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
It’s easy 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 highlight an area, using the Brush or Click selection tool, then write a text prompt that describes what new detail you want to see in that space.
Remove an object
You can also remove elements of an image by highlighting them using the Brush or Click selection tool. The AI will automatically fill in the background to match the rest of the image seamlessly.
Remove the background
A single click is all it takes to have the AI automatically erase the contents around the primary focus of a creative image, leaving a clean, transparent background.
Expand an image
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.
Replace background
Effortlessly generate new backgrounds in seconds. The AI identifies the main focus of the image, then you can choose a specific color or include a prompt to create a brand new scene.
Ready to get started with iStock’s AI Generator?
Unlimited AI
Create and customize unique images with AI-powered tools
$14.99/month
Includes
Unlimited AI generations and downloads*
Unlimited iStock image modifications*
Design with confidence
- Trained exclusively on licensed content, including iStock’s creative library, with no web-scraped visuals or data
- 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:
- Make sure you have access to Unlimited AI.
- Select a tool on an image detail page: Add or remove objects, Replace background, or Extend image.
- To add or remove an object, choose “Replace” or ”Remove,” highlight the area to change, and add a text prompt.
- To replace the background of an image, choose “Text prompt” and describe the new background, or select “Color” using the options to pick a solid hue or gradient.
- 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
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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 Add or remove objects, Extend, Replace background, or Remove background tools, 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 our suite of AI‑powered image editing tools.
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 Add or remove objects, Extend, Replace background, or Remove background tools, 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 our suite of AI‑powered image editing 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.