of experience in the media industry. His work can be found in publications as diverse as Oracle Time, Metro and Last Word on Sports.

Here at T3, Sam is best known as the brand’s go-to guy for all things luxurious – from exquisite watches to fine fragrances; the latest performance vehicles to intricate audio equipment, and more.

He’s often found travelling around the world to test new launches, complete with high-end backpacks and suitcases in tow. And when he’s not adding to his air miles, Sam can be found in front of a video camera, bringing his distinctive brand of storytelling to T3’s social media channels.

Sam also loves all things analogue including listening to music on vinyl or cassette, and photography on vintage film cameras.