Tips for using AI-generated visuals from stock houses

Robotic object experiences feelings and emotions. Concept of technology development in the form of artificial intelligence.

At Inviso Marketing, we work with images every day. They’re a key part of what we deliver to clients, and how we communicate who we are and what we do.

Having the right image can make all the difference in a project. That’s why AI-generated images have been especially useful for our internal content, like blogs. They’re fast, convenient, and great when we have an idea for a specific image that we want to use. The challenge is that AI images still have quirks—some subtle, some glaring. Since we’ve spent some time mastering this, we wanted to share a few tips.


Spotting AI oddities

To get the best results, you need a keen eye for detail.

Not all AI-generated images are perfect, and some have telltale signs of digital distortion. While abstract or stylized visuals can get away with AI’s idiosyncrasies, images featuring people require extra scrutiny. Here are some of the giveaways we watch for:

Hands and fingers – AI still struggles with rendering these properly. If a hand looks oddly twisted, has extra fingers, or blurs unnaturally, it’s a red flag.

Facial features – Sometimes AI generates slightly asymmetrical eyes or weirdly aligned teeth. Zoom in to check.

Blurry or warped details – Look closely at backgrounds, clothing textures, and objects. AI often struggles with fine details, leading to strange artifacts or distortions.


Using AI images on Adobe Stock

We use Adobe Stock frequently, so the following guidelines are for this site, but similar guidelines apply to other stock houses.

AI images are labeled to help you make informed choices. Here’s how to refine your search:

If you prefer AI-generated images, navigate to the “Filters” tab and select “Generative AI Only.” Otherwise, you can explore traditional photos by choosing “Exclude Generative AI” or view both categories by selecting “All.”

Check for the “generated with AI” tag – It’s fine to use AI images, but always double-check for abnormalities.

Try the “generate variations” feature – Adobe Stock now allows you to tweak AI images to better fit your needs. Just be mindful of adjustments and verify details.


Go for it, but be vigilant

AI images are a powerful tool when used wisely. The key is knowing what to look for.

In our experience, AI images offer creative opportunities but also require an extra level of scrutiny. And remember that AI technology is evolving quickly, so what looks off today may be perfectly fine tomorrow – so keep checking!

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