Adobe has rolled out a new beta update for Photoshop that includes two non-Adobe AI image models in its Generative Fill tool: Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image (a.k.a. “Nano Banana”) and Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.1 Kontext. Users can now choose between those and Adobe’s in-house Firefly model when doing prompt-based edits inside Photoshop. The Nano Banana option is tailored for stylized, imaginative elements, while FLUX.1 is tuned toward maintaining contextual coherence and realistic integration. In tests, the integration appears smooth, though occasional AI artifacts still require manual fixes. This move marks one of Adobe’s first integrations of external AI models directly into Photoshop’s workflow.
Key Takeaways
– Adobe’s integration gives users creative flexibility by letting them choose between multiple AI image models (Nano Banana, FLUX.1, and Firefly) within Photoshop’s Generative Fill tool.
– Nano Banana is marketed as excelling in stylized, imaginative edits, while FLUX.1 is pitched for contextual accuracy, preserving perspective and environmental harmony.
– This is one of Adobe’s early moves to bring third-party models directly into Photoshop’s editing workflow — a strategic shift from only relying on its internal models.
In-Depth
Adobe’s update is a bold step toward an AI-agnostic future for creative tools. Until now, Photoshop’s Generative Fill feature relied primarily on Adobe’s Firefly models under the hood. By opening that pipeline to external models like Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash (Nano Banana) and Black Forest Labs’ FLUX.1 Kontext, Adobe is signaling that it regards the best creative result — not proprietary gatekeeping — as the priority.
Nano Banana made waves earlier this year for its fluency in retaining subject identity while morphing scenes, making it ideal for stylized and imaginative augmentations. Analysts note that it outperforms many rivals in prompt accuracy and consistency across edits. The BGR writeup emphasizes how users can alter backgrounds, clothing, even posture, while preserving the subject. The model has been credited with fueling viral trends like turning selfies into 3D figurines. Meanwhile, FLUX.1 is a newer model that emphasizes in-context continuity, preserving perspective, structure, and environmental consistency — especially when multiple edits or transformations are chained together.
Inside Photoshop Beta, after selecting a region for Generative Fill, creators will now see a model picker offering Nano Banana, FLUX.1 or Firefly. The user can choose based on the creative goal, generate the content, and then immediately switch back to Photoshop’s suite of precision tools — layers, masks, curves, blending modes — to fine-tune. This seamless handoff is key: you don’t have to leave your familiar editing environment to take advantage of alternative models. Adobe describes it as combining the “choice in models” with “professional-grade tools” to maintain momentum in creative workflows.
Testing so far is promising. In reviews and early trials, the new models deliver compelling results, though not yet flawless. Some AI artifacts still emerge — stray pixels, odd edge transitions, or spatial inconsistencies — but these can often be corrected manually. The fact that artifacts appear isn’t surprising; every generative model has edge cases. What’s impressive is that they’ve made integration smooth enough for everyday creatives to experiment without friction.
Strategically, this move opens a door. Rather than competing with or locking out other model providers, Adobe is effectively acknowledging that innovation happens externally, and its value lies in stitching them into the broader workflow. For users, this means more experimentation, more stylistic options, and less friction switching tools. It also raises interesting questions about licensing, model credits, performance (speed, memory), and long-term consistency.
As generative AI models proliferate, the winners will be platforms that let users switch models as needed, rather than being locked into one. Adobe’s embracing of that philosophy is significant — and may force other creative apps to follow suit or fall behind.