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Photoshop’s 2024 updates expanded generative editing and added practical workflow changes, including an Adjustment Brush and improvements to typography tools. Adobe said Firefly Image 3 would bring more photorealistic results, better prompt comprehension, and more variety, but those are Adobe’s claims—not independent test findings in this review.
This is a historically scoped look at what Adobe announced in 2024, not a guide to every feature or term in today’s Photoshop. The evidence here establishes the announced tools and their intended uses, not comparative image quality, performance, or value.
What changed in Photoshop in 2024?
Adobe announced a new generation of generative AI features in the Photoshop beta on April 23, 2024. The announcement centered on Generative Fill powered by Firefly Image 3 and introduced ways to guide and vary generated content, alongside conventional editing and typography updates. Adobe announced these capabilities; this review did not independently test them.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors| Feature or change | What Adobe described | Timing in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Generative Fill with Firefly Image 3 | Adding or removing image content, with an improved experience and claims of better prompt comprehension, photorealism, and variety. | Announced for Photoshop beta in April. |
| Reference Image | Using visual inspiration to guide generated content when text alone may not convey the intended detail. | Announced in April. |
| Generate Image | Creating images from text prompts; Adobe initially announced it in beta as Text to Image. | Announced in April; Adobe said it was out of beta in the July update. |
| Generate Similar | Making more variations based on a selected result. | Announced in April. |
| Generate Background | Replacing a background with generated content intended to match a subject’s lighting, shadows, and perspective. | Announced in April. |
| Enhance Detail | Improving sharpness and detail in Generative Fill variations. | Announced in April. |
| Adjustment Brush | Applying targeted image adjustments non-destructively. | Announced in April. |
| Font Browser and Type Tool | Searching, filtering, previewing, and using cloud fonts; the July update also added bullets and numbering to the Type Tool. | Font Browser enhancements announced in April; list formatting announced in July. |
| Contextual Task Bar | Improvements to workflows involving shapes and transformations. | Announced in the July update. |
Adobe’s April announcement said the features were introduced in the Photoshop beta, with general availability to follow later in 2024. Its July update specifically said Generate Image was out of beta in Photoshop and Photoshop on the web. These are dated release statements, not a description of current availability.
#1 Best Overall
- Universal Compatibility: It's compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11, Mac 10.10 or later, Linux. Compatible with Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, Painter, MediBang, Clip Studio, and more. It's ideal for digital drawing, animation, sketching, photo editing, 3D sculpting, and more (XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet must be connected to a computer to work).
- 11.6 HD IPS display: Artist12 drawing tablet is the XP-PEN’s latest smallest 1920x1080 HD display paired with 72% NTSC(100%SRGB) Color Gamut, presenting vivid images, vibrant colors and extreme detail for a stunning display of your artwork. It's pre-installed anti-reflective screen protector already. The slim touch bar can be programmed to zoom in and out, scroll up and down. Its 6 shortcut keys are customizable, XP-PEN driver allows the shortcut keys to be attuned to other different software
- Battery-free stylus with a digital eraser at the end: XP-PEN advanced P06 passive pen was made for a traditional pencil-like feel! Featuring a unique hexagonal design, non-slip & tack-free flexible glue grip, partial transparent pen tip, and an eraser at the end! Delivering technical sense, high efficiency, with a fashionable and comfortable grip, and there are 8 replacement pen nibs included with the multi-function pen holder
- XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet with screen is ideal for online education and remote work. Set the Artist12 drawing screen as an extended display when working from home, visually present your handwritten notes on the screen directly. Teachers and students can write and edit complicated functional equations with ease. It's compatible with XSplit, Zoom, Twitch, Microsoft Teams, ezTalks Webinar, Idroo, Scribbiar, wiziQ, and more
- XP-PEN provides a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support for all our drawing pen tablets/displays. Register your XP-PEN Artist12 drawing tablet on xp-pen web to apply for an ArtRage 5, openCanvas, or Explain Everything. Your laptop/desktop needs to have HDMI and USB-A ports available for the connection, or you need an extra converter(such as Thunderbolt to HDMI, depends on what ports that your laptop/desktop has) for the connection
How the generative tools were intended to work
Adobe described Generative Fill as a way to add or remove content in a selected area. In its current guide, Adobe describes generating variations on a separate generative layer to support nondestructive editing. That guide describes a newer model, so its current capabilities should not be assumed to match every detail of the 2024 Firefly Image 3 release.
Reference Image was presented as a way to steer a result with visual inspiration, while Generate Similar offered further variations from a chosen result. Generate Background was intended to replace a background with generated content matched to a subject. Enhance Detail was described as improving sharpness and detail in generated variations. These are Adobe’s descriptions; the research did not test the quality or speed of the results.
A careful way to assess generative edits
- Keep a copy of the source. Compare generated changes against the original rather than treating a generated result as a substitute for it.
- Try a defined editing task. Evaluate a specific use, such as removing an object or extending a composition, instead of relying on a general impression.
