Adobe implements credit system for the use of generative AI in Photoshop

Keeping the data centers needed for artificial intelligence up and running is expensive, and companies are quick to look for ways to shift some of that expense to users. When tools like ChatGPT launched in November 2022, they were free to use, but paid plans were quickly implemented. Similarly, other services such as Midjourney started with credit schemes, where users received some free, but had to pay for more if they wanted to continue using advanced features.

Adobe Photoshop y los créditos generativos

Adobe has followed this trend. By integrating its Firefly model into Photoshop, it initially offered its content generation tools on an unlimited basis. However, the high computational cost of these functions has led the company to implement a credit system. Now, users of Creative Cloud applications have a limited number of "generative credits" that are renewed monthly with each billing cycle. This means that every time they generate an image from text or use AI features in Photoshop, they will be consuming these credits.

The system also applies to the popular 'Generative Fill' feature, which allows you to expand images or create content from a pre-existing base. Adobe has detailed which actions consume credits and which do not. For example, some text effects in Adobe Express remain free. Users can check their credit balance in the 'My Account' section within the platform, where they are also given the option to buy more credits if they run out.

What happens when credits are exhausted?

Even when users have used up all their monthly credits, Adobe ensures that Creative Cloud, Adobe Express and Adobe Stock subscribers will still be able to create images, albeit in a standard resolution of 2000 x 2000 pixels. However, this unlimited access has an expiration date, as the company has warned that this option will only be available "for a limited time". Adobe has also announced that the credit consumption structure will change as more features and services are added, suggesting that the costs associated with AI will continue to evolve.