People Are Using Canva To Generate Professional Headshots From Selfies
By Mikelle Leow, 25 Apr 2023
Anyone who has ever been vexed over their LinkedIn headshots will know how many steps it takes, not to mention a bit of saving up, to get the perfect one. For those in a pinch, it now seems you can get a professional picture done right away—no wardrobe change required. Once again, generative artificial intelligence is the method to this madness.
TikTok users are turning to photo editor Canva’s AI-powered ‘Magic Edit’ beta feature to transform their favorite portraits into corporate-worthy headshots in a few clicks. As demonstrated in a few viral videos, the technique is as simple as brushing over your shirt, and then getting the AI to change the top for you.
To access Magic Edit from your computer, open Canva and pick your desired photo. Then, click ‘Edit photo’ from the editor toolbar and select ‘Magic Edit’. On mobile, Magic Edit can be located under the ‘FX Effects’ icon after you select the photo you wish to edit.
After which, use the given pen tool to brush over the area you want to have replaced, and describe your intended look. In clips that have garnered millions of views on TikTok, the uploaders used prompts like “professional shirt” or “professional chic, white blouse.”
@jinedalessandra Kinda cute though! #AI #AIheadshot #canvaai #businesshack
⬠original sound - Jined
@amy_king_v #stitch with @jinedalessandra no cap #canvaai #linkedinprofile
⬠original sound - Amy_King_V
DesignTAXI tested the feature with the simple description of “satin blouse,” and most of the output was pretty compelling.
Our advice: Use a photo where you’re wearing a shirt with the color you want. We found that the results still retained traces of the hues of the original top, even when we instructed the AI to generate lavender, white, blue, or black outfits.
We also attempted to change up our model’s hairdo. Technically, it worked, but the structures were still a little off.
It’s worth reiterating that the tool is still in beta, so it doesn’t get things perfect all the time. As with having real headshots done, you’ll still have to pick the cream of the crop.
The best part is Magic Edit is free to use, and it allows up to 25 generations per day.