◆ Photoshop · generate

AI Canvas Expansion

Expand the canvas and generate plausible background elements beyond the sketch by using generative expansion to fill t…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it
See the prompt↓More generate workflows

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Expand the canvas and generate plausible background elements beyond the sketch by using…+
Expand the canvas and generate plausible background elements beyond the sketch by using generative expansion to fill the extra space, then blend the new elements to match existing lighting and perspective.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Grow the scene so the director won't spot a patch — extend the canvas to the requested…+
Grow the scene so the director won't spot a patch — extend the canvas to the requested dimensions, run generative expansion focused on the sketch's style and lighting notes, hand-blend seams, adjust lighting to match the main light source, and deliver a layered PSD with the generated areas labeled for further painting.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Generative Fill

Generative Fill uses AI to add, expand, or remove content from your images based on text prompts.

  1. 1

    Open your image by selecting File > Open.

  2. 2

    Select the area you want to transform using a selection tool.

    Best practiceFor expanding the canvas, use the Crop Tool to extend the image boundaries first.

  3. 3

    Click the Generative Fill button in the Contextual Task Bar.

    NoteYou can also access it from Edit > Generative Fill, or Select > All then Edit > Generative Fill.

  4. 4

    Type a prompt describing the object or scene you want to generate in the text-entry field.

    NoteYou can leave the prompt field empty to have Photoshop generate content based on the surrounding image.

  5. 5

    Click Generate.

  6. 6

    Review the generated variations in the Properties panel.

  7. 7

    Select your preferred variation from the options.

  8. 8

    Save your image by selecting File > Save As or File > Save a Copy.

Generative Fill creates new content on a separate generative layer, allowing non-destructive edits.

Generative Fill functionality is integrated within Photoshop and is not directly exposed as a standalone API for external automation.

Glossary

words on this page
Contextual Task BarA floating bar that provides relevant tools and actions based on the current selection or task.ExampleWhen you select an object, the Contextual Task Bar appears with options to duplicate or delete it.
Generative FillAn AI-powered feature that creates new image content based on text prompts or existing selections.ExampleUsing Generative Fill, you type 'add a sandy beach' to extend the ocean scene in your image.
Save a CopyTo save the current document as a new file, leaving the original document open and unchanged.ExampleYou can 'Save a Copy' of your edited photo to share, while keeping the original file untouched.
TransformTo change the size, shape, or orientation of an image layer or selection.ExampleYou can transform an image layer to rotate it clockwise or make it much smaller.
GenerateTo create new image content or variations using AI models within Photoshop.ExampleYou use Generate to create several AI-powered variations of a background based on your prompt.

The real tasks

1 of them
Use AI to expand the canvas and invent plausible background elements when a concept sketch calls for a larger scene.

Who does this

1 roles
Illustrator / Digital Artist

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Use the AI generate feature to create missing pixels that add bright sunlight. Adjust brightness and contrast for a natural sunny look.

Before listing a property online, especially if the current photo looks dull or overcast. It helps attract buyers by showing a bright, inviting space.

Match the lighting to existing objects and shadows in the photo. Use the 'Match Evening Mood' or 'Produce Creative Options' to guide the AI.

see alsoProduce Creative Options →Match Evening Mood →

Relying only on AI-generated pixels without adjusting for shadows and lighting can make the result look fake. Fine-tune brightness afterward.

Photo editors often handle this during post-processing to improve listing photos, especially when quick turnaround is needed for online tours.

AI helps generate missing pixels fast but still needs manual tweaking for realism, like matching shadows and color tones. It’s a tool, not a complete solution.

Replacing the sky is a separate step, usually done first, to set the lighting. Generating the backyard involves filling in missing pixels to make the scene look sunny and natural.