Adobe used its Max 2026 conference to preview a new wave of AI experiments aimed at making creative work more immersive, intuitive, and accessible. The showcased tools include ways to transform images into explorable 3D scenes, develop AI-generated characters through conversation, and streamline photo editing into a simple copy-and-paste process.
Project Screen Test is one of the standout ideas: instead of only writing prompts to define a character, creators can talk with an AI-generated character and direct its behavior more naturally. That could make character development for video, animation, and social content feel more like working with a performer than adjusting settings in software.
Why it matters
These experiments highlight how AI can reduce technical friction for artists, designers, and storytellers. Turning complex production tasks into conversational or visual workflows could help more people bring ambitious creative ideas to life without needing specialized 3D, animation, or editing expertise.
- More immersive media: Flat photos could become interactive spaces viewers can explore.
- Faster character creation: Creators may be able to shape personalities through dialogue and direction.
- Simpler editing: AI-assisted copy-and-paste workflows could make advanced photo edits more approachable.
While these features are still experimental, Adobe’s previews show a promising direction for AI in creative software: tools that amplify imagination and make sophisticated media production more accessible to everyday creators.