- Inspect the result closely. Check edges, textures, lighting, and the relationship between the generated area and the rest of the image.
- Compare variations. Where the tool offers them, assess whether alternatives follow the prompt or reference and retain the details you need.
- Finish with conventional editing where needed. Selection, masking, compositing, and layer-based work remain relevant parts of evaluating an edit.
Beyond AI: workflow changes
The 2024 announcements were not limited to image generation. Adobe described the Adjustment Brush as a way to make targeted adjustments non-destructively. It also announced Font Browser improvements for searching, filtering, previewing, and using cloud fonts, and later added bullets and numbering support to the Type Tool.
Rank #2
- PLEASE NOTE：XPPen Artist13.3 Pro drawing tablet Need to connect with computer,you need to use it with your computer or laptop, the 3 in 1 cable is included
- Drawing Tablet with Screen: Tilt Function- XPPen Artist 13.3 Pro supports up to 60 degrees of tilt function, so now you don't need to adjust the brush direction in the software again and again. Simply tilt to add shading to your creation and enjoy smoother and more natural transitions between lines and strokes
- Graphics Tablets: High Color Gamut- The 13.3 inch fully-laminated FHD Display pairs a superb color accuracy of 88% NTSC (Adobe RGB≧91%，sRGB≧123%) with a 178-degree viewing angle and delivers rich colors, vivid images, and dazzling details in a wider view. Your creative world is now as powerful as it is colorful
- Drawing Pad: One is enough- The sleek Red Dial on the display is expertly designed with creators in mind, its strategic placement allows for natural drawing postures. With just one wheel, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, adjust brush sizes, and flip the canvas—all tailored to suit the habits of everyday artists. The 8 customizable shortcut keys allow you to personalize your setup, streamlining your workflow and enhancing creative efficiency
- Universal Compatibility & Software Support：supports Windows 7 (or later), Mac OS X 10.10 (or later), Chrome OS 88 (or later), and Linux systems. Fully compatible with major creative software including Photoshop, Illustrator, SAI, and Blender 3D. Register your device to access additional programs like ArtRage 5 and openCanvas for expanded creative possibilities.
Adobe said more than 25,000 cloud fonts were available in the Font Browser in its April announcement. That figure is Adobe’s published count, not an independently verified measurement. The July update also covered Contextual Task Bar improvements for shape and transform workflows.
These changes matter when assessing Photoshop as an editing environment: the generative tools sit alongside selection, masking, compositing, type, and other established workflows. The dossier does not provide independent testing of how well these updates work in practice.
What the evidence does—and does not—show
Adobe’s launch materials said Firefly Image 3 offered more photorealistic output, better prompt comprehension, and greater variety. Those statements describe Adobe’s intended improvements and should not be confused with a comparative test. This research did not install Photoshop, compare its outputs with an earlier release, or test rival editors.
Rank #3
- PLEASE NOTE: The XPPen Artist 15.6 Pro needs to connect with a computer to use. You need to use it with your Computer or Laptop. It is NOT a standalone drawing tablet
- Outstanding Visuals: The immersive 15.6 inch large screen with 1920x1080 p full HD resolution presents your creation in the depth of detail, provides you with clarity to see every detail of your work
- 8 customized express keys: The Artist 15.6 Pro monitor features 8 fully customizable shortcut keys and puts more customization options at your fingertips to suit you preferred work style, allowing you to capture and express your ideas easier and faster for optimized workflow
- Full-laminated Technology: XPPen Artist15.6 Pro art tablet is adopting full-laminated technology, seamlessly combines the glass and the screen, to create a distraction-free working environment that's also easy on the eyes
- Advanced Pen Performance: With up to 16384 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Battery-free Stylus provides you with increased accuracy and enhanced performance to create the finest sketches and lines
Adobe also said Firefly models were trained on licensed content such as Adobe Stock and public-domain content where copyright had expired, and that Firefly-powered Photoshop features attach Content Credentials. These are Adobe’s statements about its technology and provenance features.
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Commercial-use wording requires particular care. Adobe’s April 2024 announcement said Firefly was designed for commercial use and referred to IP indemnification, while Adobe’s current Generative Fill page says content generated in the Photoshop app may not be used for commercial purposes. Do not treat the older announcement as a blanket guarantee for every feature, plan, or current use. Check the applicable Adobe terms for the feature and date in question.
Availability and current terms
Photoshop’s features, version requirements, membership terms, and access rules can change. Adobe’s current Generative Fill page lists Photoshop version 25.0 as the version threshold and says the feature is unavailable to users in China; the page describes a newer Firefly model. Those current statements should not be projected backward as the exact terms of the 2024 launch.
