Customize iStock imagery with AI image modification
Use AI‑powered tools to easily edit imagery for your audience—no photo editor required.
Transform your images and the way you work
You can now use AI generations to modify any photo or illustration from the iStock creative library. Instantly add elements, remove backgrounds, or create additional sizes with the power of AI.
Add a new element
Use Refine to add new elements to any iStock creative image. Just highlight an area in the image and use the prompt box to describe the new object to be generated.
Replace an object
To replace individual elements in an image, simply use Refine to highlight an area and write a text prompt that describes what you want to see in that space.
Remove an object
Refine allows you to remove elements of an image, using AI to generate a new background for the specified area. Add a text prompt to tailor the space even further.
Remove the background
A single click is all it takes—Use Remove background to have AI automatically erase the contents around the primary focus of a creative image, leaving a clean, transparent background.
Expand an image
Extend lets you generate new versions of a creative image with different aspect ratios, adjusted positioning of the main subject, and fully filled‑in backgrounds in just a few clicks.
Ready to get started with iStock’s AI Generator?
Unlimited AI
Create and customize unique images with AI-powered tools
£19.49/month
Includes
Unlimited AI generations and downloads*
Unlimited iStock image modifications*
Design with confidence
- Trained exclusively on our creative library without using web-scraped or unlicensed content
- Backed by $10,000 in automatic legal protection per image
- Generate and download images free of brand logos, characters, and other IP
How to use iStock’s AI modification features:
- Select the Modify with AI button on the image you want to change or generate different sizes for.
- Subscribe to Unlimited AI if you don’t already have access to our suite of AI‑powered editing tools.
- Select “Refine” or “Extend” above any iStock photo on the site.
- To Refine an image, choose “Replace” or ”Remove,” highlight the area to change and add a text prompt.
- To Extend an image, select a new aspect ratio or adjust the image manually with Freeform and add an optional text prompt.
- Lastly, you can create a version with a transparent background, simply by clicking “Remove background.”
- License and download the original and modified images. Modified images are available in Medium or Large* sizes, and include legal protection and indemnification.
Learn more about generative AI
How to Write Better AI Image Prompts
AI image generators offer endless possibilities for creativity. iStock’s AI Generator allows you to turn text into images that perfectly fit your needs.
How to boost your productivity with AI‑generated images
In a world of accelerating customer expectations, smart marketers are continually on the look out for innovative tools to boost their productivity and push them creatively.
Glossary of Artistic Keywords and Prompt Examples for AI Images
Explore this glossary to master the art of AI image prompt engineering with a curated list of artistic keywords, each with a definition and practical example.
What is AI stock image modification?
Modifications made using the Refine and Extend tools, or the Background Removal tool, leverage our AI solution and can be applied to iStock’s creative image library. They are categorized as AI stock image modifications since they utilize artificial intelligence to easily modify our creative photos and illustrations.
Which images can I modify with Generative AI by iStock?
You can modify the images you create using iStock’s AI Generator and you can also modify our creative stock images using the Refine and Extend tools, or the Background Removal tool.
Can I modify an image before licensing it?
Yes, you can use your iStock Unlimited AI monthly plan to modify images from our creative library using the Refine and Extend tools, or the Background Removal tool, before licensing them. As a reminder, to license an AI‑modified stock image, you will need to purchase one of our credit packs or a subscription (visit our Plans and Pricing page to learn more).
Will images that I modified with AI be offered as part of iStock's creative library?
No, we will not be adding visuals you modify or generate to our creative library.
Can I use the AI image Background Removal on vector illustrations?
Background removal and other AI Modifications can only be applied to JPG files. You can remove the background of a JPG illustration, but if you wish to make changes to the EPS file you'll need image‑editing software like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, CorelDraw, Publisher, or Inkscape (free). Once you download the EPS file of the vector, open the file in one of the recommended image‑editing software programs and open your 'Layer; palette to make sure the layer you want to edit is unlocked so you can edit the shapes.
Can I modify images that I’ve already licensed in the past and are available in my account to download?
Yes, you may modify previously licensed images if they were licensed using credits or an active subscription. Use the “Modify with AI” button or “Remove Background” when viewing the details page of a previously licensed image. After making modifications, you’ll be able to download the modified image without additional licensing.
Do I need to pay to modify and to download the image?
Yes, to license our stock images, you will need to purchase a credit pack or a subscription plan. To find the best plan with the right price for your needs, visit our Plans and Pricing page. Additionally, to modify our stock images using the Refine and Extend tools, or the Background Removal tool, you will need to purchase the iStock Unlimited AI monthly subscription plan on the Generative AI by iStock page. Once you complete your purchase, information about the agreements will be available in your account.
What is the legal protection for my modified image?
Licensing visuals from the iStock creative library grants you a license backed by our standard legal indemnification up to $10,000 USD with each download under your agreement. Please see the iStock Content License Agreement for more details.
I previously had free access to the Background Removal tool. Why is it now no longer available for free?
The Background Removal tool was initially offered for free to a limited number of users for testing purposes. Now it is available to all customers as part of the Generative AI by iStock service. Additionally, you can now remove the background from both images in our creative library and images generated using our AI Generator. To access all these benefits, you must purchase an Unlimited AI monthly subscription plan and use generations to remove the background from images.
*Daily generation limits apply. Does not include editorial content. Licensing of source image required to download modified imagery.
Prices are subject to change.