Adobe InDesign now includes a powerful generative AI feature called Text to Image, built directly into the app via Adobe Firefly. With just a text prompt, you can generate original images inside your layout — no Photoshop or stock photo search required.
Here’s how to use this creative tool to transform words into visuals.
What Is “Text to Image” in InDesign?
Text to Image is a generative AI panel in Adobe InDesign that creates images based on written descriptions. It uses Adobe Firefly, a generative model trained on licensed content, to produce high-quality, safe-for-commercial-use visuals — directly in your document.
You can generate:
- Product mockups
- Background illustrations
- Cover art
- Concept images for editorial or layout testing
How to Access the Text to Image Tool
There are two main ways to access it:
Option 1: From the Image Frame
- Draw or select an image frame
- Click the contextual “Generate” button
- Choose Text to Image
Option 2: From the Menu
- Go to Window > Text to Image to open the panel directly
How to Write a Prompt
In the Text to Image panel, type a short but descriptive prompt.
✅ Good prompts:
- “A modern office desk with natural lighting”
- “Retro neon diner in the rain, cinematic lighting”
- “Minimalist abstract art, soft pastel colors, vector style”
You can also set:
- Aspect ratio (e.g. square, landscape)
- Style preset (photo, graphic, art)
- Lighting or color tone
Customization Options
Once you generate the images, you can:
- Choose from 3–4 variations
- Regenerate with the same prompt
- Modify the prompt and try again
- Fit the image automatically to your frame
All images are vector or raster-based depending on the chosen preset — and come with Content Credentials embedded for ethical usage.
Creative Use Cases for Text to Image
Here’s how designers are using it:
- Quickly generate concept visuals for magazine spreads
- Fill empty image placeholders during layout wireframing
- Create non-stock hero images for reports or social designs
- Mock up client-specific artwork for pitches
💡 Tips for Better Results
- Be specific: Add style, lighting, or framing details
- Avoid brand names (Firefly avoids copyrighted content)
- Use “Generate again” to explore different variations
- Save favorites locally or use Creative Cloud Libraries to store
Are the Images Safe to Use?
Yes — Adobe Firefly is trained on licensed and public domain content, and all images generated in InDesign are covered for commercial use, as long as you use your official Adobe account with generative credits.
Each image includes Content Credentials for attribution transparency.
Export and Usage
Generated images can be:
- Embedded in your InDesign layout
- Exported to PDF, EPUB, or HTML
- Tracked via Adobe’s Firefly credit usage panel
They behave like any placed image in your document.
✅ Summary
The Text to Image tool in InDesign brings fast, flexible creativity right into your design workflow. Whether you’re prototyping layouts, replacing stock art, or building unique illustrations, it puts generative power at your fingertips — without ever leaving the page.
Start typing your idea. Watch it come to life.
👉 Try Adobe InDesign free for 7 days — Start your trial today.