Rank #4
- 【Fully-Laminated Anti-Glare Screen & Zero Parallax】 Adopting cutting-edge fully-laminated technology, the 11.6-inch IPS display seamlessly combines glass and screen to eliminate visual gaps. With virtually zero parallax, your cursor lands precisely where you intend, offering an authentic, paper-like drawing experience. The built-in anti-glare protective film reduces harsh reflections, protecting your eyes during long creative sessions
- 【Innovative Red Dial & 8 Customizable Express Keys】 Streamline your workflow with the sleek, tactile Red Dial interface designed to fit comfortably in your hand. Easily zoom in/out on your canvas and adjust brush sizes with higher accuracy than traditional touch bars. Combined with 8 customizable shortcut keys, it lets you bypass the keyboard, capture ideas faster, and boost productivity for digital painting and editing
- 【8192 Levels Pressure Sensitivity & 60° Natural Tilt Support】 Powered by a battery-free stylus that requires no charging, this tablet delivers superior precision with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity—capturing every nuance down to individual hairs. Enjoy natural tilt support up to 60 degrees, allowing you to add smooth, organic shading without constantly adjusting brush angles in your software
- 【Must Connect to a Device & Broad System Compatibility】 Please note that this is a drawing monitor and cannot be used as a standalone tablet; it must be connected to a host device. It offers wide compatibility, supporting Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.10 or later, ChromeOS 88 or later, and Linux. Featuring a convenient 3-in-1 cable, it integrates seamlessly with major creative software like Photoshop, Illustrator, and SAI
- 【Versatile for E-Learning, Remote Teaching & Web Conferencing】 Beyond digital art, sketching, and animation, the Artist 12 Pro is a powerful productivity extension for your computer. When connected to your system, it enables smooth digital writing, document annotation, and real-time screen sharing on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, empowering interactive remote classes and online webinars
Check Adobe’s current product and plan pages for availability, membership requirements, and terms in your region. The research does not establish current prices, plan contents, credit allowances, or a universal subscription-value judgment.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare Photoshop with another editor
No competing editor was tested for this article. If you are choosing software, compare products using the same images and tasks rather than relying on an unsupported ranking.
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| Comparison area | What to assess |
|---|---|
| Selection and layer control | How precisely you can select, mask, and revise image areas. |
| Removal, expansion, and backgrounds | Consistency across object removal, extending a frame, and replacing a background. |
| Prompt and reference controls | How much control text prompts and visual references provide over results. |
| Typography and compositing | How well image editing fits into work involving type and multiple visual elements. |
| Access and terms | Subscription or other access requirements, feature availability, and applicable usage terms. |
Who may find the 2024 updates relevant?
The announced tools are relevant to people who use Photoshop for image editing and want to explore generative changes alongside conventional editing. The Adjustment Brush and typography improvements may also matter to users whose work involves local adjustments or text. Whether these features justify access depends on an individual workflow; the research does not establish a current price or value verdict.
Best Value
- Battery-Free Pen: StarG640 drawing tablet is the perfect replacement for a traditional mouse! The XPPen advanced Battery-free PN01 stylus does not require charging, allowing for constant uninterrupted Draw and Play, making lines flow quicker and smoother, enhancing overall performance
- Ideal for Online Education: XPPen G640 graphics tablet is designed for digital drawing, painting, sketching, E-signatures, online teaching, remote work, photo editing, it's compatible with Microsoft Office apps like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Zoom, Xsplit etc. Works perfect than a mouse, visually present your handwritten notes, signatures precisely
- Compact and Portable: The G640 art tablet is only 2 mm thick, it's as slim as all primary level graphic tablets, allowing you to carry it with you on the go
- Chromebook Supported: XPPen G640 digital drawing tablet is ready to work seamlessly with Chromebook devices now, so you can create information-rich content and collaborate with teachers and classmates on Google Jamboard’s whiteboard; Take notes quickly and conveniently with Google Keep, and effortlessly sketch diagrams with the Google Canvas
- Multipurpose Use: Designed for playing OSU! Game, digital drawing, painting, sketch, sign documents digitally, this writing tablet also compatible with Microsoft Office programs like Word, PowerPoint, OneNote and more. Create mind-maps, draw diagrams or take notes as replacement for mouse
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Photoshop’s 2024 generative update add?
Adobe announced Firefly Image 3-powered Generative Fill, Reference Image, Generate Image, Generate Similar, Generate Background, and Enhance Detail. Generate Image moved out of beta in the July 2024 update, according to Adobe.
Was Photoshop’s 2024 AI independently tested here?
No. The evidence in this review comes from Adobe’s official announcements and product information. Adobe’s statements about realism, prompt comprehension, and variety are vendor claims, not results of an independent test.
Did Photoshop’s 2024 update include non-AI changes?
Yes. Adobe announced an Adjustment Brush and Font Browser enhancements in April, and its July update included bullets and numbering for the Type Tool and Contextual Task Bar improvements.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCan I rely on 2024 feature or access terms today?
Not without checking. Adobe’s current pages describe newer models and may set different availability, version, membership, or usage terms than the 2024 announcements. Consult the current Adobe information for your region and intended use.
Can Photoshop generative content be used commercially?
Do not assume a blanket yes. Adobe’s 2024 announcement and its current Generative Fill page use materially different commercial-use language. Check the current terms for the exact feature, plan, and use before relying on generated content commercially.
Quick Recap
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