Now, Shutterstock will allow the use of artificial intelligence to edit its image library. In an update on Thursday, Shutterstock revealed a new set of artificial intelligence tools, such as MagicBrush, which lets you adjust an image by brushing over an area and "describing what you want to add, replace, or erase."
The AI image editor, still in beta, can also generate alternate versions of stock images or AI-generated images, as well as expand the background of images. In addition, Shutterstock will launch a "smart" resizing feature that will automatically change the shape of the image to fit your desired dimensions, as well as an AI-powered background removal tool.
Shutterstock notes that it will compensate the artist "if the edited image is licensed." However, it added that "AI-generated or edited content will not be licensed on the site to further ensure the protection of contributors' intellectual property and appropriate compensation of artists".
"This is something the stock photo industry has never seen before," Shutterstock CEO Paul Hennessy said in a statement. "Now creatives have everything they need to craft the perfect content for any project, and you can take advantage of AI-driven design features to edit images in Shutterstock's library, giving you endless possibilities to make it your own."
The company also announced that it will update its AI image generator with the latest version of OpenAI’s DALL-E text-to-image generator, which launched in beta in January this year. In July, Shutterstock expanded its partnership with OpenAI, allowing DALL-E to continue training on Shutterstock's library for six years. Last year, Shutterstock announced a contributor fund to compensate artists whose work was used for training.
In addition to Shutterstock, other companies such as Adobe and Canva have also begun to enter the field of artificial intelligence image editing. Last month, Adobe launched the Firefly generative artificial intelligence tool for users who subscribe to Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Express and Adobe Experience Cloud. As part of its launch, Adobe announced a new annual bonus program that will pay artists who allow their submitted images to be used to train the company's models. Canva also launched a number of artificial intelligence design tools in March, which users can use for free.