Ready to dive into the exciting world of Generative AI in Photoshop? It's like having a magic wand at your fingertips, allowing you to create, expand, and modify images with simple text prompts. Let's get started on unlocking this incredible power!
How to Pull Up Generative AI in Photoshop: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Generative AI, primarily through features like Generative Fill and Generative Expand, has revolutionized how we interact with images in Photoshop. These tools, powered by Adobe Firefly, enable you to effortlessly add objects, remove unwanted content, expand images beyond their original borders, and even change entire backgrounds, all with a few words.
Step 1: Ensure You Have the Right Version of Photoshop (Engage User!)
Before we begin our magical journey, let's make sure your Photoshop is ready for action. Are you currently running the latest version of Adobe Photoshop, ideally Photoshop 25 (2024) or later? Generative AI features are constantly evolving, and the best experience is found in the most up-to-date releases, often in the beta version of Photoshop before they're fully integrated into the main release.
Sub-heading: Checking Your Version:
Open your Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app.
Navigate to the "Apps" tab.
Look for Photoshop. If there's an "Update" button, click it!
You might also find a "Beta apps" section. It's highly recommended to install the Photoshop (Beta) version for early access to the latest Generative AI advancements. This runs independently of your stable Photoshop version, so no worries about conflicts!
Sub-heading: Internet Connection is Key!
Remember, Photoshop's generative AI features are cloud-based. This means you'll need an active internet connection for them to work. The AI processing happens on Adobe's servers.
Step 2: Open Your Image or Start with a Blank Canvas
Now that your Photoshop is up to date, let's get your workspace ready.
Sub-heading: Opening an Existing Image:
Go to File > Open and select the image you want to work with.
Pro Tip: For the best generative AI results, start with high-quality images. While AI is powerful, it still works best with good source material.
Sub-heading: Starting with a Blank Canvas:
Go to File > New...
Choose your desired dimensions and resolution.
You can then use Generative Fill to create an entire scene from scratch, or gradually build up your image.
Step 3: Making Your Selection
This is where the magic truly begins! Generative AI in Photoshop primarily works on selections. You tell Photoshop where you want the AI to generate or modify content.
Sub-heading: Choosing the Right Selection Tool:
Photoshop offers a variety of selection tools, and the best one depends on what you're trying to achieve:
Lasso Tool (L): Great for freehand selections, perfect for irregular shapes.
Rectangular Marquee Tool (M): Ideal for precise rectangular or square selections.
Elliptical Marquee Tool (M): For circular or oval selections.
Object Selection Tool (W): Intelligent tool that often automatically detects and selects objects within an image. This is a fantastic starting point for isolating elements.
Quick Selection Tool (W): Good for quickly selecting areas based on color and texture.
Selection Brush Tool: Often appears in the Contextual Task Bar and is great for more refined selections.
Sub-heading: Making Your Selection (Examples):
To Add an Object: Select an empty area where you want to place the new object. For instance, if you want to add a tree to a field, select the portion of the field where the tree should appear.
To Remove an Object: Select the object you want to remove. Photoshop will then intelligently fill that area based on the surrounding pixels. You don't even need to be super precise; the AI will often smooth out imperfections.
To Change a Background: Select the background you want to replace. A quick way to do this is to use the "Select Subject" feature (often found in the Contextual Task Bar or under Select > Subject), and then invert your selection (Select > Inverse or Shift+Ctrl+I / Shift+Cmd+I).
To Expand an Image (Generative Expand): Use the Crop Tool (C) and drag the canvas beyond the original image borders. The newly created empty areas will be what you select for Generative Expand. Then, make a selection over these empty areas.
Step 4: Accessing Generative Fill/Expand in the Contextual Task Bar
Once you've made a selection, Photoshop's Contextual Task Bar is your primary gateway to generative AI. This handy bar appears automatically based on the tool you're using or the selection you've made.
Sub-heading: Locating the Contextual Task Bar:
After making a selection, look for a floating bar, usually near the bottom of your Photoshop window. This is the Contextual Task Bar.
If you don't see it, go to Window > Contextual Task Bar to enable it.
Sub-heading: Clicking the Generative Fill/Expand Button:
Within the Contextual Task Bar, you'll see a prominent button:
If you've made a selection within your image, it will likely say "Generative Fill."
If you've expanded your canvas with the Crop Tool and selected the empty areas, it will say "Generative Expand."
Click this button!
Step 5: Crafting Your Text Prompt
This is where your imagination comes into play! After clicking Generative Fill/Expand, a text input box will appear in the Contextual Task Bar. Here, you'll describe what you want the AI to generate.
Sub-heading: Tips for Effective Prompts:
Be Descriptive: Use clear and concise language. Instead of "flower," try "a vibrant red rose with dew drops."
Specify Style/Lighting: Include details about the desired aesthetic. "Photorealistic," "oil painting," "dreamy," "morning light," "moody evening."
Consider the Context: The AI is smart and tries to blend content seamlessly. Think about how your prompt relates to the existing image. For example, if adding a cat to a sunlit room, you might prompt "a fluffy ginger cat sleeping in a sunbeam."
Keep it Simple (Initially): If you're removing an object, you can often leave the prompt blank. Photoshop will intelligently fill the area based on its surroundings.
Experiment! Don't be afraid to try different prompts. Generative AI is all about iteration and refinement.
