Adobe has officially begun enforcing limits on its generative AI credits across Creative Cloud apps, marking the end of the soft enforcement era. While Adobe first introduced its generative credit system more than a year ago, users were often able to continue using AI features without interruption—even after exceeding their monthly allotment. That has changed.

As of June 13, 2025, Adobe is actively tracking credit use across apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Firefly, and notifying users when their credits run low or run out. In-app alerts have now become standard, and users are realizing that once credits are gone, some AI features may stop working entirely.

Previously, running out of credits only meant slower performance. Now, depending on your subscription tier, you might lose access to Firefly tools like Generative Fill or Text to Image altogether—unless you upgrade or purchase additional credits.

Need more flexibility? You can Top Up Adobe generative credits here if you find your AI usage frequently exceeds your monthly allowance.

What Are Generative Credits?
Generative credits are tokens Adobe uses to control access to AI-powered features. Standard features like image generation in Photoshop consume one credit per use, while premium features like AI video generation can cost significantly more, depending on output length and complexity.

Plans such as Creative Cloud All Apps include 1,000 credits per month. Creative Cloud Pro users get unlimited standard generations and 4,000 premium credits, while users on lower-tier plans—such as the Photography Plan—may only receive 25 to 500 credits, depending on their subscription date.

This shift is especially impactful for photographers and designers who have integrated Firefly features into their daily workflow. Tools like Generative Fill and Expand have become essential to modern photo editing.

What Happens If You Run Out?
Adobe’s updated policy means users without an active Firefly plan or a higher-tier Creative Cloud subscription will no longer have fallback access to slower AI tools. When the credits are gone, the tools go with them.

That’s left many professionals weighing the cost of upgrading versus reducing their AI usage. In some cases, topping up your credits may be the most practical option.

Before you hit your monthly limit, consider securing additional credits with a Chap Adobe Acrobat Pro plan so you can keep your workflow uninterrupted.