◆ Photoshop · generate

Replace Sky

Replace the empty sky with a stormy sky layer, match the sky lighting to the scene using layer lighting adjustments, a…

2heights
6tasks
3roles 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 empty sky with a stormy sky layer, match the sky lighting to the scene using layer…+
Replace the empty sky with a stormy sky layer, match the sky lighting to the scene using layer lighting adjustments, and clip the new sky behind the landscape so composition reads dramatic and cohesive.
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 stormy sky believable to the art director — choose a sky that matches sun direction,…+
Make the stormy sky believable to the art director — choose a sky that matches sun direction, desaturate or warm/cool the landscape via a matched adjustment layer so highlights and rim light align, add subtle atmospheric haze over distant planes, and provide before/after layers labeled 'original' and 'stormy_sky'.
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
Sky Replacement

Automatically replace the sky in an image using AI, or import your own custom sky.

  1. 1

    Open your image in Adobe Photoshop.

  2. 2

    Select Edit > Sky Replacement.

    NoteAdobe Sensei AI automatically adds a new sky to your image.

  3. 3

    Click the Sky thumbnail in the Sky Replacement dialog.

  4. 4

    Choose a sky from the presets gallery or click the + button to import your own sky image.

  5. 5

    Adjust the sliders in the Sky Replacement dialog to refine the sky's appearance.

    Best practiceEnsure the new sky's lighting direction, intensity, and color temperature match the foreground to avoid a 'fake' look.

  6. 6

    Use the Sky Brush tool to refine edges by painting in or removing sky areas.

    NoteHold Alt/Option while painting to remove sky.

  7. 7

    Click OK to apply the sky replacement.

To standardize views, export selected skies as a preset or back up the Sky_Presets folder.

Sky Replacement is an AI-powered feature within Photoshop and is not directly exposed via a public API for external automation.

Glossary

words on this page
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.
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.
HighlightsThe brightest tonal areas of an image, often adjusted to recover detail or prevent overexposure.ExampleReducing the highlights in a photo of a snowy mountain can bring back detail in the bright white peaks.
Sky BrushA specialized brush tool designed to paint and enhance sky areas in an image.ExampleUsing the Sky Brush, you can easily add more dramatic clouds to a plain blue sky.
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

3 of them
Replace an empty sky in a landscape study so the mood reads stormy and dramatic.
Swap out a dull sky behind an outdoor shot to make the scene look golden-hour warm.
Swap a dull, cloudy sky for a warm golden-hour sky so the campaign image feels optimistic and shareable.

Who does this

3 roles
Illustrator / Digital ArtistContent Creator / InfluencerSocial Media Content Creator

Questions people actually ask

with the jobs and tasks they touch

Use AI-generated fills only when they enhance the image naturally, such as filling missing pixels in a background. For a news photo, avoid obvious modifications that could mislead viewers.

A photojournalist might use this to quickly repair a sky or background, but should ensure the result looks authentic and truthful.

see alsoPhotojournalist →

Start by selecting the area that needs filling carefully. Use the 'Match Content' feature or tweak the fill to match lighting and tone. Always zoom in to check details.

A photo editor uses this to fix dull skies or overcast backgrounds, making them look natural without drawing attention to the edit.

Overusing AI fills or making them too obvious can mislead viewers. For example, replacing a sky with an overly perfect or mismatched one can look fake.

A photojournalist should avoid overly perfect skies, ensuring edits do not distort the story or deceive readers.

see alsoPhotojournalist →

A photojournalist often uses AI fills to replace dull skies or extend backgrounds quickly, especially before publishing deadlines.

see alsoPhotojournalist →

AI tools can quickly fill missing pixels or replace backgrounds, saving time. But they can't replace careful visual judgment, especially in sensitive news images.

If the fill creates a noticeable mismatch in lighting, color, or detail, it’s better to paint or clone manually. AI can't always match complex textures perfectly.

Use AI fills cautiously. They are suitable for minor repairs like filling dull skies but should not alter the core content or misrepresent the scene.