Adobe Max 2024 Recap: Highlights, New Features & More!

Adobe Max 2024 Day 1. Photo credit: Adobe

Adobe Max 2024 kicked off with a bang, showcasing all the major announcements that highlighted significant innovations and product launches by Adobe.

For those tuned in for free online, the first day of this year’s Adobe MAX began with palpable excitement as Adobe creators gave a live commentary on the event’s first in-person session.

Watch the free version of Adobe Max Day One here or below.

The Community Keynote Recap session, led by Andrew Hochradel and Flyn Tracy, offered a preview of what Adobe’s innovative updates mean for creatives, outlining a breakdown of how these tools streamline workflows and improve overall content.

Keynote Highlights

The keynotes at Adobe Max 2024 were nothing short of spectacular, setting the tone for the entire conference with a series of groundbreaking announcements and visionary insights.

Adobe’s leaders took the stage to share their vision for the future of creativity, emphasizing how their latest tools and technologies are designed to empower creative professionals to achieve their goals more efficiently and imaginatively.

One of the standout moments was the (re)introduction of Firefly, Adobe’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Firefly is poised to revolutionize the Creative Cloud suite, offering features like Generative Fill in Photoshop, which has already been a game-changer for Adobe users during its open beta phase.

With over 3 billion images generated using Firefly-powered features, it’s clear that this AI technology is making a significant impact on creative workflows. The keynote underscored Adobe’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that creative professionals have the tools they need to bring their most ambitious ideas to life.

The new updates to Adobe Photoshop took center stage with a first look as presented by Tony Harmer and Andrew Hochradel.

Photoshop’s best version yet introduces a revamped Distraction Removal tool, allowing users to automatically remove unneeded elements from photos with a single click.

This update—thanks to Adobe Firefly’s generative AI—allows for faster, more cohesive edits, making complex photo manipulations cleaner and easier.

Adobe Photoshop now comes with a long list of new features. Photo credit: Adobe

Plus, Adobe introduced Generative Workspace (still on beta!), a new AI-powered feature within Photoshop that allows users to brainstorm multiple concepts simultaneously, refining text prompts and generating sets of images without slowing down workflows.

Additionally, the new ‘Text to Vector Graphics’ feature in Photoshop leverages AI to create editable, vector-based images directly from user text prompts, streamlining the creative process for designers.

Think how much more dynamic creative agencies can operate with this feature!

These updates further elevate Photoshop as an essential tool for designers and content creators, allowing everyone to explore out-of-the-box ideas at unprecedented speeds.

For video editors, Adobe Premiere Pro saw a game-changing introduction with Generative Extend, an AI-powered tool that adds frames to the beginning or end of a video clip to enhance transitions or match cuts. This feature, demonstrated live at the event, is especially useful for editors needing to adjust timing without compromising the original footage, saving hours of meticulous work in post-production.

A Creative Cloud subscription is essential for accessing these latest innovations, including powerful tools like Firefly and Share for Review, which aid in collaboration and streamline the design process while incorporating AI technologies.

From silly, feel-good vlogs to dialogue-initiating documentaries, this is an update I can’t wait for more video pros to rave about!

Adobe Express also received significant updates, making it easier for users to create stunning visuals quickly. These updates benefit creative teams by enhancing collaboration and efficiency, particularly with tools like the next generation of Frame.io designed to support these teams in managing and streamlining their creative processes.

Creative Cloud Updates

Adobe Max 2024 also brought a slew of exciting updates to the Creative Cloud suite, each designed to enhance the creative process and streamline workflows.

Among the most anticipated updates was the launch of Generative Extend in Premiere Pro. This innovative tool allows creatives to extend footage and generate video content from still images and text prompts, thanks to Adobe’s Firefly Video Model.

This feature is set to revolutionize video editing, making it easier than ever to create seamless transitions and compelling narratives.

In addition, Adobe Express, the versatile web and mobile creative tool, received a significant upgrade with new AI-generated text effects. These updates enable users to craft unique text effects that perfectly complement their designs, making it a breeze to create eye-catching social media posts, flyers, and videos.

Of course, the updates weren’t limited to Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Adobe Illustrator now includes Objects on Path, enabling designers to attach and arrange objects along paths with greater ease, and a Mockup feature, which allows users to place their artwork on real-life objects for more realistic brand and product presentations.

Additionally, the enhanced use of vector images in creative projects like packaging design has been made easier with new tools that integrate vector illustrations seamlessly into various surfaces.

Adobe InDesign introduced generative AI tools, too, like Generative Expand and Text to Image, allowing designers to manipulate imagery within layout designs more seamlessly.

Meanwhile, Adobe Lightroom brought forward enhanced Generative Remove tools and Quick Actions for a more intuitive photo-editing experience.

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen at Adobe Max 2024. Photo credit: Adobe

A lineup of Meet the Speaker sessions also presented some of the most inspiring voices in the creative community.

Brittney Megann, founder of Socials & Stilettos, shared how she now integrates Adobe Express into her daily marketing workflow, offering tips on elevating brand identity through social media.

Furthermore, digital artist Anna McNaught shared her journey of creating striking digital landscapes and advice for newbies and industry shifters.

Lucas O’Keefe, one of the best social media experts in the game today, delivered an in-depth look at updates on Adobe Express, the non-professional creative’s drag-and-drop designing tool that anyone can create with.

He talked about the technology’s new features such as animation and AI-driven design tweaks that streamline the creation of social media posts, menus, flyers, and even videos. New tools like Gen Studio are designed to accelerate performance marketing efforts for creative teams, enhancing campaigns through innovative technologies like generative AI.