Sub-heading: Examples of Prompts:
"A cozy fireplace with crackling logs" (to fill an empty wall)
"Lush, tropical jungle" (to replace a drab background)
"A futuristic cityscape at dusk" (to expand a skyline)
"Sparkling clear blue water with gentle ripples" (to replace a muddy pond)
"Vintage leather armchair" (to add a piece of furniture)
Step 6: Generating and Reviewing Variations
Once your prompt is entered, it's time to let the AI do its work.
Sub-heading: Clicking "Generate":
Click the "Generate" button in the Contextual Task Bar (or press Enter).
Photoshop will send your request to Adobe's cloud servers. This may take a few seconds, depending on the complexity of your prompt and your internet speed.
Sub-heading: Exploring Generated Variations:
After generation, Photoshop will present you with multiple variations (usually three) in the Properties panel.
You can click through these thumbnails to preview how each option looks on your image.
Don't like any of them? Simply click "Generate" again to get a fresh set of variations! You can also refine your prompt and generate again.
Sub-heading: The Generative Layer:
Crucially, each generative AI output is created on a new Generative Layer in your Layers panel. This is a non-destructive workflow, meaning your original image remains untouched.
You can hide, delete, or adjust the opacity of this layer just like any other Photoshop layer. You can also apply masks to refine the generated content further.
Step 7: Refining and Iterating (The Art of AI Prompting)
Generative AI is a powerful tool, but it's often a starting point, not the final destination.
Sub-heading: Adjusting and Blending:
Once you've chosen a variation, you might need to use traditional Photoshop tools to refine it.
Use the Brush Tool (B) with a soft edge to blend the generated content more seamlessly.
The Clone Stamp Tool (S) or Healing Brush Tool (J) can help fix minor imperfections.
Adjust the opacity or blending mode of the Generative Layer for better integration.
Add layer masks to selectively reveal or hide parts of the generated content.
Sub-heading: Iterative Prompting:
If the initial results aren't quite right, modify your prompt. Add more detail, change keywords, or adjust the desired style.
You can also select specific areas within the newly generated content and apply Generative Fill again to modify those particular sections. For example, if the generated tree's leaves don't look right, select only the leaves and prompt "lush green leaves."
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to mastering Generative AI in Photoshop and unlocking a new level of creative possibilities!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to use Generative Fill for object removal?
Simply select the object you wish to remove using any selection tool (Lasso, Object Selection, etc.), then click "Generative Fill" in the Contextual Task Bar and leave the prompt box empty. Click "Generate," and Photoshop will intelligently replace the selected area with content that blends seamlessly with the surroundings.
How to extend an image's canvas using Generative AI?
Use the Crop Tool (C) to expand your canvas beyond the original image borders. Select the newly empty, transparent areas using any selection tool (e.g., Rectangular Marquee). Then, click "Generative Expand" in the Contextual Task Bar. You can leave the prompt blank for Photoshop to fill based on the existing image, or provide a prompt for specific content.
How to change the background of an image with Generative Fill?
First, use a selection tool (like "Select Subject" followed by "Select > Inverse") to accurately select the background of your image. Then, click "Generative Fill" in the Contextual Task Bar and enter a descriptive prompt for your desired new background (e.g., "a bustling city street at night," "a serene beach at sunset").
How to add new objects to an existing image using Generative Fill?
Select the area where you want to add the new object. Then, click "Generative Fill" in the Contextual Task Bar and provide a clear, descriptive prompt for the object you want to generate (e.g., "a vintage red telephone booth," "a majestic soaring eagle").
How to ensure generated content blends seamlessly with the original image?
Generative AI is designed for seamless blending, but for optimal results: 1) Use descriptive prompts that consider the existing lighting and perspective. 2) Utilize the new Generative Layer's mask to refine edges and blend areas. 3) After generation, use traditional Photoshop tools like the soft-edged brush, clone stamp, or healing brush for minor touch-ups and blending.
How to access the Contextual Task Bar if it's missing?
If the Contextual Task Bar isn't appearing automatically after making a selection, go to Window > Contextual Task Bar in the Photoshop menu to enable its visibility.
How to get more variations from a Generative Fill prompt?
After your initial generation, if you're not satisfied with the results, simply click the "Generate" button again in the Contextual Task Bar (or in the Properties panel for the Generative Layer). Photoshop will provide a new set of three variations. You can also refine your prompt for different results.
How to edit the generated content after it's been created?
The generated content is placed on a non-destructive Generative Layer. This means you can select this layer in the Layers panel and use any standard Photoshop tools (e.g., transform, warp, color adjustments, filters) to further modify and refine the generated elements without affecting your original image.
How to use Generative AI for creative text-to-image generation from scratch?
Start with a blank canvas (File > New). Make a full canvas selection (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A). Then, click "Generative Fill" and enter a detailed text prompt describing the entire scene or image you want to create (e.g., "a fantastical forest with glowing mushrooms and a wise old owl under a moonlit sky").
How to troubleshoot if Generative Fill is greyed out or not working?
First, ensure you have an active internet connection. Second, make sure you are running the latest version of Photoshop (preferably the beta version). Third, check that you have made an active selection on your canvas. If problems persist, try restarting Photoshop or checking Adobe's official support forums for specific error messages.
