AI Fill Tools for Photo Editing

Learning Objectives

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

1. Use Generative Fill to remove objects and fill gaps in your photos
2. Apply Generative Expand to extend your image canvas naturally
3. Work with mask layers to keep your original images safe
4. Troubleshoot common issues with AI fill tools

Introduction

Adobe Photoshop's AI fill tools can transform how you edit photos. Generative Fill removes unwanted objects or fills empty spaces, while Generative Expand extends your canvas in any direction. Both tools work on separate layers, so your original photo stays untouched. These features save time and open up creative possibilities that would take hours using traditional methods.

Lessons

Using Generative Fill

Generative Fill analyses your image and creates new content that matches the surrounding area. It's perfect for removing people, objects, or filling gaps.

Step 1: Open your image in Photoshop (you'll need version 2024 or later)

Step 2: Make a selection around the area you want to fill using the Marquee, Lasso, or any selection tool

Step 3: Look for the Generative Fill button in the contextual taskbar that appears, or go to Edit > Generative Fill

Step 4: Type a prompt describing what you want (or leave it blank to remove objects)

Step 5: Click Generate and wait for the AI to create options

Step 6: Choose from the variations Photoshop provides

The tool works best when you give it enough context around the area you're filling. A selection that's too tight might produce odd results.

Working with Generative Expand

Generative Expand extends your canvas by creating new content that blends naturally with your existing image.

Step 1: Select the Crop tool from the toolbar

Step 2: Drag the crop handles beyond your image boundaries to create the extra space you need

Step 3: Click the Generative Expand button in the options bar

Step 4: Add a text prompt if you want specific content in the new areas (optional)

Step 5: Click Generate to create the expanded image

Step 6: Review the variations and pick the one that works best

This tool excels at extending backgrounds, skies, and natural scenes. It struggles with complex patterns or architectural elements.

Understanding Mask Layers

Both AI fill tools automatically create new layers with masks. This keeps your original image safe and lets you refine the results.

When you use Generative Fill or Expand, Photoshop creates a new layer above your background. The white areas of the mask show the AI-generated content, while black areas hide it.

To refine the mask:

Step 1: Click on the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel

Step 2: Use a black brush to hide parts of the AI fill you don't want

Step 3: Use a white brush to reveal more of the AI content

Step 4: Adjust brush opacity for subtle blending

You can always delete these layers and start again if the results aren't working. Your original image remains unchanged underneath.

Practice

Find a photo with an unwanted object (a person, sign, or piece of litter works well). Use Generative Fill to remove it:

1. Make a selection around the object
2. Use Generative Fill with no prompt text
3. Try different variations until you find one that looks natural
4. Use the mask to blend the edges if needed

Next, try expanding a landscape photo:

1. Use the Crop tool to add space around your image
2. Apply Generative Expand
3. Experiment with prompts like "blue sky with clouds" or "green grass"

FAQs

Where do I find these AI tools in Photoshop?
They appear in the contextual taskbar when you make a selection (Generative Fill) or use the Crop tool (Generative Expand). You can also find Generative Fill under the Edit menu.

Can I control how the AI generates content?
Yes, through text prompts. Be specific about what you want. "Remove person" works better than just "remove". For expand, try "forest background" instead of just "trees".

Which Photoshop versions support these tools?
You need Photoshop 2024 (version 25.0) or later. These features require an active Creative Cloud subscription and internet connection.

Why do my results look obviously fake?
The AI needs enough context to work with. Make your selection slightly larger to include more surrounding detail. Also try different prompt variations.

Can I use these tools on any image?
They work best on photos with natural content. Complex patterns, text, or highly detailed architectural elements can produce inconsistent results.

Jargon Buster

Generative Fill – AI tool that creates new image content to fill selected areas based on surrounding pixels and optional text prompts

Generative Expand – AI feature that extends image canvas by generating new content that matches the existing image

Mask Layer – A layer that controls which parts of an edit are visible without changing the original image pixels

Contextual Taskbar – The toolbar that appears with relevant options based on your current selection or tool

Prompt – Text description you give the AI to guide what content it generates

Wrap-up

AI fill tools can handle tasks that used to take hours of careful cloning and healing. Start with simple removals and expansions to get comfortable with how the AI interprets your images. Remember that these tools work best as a starting point – you'll often need to refine the results using traditional Photoshop techniques.

The key is understanding that AI content generation isn't perfect. It's a powerful assistant that gives you a strong foundation to build on. As you practice, you'll develop an eye for which images work well with these tools and how to craft prompts that get better results.

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