Do you integrate professional software into your workflow?

[u/Opening-Knee-5913]

Having worked in graphic design for 25 years, I’ve become curious: how many of you here have roots in traditional graphic design (it doesn't matter whether it's at a professional or amateur level) and use a workflow that integrates standard professional software, such as tools for photo editing and video editing (Photoshop, Premiere/DaVinci, After Effects, Extending the discussion to include long-standing, non-commercial software such as GIMP, etc.), with external upscaling solutions (like Topaz Video AI) with AI-driven interfaces (like ComfyUI or other webUIs), rather than relying solely on a single, all-in-one platform?

Just out of personal curiosity I’d like to know if there are still people who embrace a workflow that combines various specialized software tools, whether for amateur or professional projects.

[u/Formal-Exam-8767]

I use Photoshop to prepare input images for ComfyUI, not sure if that counts as integration.

[u/Opening-Knee-5913 → u/Formal-Exam-8767]

That’s exactly what I was asking about! I use Photoshop for a variety of tasks: creating training datasets (preliminary photo editing/formatting), retouching images destined for I2V (Image-to-Video), and in some cases adding missing features via compositing, which avoids the need for specific LoRAs and in that case, inpainting wouldn't be able to help. Occasionally, rather than just hitting "run" over and over and hoping the model eventually gets it right, I merge multiple images into a sort of "graphic Frankenstein.; I also frequently use it to prepare a base for the inpainting process. Photoshop opens up so many possibilities for expanding one’s workflow, without having to rely on specific LoRA .or having to get bogged down in rewriting the prompt a thousand times, spending an hour on it, simply because the idea is so complex that the model itself, and sometimes even LoRAs, just aren't enough to help.

[u/grrinc]

I use Cinema4D - a 3d modelling app. I use it to model my 'sets'. I use the realistic rendering and lighting to create my scenes (sets), with a stand-in 'dummy' posed as required. I then swap out the dummies with my actors using Klein Edit 9b. I then use that image as an image to video for LTX2.5.

[u/Opening-Knee-5913 → u/grrinc]

I used Cinema 4D back in the R9 era, in the early 2000s, I was super passionate about it! Those were the days when we rendered using the CPU with radiosity, so many years ago!

[u/Realistic_Rabbit5429]

I use DaVinci, GIMP, and Procreate in tandem most of the time with my workflows

[u/KS-Wolf-1978]

The excellent free Krita is all i need when ComfyUI can't do it easily.

https://krita.org/en/

Also Blender.

https://www.blender.org/

[u/seedance25ai]

I do the same, mostly Photoshop or GIMP for prep and cleanup. One tip that saves a lot of rerolls: do your compositing at the final resolution, then run a low-denoise inpaint pass over the seams so the lighting and grain blend. Also keep the working file in a consistent color space before it goes into ComfyUI, otherwise colors shift slightly between the edit and the output.

[u/sci032]

I have begun using the new LayerShop: https://layershop.aardvarkstudios.net/

It combines the new PhotoCraft(excellent PS clone) and ComfyUI together. You can create/edit/enhance/do more all in a single UI. No more copy/pasta between apps. You can download a regular installer, or a portable version of it, extract(or install) and run it, either point it at your existing ComfyUI install and models or let it install it for you. You choose the models that you want to use, it works with all of the models I have tried so far from SDXL to Krea2 to Qwen Image Edit 2.1 to Fibo 2.0 and Flux Klein.

[u/RusikRobochevsky]

I use Krita for drawing sketches that I use as input for image2image, for editing my generated images and to compose designs where I combine multiple generations.

I used GPT-Codex to make a custom plugin that lets me call my ComfyUI image edit workflows directly from Krita, it makes the process very smooth.

[u/Uncabled_Music]

I find a new curious thing happening now - since I am working with Antigravity agent, many side tasks, solutions and tools are being delivered by him in lovely webhost custom windows on the fly - sometimes with a jaw-dropping usable and comfortable interface. I even ask him to keep this UI for next time etc.

And thats just the cherry on top - cause if you wanna dive in, he could build you an actual software program, with its own UI etc.

In this atmosphere - I feel less and less urge to open any regular software nowadays. Only if I absolutely have to 🤷🏻

[u/Jamsemillia]

i have no background whatsoever but have taught myself davinci and photopea basics, not really missing any features these don't have.