Design leaders Meg Lewis and Nicte Cuevas showed no shortage of excitement too.

Meg shared her deeply felt design philosophy that maximizes personality-driven artwork to realize uniqueness and individuality, while Nicte Cuevas discussed the whys of her branding strategies and how she crafts visual stories that make audiences feel.

Finally, Michael Fugoso, popular for blending art and technology, wrapped up the day by presenting his personalized approach to design and problem-solving — which, to me, was a stellar reminder that what we do (as brand strategists and creatives in general) truly is helping brands conquer hurdles.

We don’t just design for vibes and giggles. We’re actually solving problems.

With the unveiling of Project Neo (also still in beta) and the continued AI integration across Adobe’s entire suite, the Californian software company is pushing boundaries in how creators approach 3D content creation and visual storytelling.

Project Neo empowers 2D designers to experiment with 3D design in their browser; seamlessly integrating with Adobe Illustrator for a more fluid creative process.

Adobe’s Project Neo (Beta). Photo Credit: Adobe

Adobe Max 2024 solidifies that the future of creative tools lies in AI-backed workflows, allowing more creators time to focus on what truly matters: initiating discourse and bringing to life ideas.

Whether through Frame.io Version 4 for streamlined creative collaboration or new Adobe Firefly Video models that revolutionize video editing, Adobe is leading the charge in making creative possibilities endless.

One of my personal favorites in Day 2 was a session by creative powerhouse Magdiel Lopez, who captivated the audience with insights on Illustrator’s latest updates.

Watch the free version of Adobe Max Day 2 here or below.

Cyn Lagos closed the second day with an exciting look at Adobe Firefly’s integration with Premiere Pro and Adobe Express.

Her demonstration of AI-powered workflows was particularly impressive, showcasing how these updates can hasten video editing and motion design without compromising quality. Oppositely, it even makes the whole process better and allows for more imagination.

With the software doing all of the technical heavy lifting, all I could think of at the moment was how creators now have so much autonomy and power in focusing on ideation.

Isn’t that just inspiring?

Image generated using Adobe Firefly. Photo credit: Adobe

Day 3, the conclusion of Adobe Max 2024, was just as packed and brilliantly paced. While there isn’t a free stream for the third day’s sessions, you can check out commentaries and live tutorials from various creators here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRA0DTybqyY&t=5686s

For more on-demand sessions and content from Adobe Max 2024, click here.

Overall, Adobe Max 2024 was a spectacular event that not only brought creatives together but also empowered artists of all skill levels in various spaces. From conversations on branding and storytelling to technical tutorials and addressing client pain points, there was a lot to take in during the 3-day event.

Of course, no Adobe Max gathering would be complete without discussions on software updates. With AI now in the picture, there is so much more we can do! Below is a roundup of my favorite new Adobe features!

Photoshop

• Generative Fill
• Spot Healing Brush tool
• Remove tool
• Generate Image
• Generative Expand
• Sky Replacement
• Curvature Pen tool
• Generate Background
• Content-Aware Fill
• Smart Objects
• Match Font
• Neural Filters
• Smart Filters
• Preserve Details 2.0

Firefly AI and Brand Safety

Adobe’s Firefly AI technology is not only a powerful tool for creatives but also a testament to the company’s commitment to brand safety.

Adobe has taken significant steps to ensure that Firefly operates responsibly, including not using customers’ data to train its models. This approach provides peace of mind to artists and designers, knowing that their work remains their own.

Moreover, Adobe has established the Content Authenticity Initiative, a program designed to give creators visibility and control over their content.

This initiative allows artists, designers, photographers, videographers, IT professionals, and marketers to set their own guardrails, ensuring that their materials are used ethically and transparently.

By prioritizing brand safety and content authenticity, Adobe is fostering a creative environment where innovation and integrity go hand in hand.

• Generative Fill
• Text to Template
• Text Effects
• Text to Image

• Generative Recolor
• Puppet Warp
• Text to Vector Graphic
• Curvature tool
• Text to Pattern
• Global Editing
• Generative Shape Fill

• AI Assistant
• Generative Summary
• Form Field Recognition
• Liquid Mode

See the full list of Adobe AI features here.

All things discussed and discovered, I can’t wait to experience what Adobe Max 2025 will look and feel like!

The Future of Creativity

Adobe’s vision for the future of creativity is one where human ingenuity is at the forefront, augmented by the capabilities of generative AI (GenAI). Rather than replacing human creativity, GenAI is seen as a tool that enhances it, offering new ways to create, edit, and automate processes across various functions.

Tools like Adobe’s Journey Optimizer exemplify this vision, enabling creative professionals to devise new workflows, connect processes across departments, and explore new engagement possibilities.

Generative AI can autonomously generate content, recommend edits, and streamline complex tasks, but it is ultimately up to creative professionals to harness these tools to produce innovative and impactful work. Adobe’s commitment to empowering creators with advanced AI tools ensures that the future of creativity is bright, dynamic, and full of potential.

What’s Next for Adobe?

As Adobe Max 2024 comes to a close, the excitement for next year’s conference is already building. Adobe engineers are hard at work on a range of new projects, including Project Motion Mix, Clever Composites, Instant Add, Project Magnetic Type, Artistic Scenes, and Project Vector Edge.

These innovations promise to bring even more powerful tools and features to the Creative Cloud suite, further enhancing the capabilities of creative professionals.

With the rapid pace of innovation in the creative industry, Adobe Max 2025 is sure to be another landmark event, showcasing the latest trends and technologies that will shape the future of creativity.

As we look forward to the next wave of updates and announcements, it’s clear that Adobe remains at the forefront of empowering artists and designers to push the boundaries of their craft.