What is AI image style transfer?

AI image style transfer, also known as neural style transfer, is the use of an AI generator to create an image in the style of a reference image. For example, if you want to generate an image of a superhero in a comic book style, you can select the comic book style image from the Digital Illustration section of the Reference Image Gallery. Firefly uses deep neural networks to understand the style of the reference image and apply it to a prompt so you can achieve the look you’re going for quicker and with greater accuracy.

How do image style transfers work?

Image style transfers use trained neural networks, which learn the style features of the reference image (including colors, textures, and brush strokes). The neural networks then apply those style features to the content of another image. In Firefly, Generative Match applies the style features to the new images it generates from text prompts.

Is AI image style transfer suitable for commercial use?

As part of Adobe’s effort to design Firefly to be commercially safe, we are training our initial commercial Firefly models on licensed content, such as Adobe Stock, and public domain content where copyright has expired. If you upload third-party reference images, you must have the rights to use them.

Why should I stylize an image with AI?

Stylizing an image with AI helps you quickly apply a specific look or mood to your visuals, like watercolor, pencil, 3D, or neon, without manual editing. AI image style transfer saves time while giving you more creative control and consistency across your designs.

What can I use an AI image style transfer tool for?

You can use an AI image style transfer tool to generate cohesive assets for branding, social media, digital art, product concepts, and more.

Is it free to use the image style transfer AI feature in Generative Match?

Yes, you can use Adobe Firefly Generative Match for free with an Adobe account. If you have a free account, you’ll get free daily generations to try the image style transfer feature and apply reference styles to new images. Learn more about using Adobe Firefly for free. Upgrade to a paid plan for higher-volume use and access to additional generation features.

What is the best way to transfer image styles successfully?

For the best results with AI style transfer, choose a high-quality reference image that clearly shows the textures, colors, or effects you want to apply. Adjust the Style Strength slider to control how closely the generated image follows the reference.

Adobe Firefly

Free AI Image style transfer with Generative Match.

Apply visual styles from one image to another using Adobe Firefly’s AI image style transfer generator. Get started stylizing images in the Text to Image module inside the Firefly web app.

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Generative match side by side images of AI-generated city scenes with text prompt overlay and neon reference image with style transfer UI

The powerful features of AI image style transfer.

AI image style transfer powered by Adobe Firefly uses machine learning to blend the content of one image with the visual style of another, transforming your original image into something new. With Generative Match, you can upload your own image to generate images in your unique style, or apply a reference image to guide the new aesthetic, all for free.

Transfer image styles for cohesive content.

AI image style transfer lets you upload an image as a reference, then generate new assets that align with that style. Whether you're creating art, illustrations, product concepts, logos, or social content, applying a consistent look helps everything feel cohesive. Use reference images to produce unified visuals for articles, blogs, ads, social content and more.

AI generated image of beautiful landscape scene with flowers by river and style reference UI to upload reference in Generative Match

Before and after of AI generated landscape scene with text to image prompt, reference photo, and style overlay in Generative Match

Update image styles and visuals faster.

An image style transfer tool makes it easy to refresh the look of your assets without starting over. Whether you're following new design trends or simply changing your personal style, you can update colors, textures, and overall aesthetic in minutes. Apply a new reference image to adjust one piece or quickly transform a set of visuals into a consistent, updated style.

Stylize images with no experience.

You don’t need to be a professional designer to create cohesive, professional-looking assets. Upload a reference image to apply that style across logos, product concepts, social graphics, and more. Image style transfer makes it easy to keep everything on-brand without advanced design skills.

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How to stylize images with AI Generative Match.

Learn how to create more personalized, cohesive, and on-brand visuals in less time with the AI image style transfer tool. By applying styles from a reference image, you can match your artwork to a specific look, whether it’s hand-drawn, realistic, or completely abstract. With Generative Match in Firefly, it’s simple to change or update your creative direction without starting over.

Here’s how to apply a style transfer to your AI-generated images:

Open Firefly to use the image style transfer feature.
Go to the Text to Image module in the Firefly web app. (If you’re not signed in, sign in to your Adobe account or create an account for free.) Hover over any image in the gallery and select View Samples.
Select a reference image to transfer styles from.
In the control panel to the right of the image results, make sure Firefly Image 2 model is selected. In that same panel, scroll down to the Match section. Click the Reference Gallery to scroll through the images until you find a style you want to apply.

To use your own image, drag and drop it into the control panel or click Upload Your Own Image and select it from the pop-up menu. (You must have the rights to any third-party images you upload.)
Click ‘Generate’ to apply style.
Click Generate to apply the reference style. Firefly will produce a stylized image that blends your original idea with the visual look of your selected reference.
Refine generated image.
Use the Style Strength slider in the control panel to fine-tune how strongly the reference image influences your design using AI image style transfer. You can also adjust color and tone, lighting, and composition to further customize your results. For more detailed edits, click the Edit button in the top left of a stylized image to open it in the Generative Fill workspace.
Save your work.
Click the heart in the top right to save the image to your Favorites, or click the More Options button to download it as a PNG or save it your libraries.

Once you’ve created a stylized image with AI image style transfer, you can easily share it for feedback or inspiration. Use your new design to update other visuals, like logos, product shots, or social graphics so everything fits the same aesthetic. Whether you're refreshing your brand or building out a full set of creative assets, applying consistent styles helps your content look more polished and professional.

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