I must be open with you, I was not certain of anything when Adobe first released Photoshop AI. My initial perception of Photoshop was its role as a complex sometimes overbearing program where each tool is accompanied by a small hidden menu, and it takes hours to learn how to use a single tool. But then, I tried some of the new AI features, and… well, it changed everything.
What once would have required a few steps, some a bit clumsy, can now be achieved by either a single click or a brief textual response. Assuming you want to know how to use Photoshop AI, or are simply new at it, the following guide will take you through it in a manner that feels accessible, neither too technical, nor too professional.
Why AI in Photoshop Is So Game Changing.
There’s something almost magical about AI in Photoshop. I mean, it’s not “mind reading,” but it’s close. You do not need to waste time clicking endlessly on your screen with brushes and selection tools; you can have a few words typed and in a flash, your picture looks as though you have spent hours working on it.
These AI tools are straightforward, with the machine doing all the boring and repetitive tasks so that you can do the creative part. And, frankly, there are even occasions when AI can surprise you with the edits that you did not consider. It’s a bit like working with a smart assistant who occasionally shows off.
Step 1: Make Sure You’re Using the Latest Photoshop
Before you even get to the fun part, here’s something that’s easy to forget—Photoshop AI features only work properly on the latest version. Adobe rolls out updates frequently, and missing even one can mean the AI tools won’t show up at all.
So, go to “Help” → “Updates” and make sure everything’s fresh. I once spent 15 minutes looking for a missing tool only to realize I hadn’t updated. Classic.
Step 2: Open Your Image and Explore the AI Tools Panel
Once you’ve updated, open any image you want to work on. On the right-hand side, you should see the Generative AI tools panel. This is where most of the how to use AI in Photoshop magic happens.
Some of the most commonly used features include:
- Generative Fill: Add or remove objects by selecting areas and typing what you want.
- Generative Expand: Extend the background of your photo without manually cloning anything.
- Remove Tool: Instantly clean up unwanted distractions.
It’s surprisingly intuitive. You select, type, wait a few seconds, and Photoshop gives you options to pick from. It’s like having a designer friend working alongside you.
Step 3: Try Generative Fill — It’s Addictive
Here’s a simple example: imagine you’ve got a great portrait photo, but there’s an ugly pole in the background. Normally, you’d spend several minutes carefully cloning and blending. With AI in Photoshop, just select the pole, type “remove,” and watch it disappear—neatly.
Or let’s say you want to add something instead. Maybe a sunset sky behind your subject. Select the area, type “sunset sky,” hit generate, and there it is. You even get multiple variations to choose from, which honestly feels a bit like cheating (but the good kind).
Step 4: Expand Your Canvas Without the Hassle
One of my favorite tools is Generative Expand. It solves a problem I didn’t even realize was so common—when you need more background but don’t have it.
Considering an example, a vertical photo is to be turned into a horizontal one in order to create a banner. You would also have to make a lot of manual editing. But with AI, just increase the canvas size, select the empty space, and generate. In Photoshop, it is filled in as though it was there all along.
It is not always perfect though. You might see weird artifacts or textures that don’t match. But usually, one or two more tries fix it.
Step 5: Use AI as a Creative Partner, Not a Shortcut
This might sound a bit personal, but I think it’s important. The trick to how to use Photoshop AI effectively isn’t treating it like a “do it for me” button. It’s more like a brainstorming buddy.
It is not always the case that the first AI result is what you desire.That’s okay. Try different prompts.Human creativity and machine precision make the most sense.
Indicatively, the last time I was editing a travel photo, I requested AI to add lanterns to the sky (glowing).The first result was odd. The second was better. The third? Perfect. It looked like a real lantern festival.
A Few Honest Downsides
There is no flawless tool and neither is Photoshop AI. It can also fail at complicated textures such as a hair or water. It creates something a bit too many times imaginative sometimes (such as an extra hand where it does not belong).
And there is the temptation, also, to overuse it. Photos which have been over-edited will quickly begin to appear artificial, so that balance is important.
Final Thoughts
It is not that hard to learn how to use Photoshop AI, and requires some experimentation. It can make you quite comfortable, though, and entirely alter your approach to editing.
The AI in Photoshop could be your not-so-secret weapon whether you need to remove backgrounds, extend a scene, or incorporate some of your own ideas. You need only to keep in mind–it takes best when you lead it not when you give it in hand.
Ultimately, it is your creativity that will count. AI is merely there to make the ride a bit smoother.