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Customize iStock imagery with AI image modification

Refine and Extend make it easy to change the elements and dimensions of an existing iStock photo—no photo editor required.

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Modify existing iStock images with Refine

Add, replace, or remove any element in an iStock image* right on‑site. Just 1 generation credit produces 4 AI‑modified versions you can then license and download along with the original image.

Add or replace elements as needed

Even the right image may need adjusting to fit your marketing needs. You can add or replace individual elements in an iStock image simply by highlighting an area and describing what you want to see in that space.

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Remove elements with ease

You don’t need 3rd party software to perfect an iStock image. Refine allows you to remove elements of an image right on the site, using AI to generate a new background for a specified area. Add a text prompt to refine it even further.

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Use AI to Extend existing iStock images

You can now change the dimensions* of an iStock image to give it different aspect ratios, adjusted positioning of the main subject, and full AI‑generated backgrounds in just a few clicks.

Effortlessly create new sizes

Tailor an existing iStock image to fit your marketing needs. Whether for a social feed, print piece, or website graphic, Extend lets you create additional sizes of the original image, filling in any blank space automatically.

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Make more room for copy

Sometimes the most challenging part of finding the right image is making sure it has room for your message. Now with Extend, you can add space to the iStock images you love in just seconds.

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AI image modification with powerful protections

We use the same AI model that powers iStock’s AI Generator—exclusively trained on our high‑quality visual library and data—ensuring your AI‑modified imagery is commercially safe and legally protected.

Safe for commercial use

Rest assured the modifications you generate will not include brand logos, characters, or other IP.

Robust legal protection

Each AI‑modified iStock image you download includes legal protection and indemnification.

No extra clearance required

Immediately license and download any image you modify without having to request additional rights.

How to use iStock’s AI modification features:

Click the Modify with AI button on the image you want to change or generate different sizes for.
Purchase generations if you don’t have any available.
Select “Refine” or “Extend” above any iStock photo on the site.
To Refine an image, choose “Replace” or ”Remove,” highlight the area to change and add a text prompt.
To Extend an image, select a new aspect ratio or adjust the image manually with Freeform and add an optional text prompt.
License and download the original and modified images. Modified images are available in Medium or Large* sizes, and include legal protection and indemnification.

Frequently asked questions

What is AI stock image modification?

Modifications made using the Refine and Extend tools leverage our AI model and can be applied to iStock’s creative stock image library. They are categorized as AI stock image modifications since they utilize artificial intelligence to easily modify our stock images.

Can I modify anything other than photos (i.e., videos, illustrations)?

Not at this time. Currently, our model allows for photo modifications only.

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 the Refine and Extend tools.

Can I upload my own images to modify with Generative AI by iStock?

No, you can use Generative AI by iStock solution only to modify the images you create using iStock’s AI Image Generator and to modify images from our creative library using the Refine and Extend tools.

Can I modify an image before licensing it?

Yes, you can use your generation credits to modify images from our creative library using the Refine and Extend 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). Please be mindful that any modifications will count towards your generation's cap, even if you decide not to license the modified stock image afterward. Additionally, iStock does not offer customers refunds for generations used, as set forth in your agreement.

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.

How are these AI image modifications made?

Generative AI by iStock is powered by NVIDIA Picasso, a custom machine learning model, trained exclusively using high‑quality content and proprietary data from our creative library. Customers then use text prompt‑to‑image and our Refine and Extend tool to direct the model in fabricating imagery based on our content and data.

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. Use the “Modify with AI” button 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 the Refine and Extend tools, you will need to purchase AI generations. Visit our Generative AI by iStock page to buy generations. Once you complete your purchase, information about the agreements will be available in your account.

How do I purchase AI modifications and stock images?

To use our AI modification tools you will first need to purchase iStock AI generations. Visit our Generative AI by iStock page to buy generations. 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.

What is the legal protection for my modified image?

Licensing creative visuals from the iStock pre‑shot 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.

When licensing, can I download the original and the modified versions of the image?

Yes, when making modifications, you can download both the original, licensed image and the modified version. You’ll find the modified version of the image in your generation history, and the licensed original in download history.