◆ Photoshop · generate

Replace Outdoor Sky

Replace the bland sky in the storefront shot with a more uplifting sky that matches our brand reference, blend edges a…

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 bland sky in the storefront shot with a more uplifting sky that matches our brand…+
Replace the bland sky in the storefront shot with a more uplifting sky that matches our brand reference, blend edges and match color so the change reads natural; save layered [psd] and flattened [jpeg].
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Swap the sky so the brand team signs off without a retake: select a sky that matches our…+
Swap the sky so the brand team signs off without a retake: select a sky that matches our [moodboard], match temperature and horizon light, blend atmospheric haze and edge color bleed, and provide the [psd] with sky layer labeled plus a flattened proof and the sky source [file].
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.
AdjustmentsNon-destructive edits applied to an image to change its color, tone, or other visual characteristics.ExampleYou can use Adjustments to brighten a dark photo or change its color balance.
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 bland sky in an outdoor storefront shot so the brand feels uplifting and consistent.

Who does this

1 roles
Small Business Owner

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Use the 'Match Color' feature in Photoshop to make the generated background resemble your original. This helps keep consistency across different images or versions.

Apply this after adjusting the background layers, especially when the AI creates a new sky or overcast sky. It reduces the time spent manually tweaking colors.

Photoshop's 'Match Color' is found under Image > Adjustments > Match Color.

Make sure to set the correct vanishing points or use guides in Photoshop before replacing backgrounds. This ensures the new background matches the angle and perspective of your main subject.

A common mistake is replacing backgrounds without checking perspective, which makes the composite look off. Use the Transform tool (Ctrl+T or Cmd+T) to tweak the background.

The 'Extend Image Canvas' task helps add space for perspective adjustments if needed.

see alsoExtend Image Canvas →

Match the color temperature and brightness of the new sky with your main image. Use adjustment layers like Curves or Color Balance to blend smoothly.

A good practice is to do this after vetting generated backgrounds, so they match the mood and lighting of the scene.

This step is most relevant for the 'Replace Sky' task.

see alsoReplace Sky →

This often happens because of mismatched lighting, color, or perspective. Use adjustment layers to fine-tune the colors and transform tools to align perspective.

A common mistake is ignoring the original lighting direction, which causes unnatural composites. Always check the light source before blending.

A designer or retoucher often handles this during background vetting or matching tasks.

AI can generate initial backgrounds or fill missing pixels quickly, but fine-tuning still needs a human touch. Adjustments for perspective, color, and mood usually require manual work.

AI can save time by providing a starting point, but a designer or retoucher must refine the result for consistency.

AI stops being helpful when it creates backgrounds that don't match the scene’s lighting or style.

Don’t ignore the lighting direction and color palette of your main image. Avoid overusing filters that make the background look too artificial.

A typical mistake is to rely solely on AI outputs without manual adjustments, leading to mismatched composites.

Use adjustment layers and manual tweaks to improve integration.

Create adjustment layers and save them as presets or layer groups. This makes it easy to tweak the entire background quickly if feedback requires changes.

A designer or retoucher often does this during the review process to ensure the background matches desired mood and style.

Avoid editing backgrounds directly on the image layer, which makes adjustments more difficult.