- Rebecca Tomasis
- Apr 8
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
AI generated images are changing the way we create and use visuals across industries. From marketing campaigns to graphic design projects, these images can be a great starting point, but they're rarely perfect right out of the box.
Whether you’re looking to retouch imperfections, add artistic effects or prepare an image for online use, learning how to edit photos lets you take control of what the AI provides, shaping it to best suit your needs. This article walks you through how to edit AI generated images, offering practical steps, tips and techniques to enhance, retouch and optimize your visuals.
Get started with the Wixel AI photo editor.
Why are AI generated images so popular?
AI generated images are versatile and efficient, making them a valuable tool for creators. They allow you to visualize ideas quickly without the need for professional photography or design expertise. Whether it’s crafting complex scenes or generating quick prototypes, the time-saving benefits are immense.
However, while AI excels at generating creative ideas, its output often requires refining to match specific requirements. Editing serves two purposes. First, it allows you to enhance the image technically—improving focus, adjusting colors or refining smaller details. Second, artistic customization ensures the image aligns with your personal or brand aesthetic. For instance, you may want softer shadows, brighter highlights or a style that better resonates with your intent or audience.
How to edit AI generated images in 6 steps
01. Assess the generated image
When you first receive your AI generated image, take a moment to assess its strengths and weaknesses. Examine the details closely. Notice if there are areas where the composition feels off or where textures seem unnatural. Pay attention to technical factors like sharpness, lighting and color balance.
Keep in mind what needs to be enhanced or corrected. Are the shadows too harsh? Do textures appear blurry on close inspection? Does the color palette feel harmonious? Noting these elements will guide your edits.
Beyond visual examination, consider functionality. Will the image fit its role effectively, whether as part of branding, a marketing strategy or visual storytelling? Answering these questions early will help you identify key adjustments before moving ahead.
02. Enhance exposure and color adjustments
Focus on improving the brightness, contrast and colors of your image. AI models sometimes deliver visuals that feel flat or have subtle imbalances in lighting. Adjusting exposure, shadows and highlights can create a more natural and dynamic look. This can include:
Increasing resolution to avoid pixelation in larger formats.
Adjusting brightness and contrast to make the image visually dynamic.
Sharpening details to bring out textures and define edges.
Tip: Online editing tools and software often have straightforward sliders for brightness, contrast and sharpness. Experiment with these tools to create a balanced and visually appealing outcome.
03. Retouch key elements
Retouching focuses on perfecting specific aspects of the image, eliminating imperfections or adding new elements. AI generated visuals sometimes deliver problematic patterns, like unstructured textures or strange edges. Retouching tools can address these effortlessly.
Concentrate on enhancing clean lines and uninterrupted surfaces. Use smoothing tools on areas where AI artifacts are visible and sharpen areas that need more definition. For instance, sharpening eyes, textures or focal points in portraits ensures your audience notices key details immediately.
If the image contains humans or objects, pay critical attention to proportions and symmetry. AI often misaligns subtle things, like hands or face shapes in certain relevant use cases. By refining these areas, the image remains aesthetically cohesive.
04. Customize with effects
The power of editing lies not just in correction but in creativity. AI generated images should look like they’ve been touched by a human hand. Photo filters such as overlays, light flares and shadows can be applied to add depth and personality. Think of these changes as storytelling tools. With each adjustment, you're providing the viewer with cues about what to feel or focus on.
Experiment with layering techniques to create visual contrast. You could:
Accent certain elements by adding highlights.
Use color grading to transform the mood or tone of the image.
Apply filters or a blurred background design to focus attention on your subject.
05. Focus on color accuracy
While many AI generated images offer striking tones, the colors can sometimes clash or fail to reflect real-world lighting conditions. Apply principles of color theory and use tools like color correction and white balance to make adjustments.
Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you want warm, inviting tones? Or cool, calming shades? Working within a cohesive color palette creates harmony and makes the image look more intentional.
Tonal adjustments can also align the image with your overarching brand or project identity.
Try using the Wixel color palette generator to effortlessly create cohesive palettes for your design projects.
06. Optimize for web or print
Once editing is complete, prepare the image for its intended platform. Exporting for web or print requires specific settings that can greatly impact how the image appears. Export settings ensure that your images look their best, no matter where they’re displayed.
For images going online:
Edited images should meet performance standards—loading quickly and scaling appropriately on relevant platforms. Image formats like JPEG reduce file size without diminishing quality, making them ideal for most needs. For more precise details, PNG is another effective option.
For print design projects:
Resolution plays a significant role in preserving image quality across screen resolutions. Depending on usage areas like online publishing or print mediums, balancing high quality and accessibility ensures a seamless viewing experience. Many tools automate scaling efficiency by pre-selecting ready dimensions.
Export at a high resolution (300 DPI or more).
Save in formats like TIFF or PDF for quality preservation.
Learn more about image file types to choose the right one for your design project.
Refine your photos with precision—apply delicate lighting adjustments or striking color tweaks as needed. You stay in control of the look and feel, editing each shot to fit your style.
Tips for optimizing AI-enhanced images
Refining AI generated images isn’t just about the editing process; it’s also about what comes next. Incorporating these tips will ensure your visuals are ready to impress.
Clean file names: Use descriptive names to improve organization and SEO.
Alt text for images: Use alt descriptions to make your visuals more accessible and boost search rankings.
Consistent style: Aim for cohesion across all your visuals for a professional look.
Ready to elevate your editing expertise? Explore our guides:
How to edit AI generated images FAQ
Can I edit AI images for free?
Yes. Platforms like Wixel offer basic editing tools like an image cropper, imager resizer and image enhancer. However, advanced features like color grading or retouching textures may require premium tools.