Generate image variations

Last updated on Aug 3, 2026

Learn how to use an existing image in the canvas and generate new images that maintain a similar style or composition, with subtle variations.

The Vary options in Firefly Boards help you explore multiple creative interpretations of an image placed on the canvas. Instead of starting from scratch, it allows you to generate new images that preserve the main idea while subtly varying style, composition, or elements. It allows you to make quick refinements and experiment with different visual styles and ideas.

Apply Vary options to images

Before you begin

Upload or generate an image and add it to the canvas.

In the Firefly Boards, select the image in the canvas.

Select the Vary icon to create the variations using the Firefly Image model.

Select any of the following options based on the type of variations you want:

More like this: Generate images that closely reflect the original in terms of overall composition, mood, and conceptual intent.

Keep style: Preserve the artistic style of the original image—such as watercolor, photorealism, or other distinctive techniques.

Keep subject: Retain the main subject of the original image, whether it's a person, animal, or object, while varying the rest.

Custom vary: Specify which aspect of the image to vary in the prompt field.

The Firefly web app with an image selected and the Vary image panel open. The Custom vary option is selected, and the prompt field contains "Change it to a neon lit face." A Generate button appears below the prompt. On the right, multiple generated image variations show the original portrait transformed with colorful neon lighting while maintaining the subject's composition and style. — Use Custom vary to describe the changes you want, and then generate new variations.

Select Generate to create variations. And then, you can edit and rearrange them just like any other image added to the canvas.

Options to modify and manage images in the generated variations

You can select any of the generated images from the variations, and use the following editing and adjustment options:

When the Load option is selected for an image, the prompt bar displays the main prompt, sub-prompts, and other generation settings. — Use the edit options to further refine the image or perform other adjustments.

Option	Function
Load	View the original prompt settings used in the image, letting you modify the prompt, aspect ratio, model, and more options. You can then select Generate to create a new variation.
Vary	Use the image to generate new image variations that maintain a similar style or composition, with subtle variations.
Edit	Generative fill: Remove, add, or expand image content using brushes and text prompts. Generative expand: Change the image's aspect ratio or size and expand its contents. Edit text in image: Edit text within any image while preserving the integrity of the original image. Use partner models to further refine the image.
Convert	Image to video: Use the image as the first frame for video generation using Adobe and partner models. Image to 3D: Convert the image to a 3D element and add it to the canvas.
Remove background	Remove the background of the image.
Crop	Crop the image by dragging the cropping handles, then use Generative expand to fill any empty space created.
Download	Download the image to your local device.
More	Open in Firefly video editor (beta): Select one or multiple images or videos to create a new project in the Firefly video editor (beta). The selected media is automatically added to a timeline in the video editor, in the same order as you selected the files. Open copy in Photoshop: Open a duplicate of the current image in Adobe Photoshop for advanced editing. Open copy in Adobe Express: Open a duplicate of the current image in Adobe Express for quick and easy design enhancements. Copy link: Generate a shareable link to the current project or image for collaboration or external sharing. Find similar inspiration: Open the Search panel and browse through similar images available on Adobe Stock. Cut, copy, or duplicate the image, or paste any copied elements. Rearrange, delete, and flip the image.

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