IOPaint vs Adobe Firefly
An open-source image editing tool (formerly Lama Cleaner) that removes objects, people, text and watermarks from photos using AI inpainting — and can replace or expand parts of an image. Runs locally, free and private.
🧠 Expert verdict
Our expert verdict: Adobe Firefly is the stronger all-round choice, scoring 4.6/5 versus 4.5/5 for IOPaint. If budget is your priority, IOPaint (Free / Open Source) is the more affordable option. Choose Adobe Firefly if you want the best image tool overall; pick IOPaint if "Remove objects, people & watermarks" matters more for your workflow.
IOPaint
An open-source image editing tool (formerly Lama Cleaner) that removes objects, people, text and watermarks from photos using AI inpainting — and can replace or expand parts of an image. Runs locally, free and private.
Adobe Firefly
Adobe's generative AI for images, vectors, and text effects trained on licensed commercial content.
IOPaint
✅ Pros
- +Remove objects, people & watermarks
- +AI inpainting & outpainting
- +Runs locally & free
- +Open source
- +Simple browser UI
❌ Cons
- −Needs a GPU for best speed
- −Local install required
- −Fewer features than Photoshop AI
- −Results vary by image
🎯 Best for — IOPaint
🏷️ Tags — IOPaint
Our Verdict
After comparing ratings, pricing and features, Adobe Firefly comes out ahead with a 4.6/5 rating. It is the better choice for most users.
Expert take on each tool
📌 IOPaint
IOPaint (formerly Lama Cleaner) is the go-to open-source image cleanup tool: remove objects, people and watermarks or expand images with AI inpainting, all locally and free. A private, no-subscription alternative to paid photo editors.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: IOPaint or Adobe Firefly?
Adobe Firefly has the higher user rating (4.6/5 vs 4.5/5), making it the stronger overall pick. That said, IOPaint can still be the better fit depending on your budget and specific needs — see the full comparison above.
Is IOPaint or Adobe Firefly cheaper?
IOPaint (Free / Open Source) is generally more budget-friendly than Adobe Firefly (Free / Adobe CC plans). If cost is your main concern, IOPaint is worth trying first — but compare the feature sets above to confirm it covers what you need.
Can I switch from IOPaint to Adobe Firefly?
Yes — switching between IOPaint and Adobe Firefly is usually straightforward since both are image tools with similar core workflows. Most users can export their data and get started with Adobe Firefly within a day; just check Adobe Firefly's free plan before committing to a paid tier.