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Apply effects to text and shapes using Generative Fill (beta)

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Learn how to apply effects to text and shapes with a simple text prompt using Generative Fill.

Note:

Generative Fill (beta) is available only in English (North America) and English (International).

Elevate your layouts with Generative Fill (beta)—turn SVGs, shapes, or text into images with custom textures and effects. 

Adobe InDesign deeplink-gen-fill

Try it in the app
Work with a sample file and learn how to use Generative Fill (beta).

Add effects to text and shapes

Generate creative visuals using Generative Fill (beta)

  1. Select any text or shape and then select Generative Fill (beta)   from the Contextual Task Bar. You can also use the Text to Image panel drop-down to switch to Generative Fill (beta).

    Tip:

    To use Generative Fill (beta) on text, ensure that the text is single-line text under 25 characters with a font size greater than or equal to 48 pts.

  2. Describe the effect you want to generate to fill the selected text or shape. For example- Floral pattern in a heart shape. You can select the Sample Effects    icon for inspiration.

    Screenshot of the Generative Fill Contextual Task Bar options.
    Customize your prompt by describing the effect and shape or refer to the Sample Effects for inspiration.

  3. Select Generate  .

  4. Select the left or right arrow to view and toggle between different generated variations of your prompt.

    Left and right arrows highlighted to show how to toggle between the generated variations
    Toggle to check the generated variations.

    Select WindowText to Image to view all the past variations. All variations are downloaded to your computer in the following location:

    • Windows: C:\Users\<username>\Documents\InDesign GenAI Assets
    • macOS: /Users/username/Documents/InDesign GenAI Assets
  5. You can also select the ellipsis   icon to Show Text to Image Panel   , View GenAI Guidelines  Good Result  Bad Result  Report variation  Hide Context Bar   , or Pin Context Bar  .

    Note:

    Once you select Hide Context Bar   , the Contextual Task Bar will not open by default when you create or select an image frame. Select Window > Contextual Task Bar to view it again.

Frequently asked questions

Who can access Generative Fill (beta) in InDesign?

Generative Fill (beta) is available in the InDesign app wherever Adobe provides services in English only.

Do you need to be connected to the Internet to use Generative Fill (beta)?

Yes, in order to use Generative Fill (beta), you must be connected to the Internet, as it requires cloud processing.

How is Generative Fill (beta) in InDesign different from other Adobe apps?

Generative Fill (beta) gives photorealistic effects while preserving the original shape of the selected object. It ensures the design integrity within layout compositions.

How can I get the most out of Generative Fill (beta) in InDesign?

Generative Fill (beta) works best if you apply it to text and shapes that have a surface area to fill.

What types of prompts work best for creating textures?

The prompts should be specific and descriptive.

  • Describe the texture like soft sheep wool, color like red neon lights, etc.
  • Shapes created by the Shape tool like rectangles, circles, etc.
  • Simple shapes made with the Pen or Pencil tool.
  • Bold, and thick text fonts.

Known issues

  • When you apply Generative Fill on multi-colored text, it may not function as expected.
  • When you cancel the Generative Fill process while it is generating variations, the text properties for the selected text are lost.

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