This is a session snippet from a recent graphic design mentoring session I had with a student. My student was wanting to explore different ways to enhance backgrounds in Photoshop, one of which is Photoshop AI editing.
Whether you want to replace a dull sky, add a dramatic backdrop, or simply experiment with AI-powered edits, Generative Fill makes the process fast in what was a really labour intensive job previously before AI came along.
Here’s how you can do it step by step! Let’s use our example of a sky image.
Step 1: Open Your Image
First, open Photoshop and load the image that needs a new sky.
- If the layer is locked, click the lock icon in the Layers Panel to unlock it.
Step 2: Select the Sky Area
Next, select the part of your image where the new sky will go. There are a few ways to do this:
- Use Select > Sky (if available) for an automatic selection.
- Manually select the sky with the Lasso Tool (L) or Polygon Lasso Tool for more control.
- Adjust your selection if needed by going to Select > Modify > Expand or Feather to help it blend naturally.
Step 3: Use Generative Fill to Create the Sky
Now, it’s time to let Photoshop AI editing do the work!
- With your selection active, go to Edit > Generative Fill.
- In the text box, type something like “blue sky with soft clouds” (or any custom description you prefer).
- Click Generate and browse through the variations. Pick the one that looks best!
Step 4: Flatten and Refine the Image
Once you’re happy with your new sky, let’s clean things up.
- Organize Your Layers:
- Click the New Group icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel.
- Drag all the layers you just created into this group and rename it something like “Original Layers”—this will keep your edits reversible.
- Duplicate this group by right-clicking on it and selecting Duplicate.
- You’ll see a new group named “Your Filename XXX – Copy”, which you can rename if needed.
- Flatten the Layers for Further Editing:
- If you need to make additional refinements, you can flatten the duplicated group.
Refining the Sky Blend
If your new sky isn’t blending perfectly, here are two ways to fix it:
Option 1: Layer Mask Method
- Add a Layer Mask to your sky layer.
- Use a soft black brush to erase unwanted edges.
- To restore parts you accidentally erased, switch the brush to white and paint them back in.
Option 2: Eraser & History Brush
- If you erased too much without using a mask, don’t worry!
- Use the Selection Tool (M) to highlight the area you want to restore.
- Grab the History Brush (Y) and paint over the selection to bring back erased parts.
Final Thoughts
Through graphic design mentoring, my student quickly learned how Photoshop AI editing can simplify sky replacements. By keeping layers organized, making non-destructive adjustments, and refining your edits, you can create seamless, professional-looking changes to any image.
Try it out, experiment with different skies, and take your Photoshop skills to the next level! 🚀