2022 and 2023 have seen a huge boost in AI generation software. Along with the rise of new AI software comes the evolution of AI tools within non-AI software. Adobe, Canva, and many others have done it.
But now, it's Microsoft’s turn to introduce an AI image generation tool. Microsoft Designer is the latest introduction to Microsoft’s already-bulging toolbox. If you’re wondering about this new addition and if you should use it, then we’ve got the answers.
What Is Microsoft Designer?
The company introduced Microsoft Designer in late 2022. However, it was on the back burner until April 2023, when Microsoft published a blog post to help users understand the latest functionality of Microsoft Designer. The post showcased the best of what Designer can do and invited users to try out the web-based AI software for themselves.
Similarly to the introduction of Adobe Firefly, Adobe's generative AI tool, Microsoft Designer is only available in Preview—a web-based beta platform available to anyone. We don't have information on whether the tool will become a standalone app, part of a premium model, or continue the way it is as a free browser-based program.
So, what is Microsoft Designer? It’s an AI tool that creates visual designs and templates. Microsoft has removed the waitlist to use this tool, and it’s currently available for anyone to use.
What Can Microsoft Designer Do?
This AI tool features a similar setup to other AI software, such as Adobe Firefly’s Vector Recoloring Tool, by presenting a text box to its users. There are limited other tools involved; no Fill tool or Pen tool like traditional creative software offers.
When you head to Microsoft Designer, you’re presented with a very basic page. One large text box to write your prompt and a Generate button. You can also add your own image to the prompt box or choose from a pre-designed template to assist your prompt generation.
Once you’ve chosen your generated template, you can further customize it. Select any element of the design, and a popup will appear, allowing you to make specific changes to that element. There’s also a small toolbar where you can add further media and visuals, text, or your branding with Brand Kit. If you know how to use Canva’s Brand Kit, Designer's Brand Kit works similarly.
Designer offers most social media format images like Instagram Stories and Facebook Banners. It also offers video templates if you want something more dynamic. And, of course, it has custom sizes so you can create a design that fits your needs exactly.
The web app also delivers more results. Most of its competitors, like Adobe Firefly and Canva Magic, only offer four alternative image generations. But with Designer, you get as many as 15 options.
Who Is Microsoft Designer For?
With so many AI creation competitors on the market, it’s a wonder who Microsoft Designer is for. Because it's directly integrated with Microsoft Edge, it's perfect for users who don't want to deal with third-party services. This app is a great addition to other AI and efficiency tools found on Microsoft Edge.
However, you should note that Microsoft Designer will typically default to US-based events. If you want to create something unique to your location, you should use the skills prompt engineers need to utilize AI tools successfully. Nevertheless, Microsoft Designer is still in preview, so it's likely to improve.
Anyone who wishes to create simple social media templates or posters would benefit from Microsoft Designer’s results. The software itself, however, feels a little clunky to use without much instruction. While it is a simple tool, it isn’t an obvious tool if you’re not an intuitive designer already.
Microsoft Designer feels like another tool to hit a growing saturated market. Only time will tell if it becomes a powerful app graphic designers will seek or just another AI novelty software.
Microsoft Designer Joins the AI Software Club
It’s always fun to explore new apps and see how AI affects online content creation. Microsoft Designer doesn’t bring anything special to the creative market, but it could add convenience for Microsoft Edge users.
If you’re looking to make simple template designers for various social media graphics, it’s worth checking out. As time moves on, this tool may get stronger and have more to offer.