Alternatives to Adobe Firefly: Comparisons, tests, and results

The creation of images and graphics has become a significant tool for creatives through Artificial Intelligence (AI). Adobe Firefly is one of the most well-known applications in this field, but there are numerous alternatives like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Dall-E that can also deliver powerful results. In this guide, I want to provide you with a detailed comparison of these AI tools to help you choose the right tool for your needs.

Key Insights

• Midjourney offers impressive images that almost look like they were taken by a professional photographer.
• Leonardo.dei and Adobe Firefly offer comparable performance, depending on the quality of the prompts.
• Dall-E produces the weakest results in comparison and should be considered more as a secondary option.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choosing the Right AI Tool

First, you should decide which AI tool you want to use. Each has its own strengths. Stable Diffusion is an open-source project that can be used in various applications like Clipdrop or Automatic1111. Midjourney is known for its impressive images, while Dall-E, created by OpenAI, falls behind in image quality compared to the others.

Step 2: Image Generation with Midjourney

Start by creating an image in Midjourney. Use a simple prompt like "closeup of a striking young blond woman." This concise prompt ensures that the AI generates an image quickly and efficiently. Also, add the format by including "--ar 16:9" to set the image proportions, and then submit the prompt.

Step 3: Image Generation with Dall-E

After creating your image in Midjourney, you can use the same prompt in Dall-E. Here, it might be a bit more challenging to adjust the correct aspect ratio. Simply click "Generate" to create the image. Note that Dall-E has declined in quality in recent months.

Step 4: Image Generation with Leonardo

Now, switch to Leonardo. Choose one of the available models and click "Generate with this model." Here, too, you can adjust the aspect ratio. It is important to pay attention to how well the images compare to Midjourney and Dall-E – at times, you will be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Step 5: Image Generation with Adobe Firefly

Next, use Adobe Firefly. Enter the same prompt and make sure to also set the aspect ratio to 16:9. The images you get with Adobe Firefly may not be perfect, but they are generally acceptable and presentable.

Step 6: Comparing the Results

After generating the images with all four tools, it's time to compare the results. Midjourney will usually deliver the best results, followed by Leonardo and Adobe Firefly. Dall-E seems to come in last place here, perhaps due to the simpler prompts we worked with. Consider the different styles and techniques each tool applies.

Step 7: Conclusion on Image Comparison

In summary, Midjourney consistently impresses with its high-quality output. Leonardo and Adobe Firefly are also competitive, while Dall-E appears to be the least suitable option in the current assessment when it comes to generated image quality. By experimenting more with prompts, you could improve the results of Stable Diffusion, but for quick, high-quality images, Midjourney is clearly the superior choice.

Summary

In your creative process, choosing the right tool can significantly impact your success. Midjourney stands out for its excellent results and is often considered the first choice. Leonardo.dei and Adobe Firefly are solid alternatives that can also deliver good results when used correctly. On the other hand, Dall-E in its current version does not seem to be the best option when it comes to generated image quality.