Remove Objects Using AI and Classic Modes
Learning Objectives
- Understand how Classic and AI modes work in Photoshop's Remove Tool
- Learn when to choose each mode for different object removal tasks
- Apply techniques to create natural-looking edits with both methods
Introduction
Getting rid of unwanted objects in photos is one of the most common editing tasks you'll face. Photoshop 2025's Remove Tool gives you two ways to tackle this: Classic mode for precise control and AI mode for quick results. This chapter shows you how both work and when to use each one.
Lessons
Getting Started with the Remove Tool
The Remove Tool sits in your main toolbar and handles most object removal tasks. Here's how to access it:
Step 1: Open your image in Photoshop 2025
Step 2: Find the Remove Tool in the left toolbar (it looks like a healing brush with a minus sign)
Step 3: Click to select it
Before you start removing anything, duplicate your background layer. Right-click the background layer and choose "Duplicate Layer". This keeps your original safe.
Working with Classic Mode
Classic mode puts you in control of every step. Use this when you need precision or when dealing with complex backgrounds.
Step 1: Select Classic mode from the tool options bar at the top
Step 2: Choose your selection tool (Lasso Tool works well for most objects)
Step 3: Carefully draw around the object you want to remove
Step 4: Go to Edit > Content-Aware Fill to remove the selected area
The key here is your selection. Take time to get it right. Use the Shift key to add to your selection and Alt to subtract from it.
For better blending, add a small feather to your selection. With your selection active, go to Select > Modify > Feather and try 1-3 pixels depending on your image size.
Using AI Mode
AI mode does the heavy lifting for you. It works best on simple backgrounds or when objects have clear edges.
Step 1: Switch to AI mode in the tool options
Step 2: Click once on the object you want to remove
Step 3: The AI identifies the object and removes it automatically
The AI analyses the surrounding area and fills in the gap. It usually gets close, but you might need to clean up afterwards.
If the result isn't perfect, grab the Clone Stamp Tool or Healing Brush to fix any obvious patches.
When to Choose Each Mode
Use Classic mode when:
- Working with detailed or textured backgrounds
- The object overlaps important details
- You need precise control over what gets removed
- The AI mode gives poor results
Use AI mode when:
- Removing objects from simple, uniform backgrounds
- Working with clear, well-defined objects
- You need quick results
- The background has repeating patterns
Practice
Find a photo with a small unwanted object – a person in the background, a piece of litter, or a distracting sign work well.
Try removing it first with AI mode, then undo and try Classic mode. Notice how each method handles the background fill and edge blending differently.
FAQs
Which mode works better for removing people from photos?
It depends on the background. For busy scenes or crowds, Classic mode gives better control. For simple backgrounds like sky or water, AI mode often works well.
Why do my AI mode results look patchy?
The AI struggles with complex textures and patterns. Try Classic mode instead, or use the Clone Stamp Tool to fix problem areas after AI removal.
Can I combine both methods on the same image?
Yes. You might use AI mode for quick removal then switch to Classic mode tools like Clone Stamp for detailed touch-ups.
How do I avoid obvious editing marks?
Work on a separate layer, use soft-edged brushes, and vary your clone source points. Don't clone from the same spot repeatedly.
Jargon Buster
Content-Aware Fill: Photoshop's technology that analyses surrounding pixels to fill in removed areas intelligently
Feathering: Softening selection edges to create smoother transitions between edited and original areas
Clone Stamp Tool: Copies pixels from one part of an image to another, useful for detailed touch-ups
Source Point: In cloning tools, the area you're copying from (set by Alt-clicking)
Wrap-up
You now know how to use both Classic and AI modes for object removal. Classic mode gives you control and precision, while AI mode offers speed and convenience. The best editors know when to use each method and often combine both for professional results.
Try both modes on different types of images. You'll quickly develop a feel for which situations suit each approach.