◆ Photoshop · generate

Extend Workspace Canvas

Expand the workspace around the photographed installation so there is room for title text and gallery notes: generativ…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Expand the workspace around the photographed installation so there is room for title text and…+
Expand the workspace around the photographed installation so there is room for title text and gallery notes: generatively expand the canvas on the top and right, create a smooth neutral gradient background extension, and deliver a PSD with extra space and a preview JPEG.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Make the expanded installation photo ready for gallery collateral so text won't overlap art:…+
Make the expanded installation photo ready for gallery collateral so text won't overlap art: expand the canvas with generative fill that matches wall texture and light, add a subtle gradient band on the upper third for legible titles, supply an editable PSD with a locked art layer and separate text-safe area plus a flattened JPEG for immediate use.
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.
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.
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.

The real tasks

1 of them
Expand the workspace around a photographed installation so I can add title text and gallery notes without covering art.

Who does this

1 roles
Craft / Fine Artist

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

To institutionalize generated fills, create a set of standard actions or scripts that automate applying these fills across multiple projects. This speeds up workflows and ensures consistency.

For example, when working on a campaign, save your fill process as an action, then run it on new images to instantly apply the desired look. This method saves time and maintains quality.

Use this technique when you need to apply the same background or fill style across many images, like in a series of ads or banners. It’s helpful when consistency is key.

A graphic designer might do this before launching a campaign, ensuring all visuals match the branding and mood set by the generated fills.

Start by testing your generated fills on a few images to see how they look. Save your favorite settings as actions so you can apply them easily.

A common mistake is overusing fills, which can make images look unnatural. Always review the results before deploying them widely.

Many users forget to save their fill application as a preset or action, forcing them to redo the process each time. This wastes time and creates inconsistency.

For example, a photographer might generate fills for a series but neglect to record the steps, leading to mismatched images in the final set.

A graphic designer or retoucher often institutionalizes generated fills to create a uniform style across multiple images quickly.

Designers working on branding campaigns do this to keep visual themes consistent without manually editing each photo.

AI can automate the basic application of fills, but a human must review and adjust for natural look and accuracy. AI stops at producing plausible results, not perfect art.

For example, a retoucher might use AI fills but then fine-tune the edges or color balance manually to match the scene.

This is similar to replacing skies or backgrounds in Photoshop, which also involves applying specific fills or replacements across images.

A contract manager might think both tasks are about swapping backgrounds, but in reality, this task is about creating reusable fills for speed and consistency.