Adobe Photoshop, a leading software in the field of image editing, has introduced a new feature called Generative Fill. This feature utilizes generative AI to add elements to existing images, creating unique and visually appealing compositions. In this article, we will explore the capabilities of Generative Fill and showcase its potential through a series of examples.
Generative AI, when it comes to producing images, can be approached in two main ways. Tools like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion create entire images based on AI prompts, while Adobe Photoshop focuses on adding an image and seamlessly integrating it into an existing scene. The latter approach is what sets Photoshop apart and makes it a pioneer in this field.
To demonstrate the power of Generative Fill, I used two essential tools within Photoshop: the Lasso tool and the Generative Fill bar. The Lasso tool allows users to draw freehand shapes on the screen, creating selections. The Generative Fill bar appears when a new selection is made and offers options for AI-generated elements to complete the selection.
For our demonstration, I began with a simple picture from my personal collection. The image depicted a house we had considered purchasing during our house-hunting adventure in Oregon. This particular image provided a suitable canvas to test the capabilities of Generative Fill.
One notable aspect of Generative Fill is its ability to blend generated images seamlessly into the scene. This is evident in the examples we will explore throughout this article. To start, I enlarged the canvas using Photoshop’s Canvas Size menu, creating ample white space around the original image.
To maintain clarity in this article, I have used red dashed lines to represent the selections made with the Lasso tool. These lines serve as a visual representation of the selections, as the actual selection interface was not clearly visible in the screenshots. Additionally, I encourage readers to click on the images to enlarge them and appreciate the nuances of the AI-generated elements.
Without providing any specific prompt, I made a selection and used the Generative Fill feature. The AI filled out the scene by adding trees on both sides, paying attention to the interplay of light and shadow. It also incorporated additional buildings in the background and created mountain areas on the right side of the image.
In order to avoid overwhelming the article with multiple images for each step, I have opted to present the finished effect, which includes the newly generated object, along with a selection zone for the subsequent effect. This approach allows for a smoother reading experience.
One crucial tip when using Photoshop’s Generative AI is that the selection size and placement greatly influence the generated element. The AI interprets the selection as an indicator of where the user wants the generated object to be placed. Therefore, it is essential to scale the selection in proportion to the desired object.
In the next example, I aimed to create a UFO with a sense of motion. Despite my efforts to include motion blur, the AI did not incorporate non-tangible effects. Nevertheless, it successfully generated a silver UFO that appeared to be floating in the scene.
Moving on, I focused on a country road in front of the house. To add a dynamic element, I prompted the AI to generate a “school bus.” Although I did not specify the color, the AI produced a bus reminiscent of the ones seen in movies like “Con Air” and “The Fugitive.” While it wasn’t a yellow school bus, it still added an interesting element to the composition.
The AI’s ability to accurately understand and incorporate various elements into the scene is impressive. It showcases the potential of generative AI in the field of image editing and opens up new creative possibilities for artists and designers.
In conclusion, Adobe Photoshop’s Generative Fill feature is a powerful tool that harnesses the capabilities of generative AI to enhance and transform images. Through a combination of user selections and AI prompts, users can create unique and visually captivating compositions. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the creative process and inspire artists and designers to explore new horizons.