Midjourney, a popular AI image generation tool, has introduced an upgrade in its image editor. This allows users to edit external images and not just AI-generated ones. In addition, it changed the way both experts and amateurs view image editing and made Midjourney a rival to market leaders like Photoshop and Affinity.
A Bold Move Beyond Generative AI
Formerly, Midjourney allowed users to upload images as reference points, but the new edit feature takes things a little further. It allows users to upload and make edits to any image. For example, a user can modify the lighting, change the colors and textures of things, or even the layout of furniture in a photo. This allows for more creative tweaks than Photoshop's AI tools currently offer, as Midjourney's editor combines aspects of traditional and AI-driven image editing.
As reflected in the latest update, Midjourney's goal is to become a preferred tool for more than just AI enthusiasts. It has established itself as a powerful tool for experienced users, rivaling Photoshop's AI features.
Tools Rivaling Traditional Photo Editing Software
A vital component of this update is the "Erase tool," which allows users to delete portions of an image and replace them with AI-generated content. This flexibility mimics Photoshop's "Content-Aware Fill" while being more straightforward and faster to use.
Other new options include "Move/Resize" for repositioning elements and adjusting the canvas and aspect ratio with AI-generated borders. Midjourney also offers a "Suggest prompt" function that makes AI-powered edit recommendations for the picture.
Using these features along with their retexturing tool, Midjourney gets closer to simulating Photoshop. With retexturing, users can instantly experiment with styles like Cyberpunk or vintage aesthetics by giving their photos a new surface or material look. Although some users report minor distortions with re-textured images, it does add a unique creative edge.
A Creative Paradigm Shift
While many professional artists may still prefer Photoshop's precision, Midjourney's editor opens doors for users seeking quick, stylized, and enhanced AI edits. This positions Midjourney as a user-friendly substitute for Adobe’s legacy product, providing a balance between ease of use and significant creative capability.