Use AI in Photoshop with Generative Fill (Beginner’s Guide)
Photoshop’s Generative Fill lets you select any area, describe what you want, and have AI create it as a new, editable layer. In this guide you’ll install Photoshop (Beta), make precise selections, enter prompts, and curate variations. You’ll also learn how to leave the prompt blank to let AI auto-fill and keep everything non-destructive with layers.
Step-by-step instructions
Install Photoshop (Beta) with Generative Fill
Sign up for or sign in to Adobe Creative Cloud.
Open the Creative Cloud desktop app.
Go to Beta apps → Photoshop (Beta) → Install.
Launch Photoshop (Beta) after installation completes.
Open an image and locate the Generative Fill bar
Go to File → Open and choose a photo.
Select the Lasso Tool (L).
Confirm the Generative Fill bar appears at the bottom with a text field.
Make your first AI addition
Use the Lasso Tool to draw a rough selection where you want new content (e.g., sky area).
Click Generative Fill.
If prompted, confirm you are 18+ and accept the guidelines.
Type a prompt like “clouds” and click Generate.
Review variations and manage layers
Use the arrows in the Variations panel to cycle the 3 options and pick your favorite.
Optionally click the thumbs-up on the best result.
In Layers, toggle the generated layer’s visibility to compare before/after.
Click Generate again to get 3 more variations if needed.
Add another object in a new area
Make a new selection (e.g., another sky area).
Enter a prompt like “plane” and click Generate.
Cycle through variations and keep the best result.
Notice each result is placed on a new Generative Layer so your original stays intact.
Let AI decide with an empty prompt
Make a selection where you want Photoshop to auto-fill or extend content.
Leave the prompt field blank.
Click Generate and review the 3 variations.
Regenerate if you want different options.
Try common use cases
Underwater scene: select an area and try “fish” (avoid unsafe prompts).
Landscape: try “a sun shining bright”.
Tabletop: try “a plate of cookies” or “a fruit basket”.
Street scene: try “add a car”.
Park scene: try “a picnic table with food”.
Refine, organize, and iterate
Rename generative layers for clarity (e.g., “Clouds v2”).
Toggle or reorder layers to compare and compose results.
Adjust your selection and click Generate again for better blending.
Use Edit → Undo if a result doesn’t work and regenerate.
