Generative Fill in Photoshop 2025

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Access and use Generative Fill in Photoshop 2025
• Apply both freeform and prompt-based techniques effectively
• Enhance and expand images using Firefly AI technology

Introduction

Generative Fill transforms how you edit photos by letting you add, remove, or modify image elements using AI. This Photoshop 2025 feature uses Firefly AI to understand your image and create new content that matches seamlessly.

Whether you want to extend a background, remove unwanted objects, or add entirely new elements, Generative Fill gives you two approaches: draw what you want (freeform) or describe it in words (prompts). Both methods can produce impressive results when you know how to use them properly.

Lessons

Getting Started with Generative Fill

First, you need to access the tool correctly:

1. Open your image in Photoshop 2025
2. Look for the Generative Fill button in the main toolbar (it appears as a small sparkle icon)
3. Alternatively, go to Edit > Generative Fill from the menu

The tool requires an active selection to work. If you haven't selected anything, Photoshop will prompt you to make a selection first.

Making Your First Selection

Before the AI can generate anything, you need to tell it where to work:

1. Use the Rectangle Marquee, Lasso, or Object Selection tool to highlight the area you want to change
2. Make your selection slightly larger than the area you want to modify – this gives the AI more context
3. For best results, include some surrounding area so the AI understands what should blend with what

Using Freeform Generation

Freeform generation lets the AI decide what to create based purely on your image's context:

1. Make your selection as described above
2. Leave the text prompt box empty
3. Click "Generate"
4. Photoshop will create three variations automatically
5. Choose the one you prefer from the Properties panel

This works brilliantly for extending backgrounds, filling in gaps, or removing objects where you want the AI to figure out what should replace them.

Working with Text Prompts

When you have something specific in mind, prompts give you more control:

1. Select the area you want to modify
2. Type a clear description in the prompt box (for example: "red sports car" or "mountain landscape at sunset")
3. Click "Generate"
4. Review the three options and pick your favourite

Keep prompts simple and descriptive. "Blue sky with white clouds" works better than "gorgeous heavenly azure atmosphere with fluffy formations."

Understanding the Results Panel

Each generation creates three variations in the Properties panel:

• Click through each thumbnail to preview different options
• You can generate more variations by clicking "Generate" again
• Each result appears on its own layer, so you can blend or mask them as needed
• Delete unwanted variations by clicking the bin icon

Combining Techniques for Better Results

You don't have to stick to one approach. Try this workflow:

1. Start with a freeform generation to see what the AI suggests
2. If it's close but not quite right, use "Generate" again with a specific prompt
3. Blend multiple generations using layer masks for the perfect result
4. Use traditional Photoshop tools to fine-tune edges and details

When Things Go Wrong

Generative Fill won't always nail it first time. Here's how to fix common issues:

Blurry or low-quality results: Try a smaller selection area or generate new variations

Wrong colours or style: Use more specific prompts like "in the same style as the rest of the image"

Obvious AI artifacts: Combine multiple generations or use the Clone Stamp tool to fix problem areas

Results don't match: Check your selection includes enough surrounding context for the AI to understand the scene

Practice

Try this exercise to get comfortable with both techniques:

1. Open a landscape photo
2. Select a portion of the sky using the Lasso tool
3. First, try freeform generation (empty prompt) to see what the AI creates
4. Then try the same selection with the prompt "dramatic storm clouds"
5. Compare the results and blend them using layer masks

For your second practice:

1. Find a photo with an unwanted object (like a rubbish bin or power line)
2. Select around the object, including some background
3. Use freeform generation to remove it
4. If needed, generate variations until you get a clean result

FAQs

Why can't I access Generative Fill in my version of Photoshop?
Generative Fill requires Photoshop 2024 or later with an active Creative Cloud subscription. Make sure you're signed in to your Adobe account.

How do I get better results from my prompts?
Keep descriptions simple and specific. Instead of "beautiful flower," try "red rose" or "sunflower." Include style hints like "photorealistic" if the results look too artificial.

Can I edit the generated content after it's created?
Yes, each generation appears on its own layer. You can mask, blend, adjust colours, or paint over them just like any other layer.

What happens if I don't like any of the three variations?
Click "Generate" again to create three new options. You can do this as many times as needed.

Does Generative Fill work with all image types?
It works best with photographs. Results may vary with illustrations, graphics, or heavily stylised images.

Jargon Buster

Generative Fill: Photoshop's AI-powered feature that creates or modifies image content based on selections and optional text prompts

Firefly AI: Adobe's artificial intelligence system that powers Generative Fill and understands image context to create realistic results

Freeform generation: Using Generative Fill without a text prompt, letting the AI decide what to create based solely on image context

Prompt-based generation: Providing specific text descriptions to guide what the AI creates in your selected area

Variations: The three different results Generative Fill creates each time you click "Generate"

Wrap-up

Generative Fill opens up creative possibilities that would have taken hours of complex editing before. The key is understanding when to use freeform generation versus prompts, and how to combine both approaches for the best results.

Start with simple edits like background extension or object removal before tackling complex additions. Remember that Generative Fill works best when you give it enough context through thoughtful selections.

Practice with different types of images and prompts to build your instincts for what works well. The more you experiment, the better you'll become at predicting and achieving the results you want.

Ready to dive deeper into AI-powered photo editing? Join thousands of learners mastering these cutting-edge techniques: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership