In this quick-tip tutorial, we will explore Adobe Illustrator's new beta feature, Generative Recolor, which allows you to quickly adjust the color schemes of vector-based images in a matter of seconds.
What Is AI Generative Recolor?
Adobe Illustrator's Generative Recolor tool is a new AI-powered feature that allows you to generate color options to recolor your designs in seconds by choosing from a list of sample prompts or by typing in a text description to generate different color palette variations.
Let me show you how easy it is to use the Generative Recolor feature! As usual, there's more than one way to reach the same result, so let's have a look at all the methods available.
How to Open the Generative Recolor Tool in Adobe Illustrator
Once you have completed your design or artwork and are ready to explore some color options, open the design file and select the objects you wish to recolor.
Click Edit > Edit Colors > Generative Recolor.
Option 1: How to Use the Generative Recolor Feature
Step 1
Once you have clicked the Generative Recolor tool, the Generative Recolor window will open. You will see a list of sections including a text Prompt box, Sample Prompts, Variations, and Advanced Options for recoloring.
Select from any of the nine color variations provided under the Sample Prompts section. For example, try the 'Trippy Disco Lights' sample prompt.
Step 2
Once you have selected a Sample Prompt, the system will generate color variations of the chosen theme. You can select whichever version you like, and it will immediately apply it to your vector! Once it's applied, click off the window and you can continue to edit your vector normally.
If you're not satisfied with the generated color variations, you can click on Generate to redo the same prompt, and AI will provide you with other options. However, keep in mind that once you click out of the Generative Recolor panel, all variations are deleted. Be sure to save your file!
Option 2: How to Use the Generative Recolor Text Prompt Feature
Step 1
The second option for crafting color prompts from the Generative Recolor feature is by typing keywords into the Prompt. In a few simple and descriptive words, type in a text description that expresses the color theme you wish to apply to your vector selection.
For this example, I have selected three different objects from the cartoon set file. In the text Prompt, type 'Pink Candy Girly', as the theme's description.
On top of that, under the Prompt box, you can select the + icon to add a specific color for AI to consider while generating the color variations.
Step 2
When you've typed the prompt, press Enter on your keyboard or Generate on the Generative Recolor panel to create the color variants. The Generative Recolor tool will examine the artwork and recommend four different color variations based on your prompt. Select your favorite, and the system will automatically apply it to the selection.
If you're not happy with the generated color variations, simply click on Generate again to redo the prompt, and AI will provide you with another set of options.
Option 3: Alternative Way to Recolor Artwork
Alternatively, you can recolor your artwork from the Advanced Options at the bottom of the Generative Recolor panel.
Click Advanced Options. This will pop open the Recolor Artwork panel. Here you will be able to manually adjust each individual shade, color, and tone in order to create different color variations for your selection in real time.
Recolor Ai offers a real-time preview of how the newly adjusted colors will appear in the selected design. Once you're happy with the results, click OK, and Adobe Illustrator will automatically update the selection.
You Gained a Creative Skill!
Congratulations! Now you know how to recolor an image in Illustrator by using the Generative Recolor feature. You can recolor artwork and generate color variations for your next project.
I hope this game-changing feature will encourage you to explore new color palettes and improve your designs and illustrations. Try out different color options, test out color palettes, and adjust color schemes in a matter of minutes.
Don't be afraid to get creative with Illustrator's Generative Recolor tool. If you liked this tutorial on how to recolor an image in Illustrator, check out these other helpful tutorials from Envato Tuts+.
