◆ Photoshop · generate

Batch Replace Sky

Replace the sky across the folder of poster photos to give all images the same atmospheric look: auto-select skies, ap…

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”Replace the sky across the folder of poster photos to give all images the same atmospheric…+
Replace the sky across the folder of poster photos to give all images the same atmospheric look: auto-select skies, apply the supplied overcast sky image, match color and exposure to each photo, and batch-save replacements into a new folder.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Before releasing the batch to the creative director, make the replacements consistent—ensure…+
Before releasing the batch to the creative director, make the replacements consistent—ensure horizon lines match perspective, provide three sample prints showing color balance on the target poster stock, log files that needed manual masking, and supply an action or script so the team can reproduce the result.
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.
Sky ReplacementAn automated feature that intelligently replaces the sky in an image with a different sky.ExampleWith Sky Replacement, a dull gray sky in your photo can be instantly swapped for a vibrant sunset.
Color BalanceAdjusts the overall mixture of colors in an image to correct color casts or create artistic effects.ExampleAdjusting the color balance can remove an unwanted green tint from an old photograph.
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.

The real tasks

1 of them
Replace a sky across a batch of photos so all printed posters share the same atmospheric look.

Who does this

1 roles
Prepress Technician

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Use the 'Match Color' adjustment after swapping the sky to blend it with the original image's tones. This helps create a more natural look, especially when the lighting or mood changes.

If the lighting or weather conditions are very different, swapping skies can look unnatural. It's best to do this when the original and new sky have similar lighting and color.

Carefully refine the edges around the sky using feathering or the 'Refine Edge' tool. Adjust the lighting and colors afterward to improve the overall integration.

Not matching the color and lighting between the sky and landscape. This can cause the sky to look pasted on and break the photo's realism.

A professional photographer or retoucher working on outdoor tourism photos often swaps skies to enhance mood or remove distracting elements.

AI tools can automate masking and color matching, making sky swaps easier. However, fine-tuning for natural look still needs human judgment, especially in complex lighting.

Sky replacement focuses on changing the sky's appearance, while extending the canvas enlarges the image, often to add more sky or landscape without changing the existing scene.