Midjourney has introduced a major update to its image editor, allowing users to edit external images directly within the platform for the first time. This feature, currently available to a limited group, includes stricter moderation and privacy controls, setting new standards for AI-driven image editing.
A Competitive Edge in Photo Editing
With this update, Midjourney shifts beyond its foundational generative AI editing capabilities, stepping up to rival industry giants like Photoshop and Affinity Photo. It’s notable timing as well, considering Adobe’s recent efforts to integrate more AI tools into legacy software like Photoshop and Lightroom. Now, Midjourney’s editor includes the ability to not only edit external images but also apply re-texturing, surfacing, and lighting adjustments to enhance realism and depth in images.
Real-World Application of the New Feature
So, how does this work in practice? Imagine uploading an image of a living room: with the new features, users can prompt Midjourney to add or remove objects, alter wall colors or textures, or even adjust lighting to create a different time of day effect, such as a sunset or night scene.
Exclusive Access to Advanced Features
For now, external image editing is limited to select users: those with annual memberships, members subscribed for over 12 months, or users with at least 10,000 images. Additionally, this feature is only accessible on Midjourney 6.1.
“This is very new, so we want to give the community, our human moderators, our next-gen AI moderation systems, and our server clusters time to ease into everything gently,” Midjourney stated on their Discord and X.
Beyond Photos: Art from Sketches and Drawings
Midjourney’s expansion isn’t restricted to photographs alone. Users can now upload sketches or hand-drawn images and utilize the AI to transform them into polished, artistic creations. This opens doors for artists who wish to bring a rough idea to life without needing advanced skills in traditional editing software.
Responsive and Intuitive Design
For professional designers who may prefer established tools, Midjourney’s editor is still a solid choice for many image alterations. At Tom’s Guide, we’ve tested the new tool and found it surprisingly adept at discerning image regions and applying changes based on prompts with impressive precision. The updated UI is responsive and smooth, bringing a Photoshop-like experience to AI-driven editing.
If you’re eager to explore Midjourney’s AI image editor, check out our guide on getting started with the editor and learn about our 5 tips for optimizing your Midjourney experience.
Midjourney’s Announcement on X
“We’re testing two new features today: our image editor for uploaded images and image re-texturing for exploring materials, surfacing, and lighting. Everything works with our advanced features, including style references, character references, and personalized models. We’re excited to open these features to annual members and long-term subscribers to ease into this initial release!”
With these developments, Midjourney reinforces its position as a dynamic, accessible image editor for creators everywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, Midjourney’s new editor brings a unique, AI-enhanced experience to the world of digital art.
