Adobe's new image rotation tool is one of the most impressive AI tools seen

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Adobe’s experimental “Project Turntable” feature, which can rotate a single 2D vector illustration as if it were a 3D model while preserving editable vectors, is being hailed as a rare generative‑AI tool that clearly solves a real creative workflow problem. Commenters see it as a major boost for illustrators, animators and even non‑artists, but also express concern about Adobe’s subscriptions, lock‑in, and the widening gap between its capabilities and those of open‑source tools like GIMP and Inkscape. The conversation folds into a broader critique of tech companies bolting on superficial AI features, contrasting that with domain‑specific, tightly integrated tools like this that meaningfully reduce tedious work.

Overall reaction to Adobe’s rotation tool

  • Many commenters find the demo genuinely impressive, even those usually skeptical or tired of “AI” branding.
  • People highlight that it solves a real, non-trivial problem: rotating a single 2D vector drawing as if it were a 3D model while preserving vector editability.
  • Some say this is closer to the “right” use of AI: automating constrained, tedious creative tasks instead of generic chatbots.

Usefulness and impact on artists

  • Seen as a major time-saver for illustrators, animators, and designers, especially for character turnarounds and multi-angle assets.
  • Several note it “unlocks” capabilities for non-artists and hobbyists who struggle with perspective and rotation.
  • There are concerns about tools that might reduce the incentive to learn fundamental drawing skills, especially for kids.
  • Fears about job loss are voiced, but others argue professionals will still have an edge in composition, color, and design, now just working faster with AI.

Technology and methodology

  • Debate over whether this is “AI” in the current sense or more like classical graphics / vision techniques, though many assume some kind of 2D→3D→2D generative model.
  • Some compare it to earlier SIGGRAPH research and note Adobe often productizes or repackages such work years later.

Adobe’s ecosystem, business model, and UX

  • Strong negative sentiment toward Adobe’s subscriptions, cancellation friction, past double-billing, and TOS/AI-training controversies.
  • Some praise that Adobe at least tries to integrate AI into real workflows instead of shallow “AI everywhere” gimmicks.
  • Others complain Adobe features can be flashy but unreliable or underwhelming in daily use.

Open source and alternatives

  • Multiple people argue GIMP/Inkscape/Darktable have never been true replacements for Adobe tools in professional workflows.
  • Others counter that open-source ML tools (e.g., diffusion pipelines, ComfyUI) can already do similar or more powerful things, but with far worse UX and more setup.
  • Consensus: open source often matches or exceeds raw capability but lags in integration, polish, and ease of use.

Skepticism and open questions

  • Some suspect demo cherry-picking and note there’s no guarantee the feature will ship.
  • Questions remain about how well it works on “bad” or complex drawings, what failure modes look like, and whether it will export actual 3D models.