In this section, you’ll learn how to use AI tools in Photoshop to add, transform, and enhance elements in your images. Unlike the earlier units where we focused on removing distractions, this unit is all about building something new — turning simple photos into bold, eye-catching graphics.
Change Backgrounds with AI – Practice swapping plain or distracting backgrounds for more creative or professional ones.
Change Clothes with AI – Experiment with replacing clothing styles, patterns, or accessories in portraits.
Change Hairstyles with AI – Transform hairstyles, try color shifts, or even add facial hair for a complete look.
Each tutorial will walk you through specific techniques, and you’ll follow along step by step in Photoshop.
Follow the Tutorials: Watch, pause, and practice directly in Photoshop.
Experiment with Prompts: Don’t just copy the tutorial — test your own creative prompts (wild hairstyles, unique outfits, or unexpected backdrops).
Save Your Work: Keep both your PSD file with layers and an exported JPEG.
Culminating Task: At the end of the section, you’ll complete a creative challenge where you design a unified, eye-catching graphic that demonstrates your additive AI skills.
By the end, you’ll be able to:
Confidently use AI tools to add new elements.
Combine technical skills with creative choices to make graphics that stand out.
Develop your own style while mastering Photoshop’s latest AI features.
Tip: The more creative you are with your prompts, the more interesting your final results will be. Don’t be afraid to take risks — this is where imagination and technology meet.
Remove the Background with One Click
Open your image and use the Remove Background tool in the contextual task bar.
Photoshop will automatically select your subject and apply a layer mask to hide the background.
Generate a New Background with AI
Click the Generate button to let Photoshop’s AI design a seamless new background that blends with your subject.
You can choose from various style options to set the mood.
Use the Enhance Feature (Beta)
If available, click Enhance to boost the quality and realism of the generated background—ideal for adding a sharper, more polished look.
Partially Replace Backgrounds
To keep elements of the original background, use the Marquee Tool to select the area you want to preserve.
Apply a layer mask, fill the selection with white (to reveal), then run Generate on the rest of the image.
Refine for Professional Results
Use Refine Edge tools to perfect the mask if the automatic selection isn’t clean.
Try different generated background options and tweak selections for the best final image.
Fast and Powerful: You can achieve high-quality background swaps in just a few clicks.
Iterative Control: Customize the look by choosing styles and refining edges—AI compliments your creative judgment.
Non-Destructive Workflow: The original image and selections remain intact, so you can tweak, repeat, or revert as needed.
Select the Clothing Area
Use the Lasso Tool (L) to carefully select the clothing you want to change.
Make sure to leave a bit of extra space around the edges to give the AI enough context for realistic blending.
Apply Generative Fill for Clothes Change
With the selection active, go to Edit → Fill, then choose Generative Fill.
In the text box, describe what you want the AI to generate—for example, “red floral dress” or “leather jacket.” Be specific!
Explore Generated Variations
Photoshop will provide multiple AI-generated options. Click through them to preview and choose the one you like best.
If none feel right, simply click Generate again for more alternatives.
Refine the Result with Manual Tools
After choosing a Generative Fill result, refine the outcome using tools like the Clone Stamp or Content-Aware Fill to clean up edges or improve texture blending.
Add Accessories (If Desired)
You’re encouraged to get creative—use Generative Fill again to add accessories (sunglasses, hats, scarves, etc.).
Try different prompt terms to see a variety of stylistic results.
Creative & Efficient: AI makes transforming outfits fast and stylistically flexible.
Customizable: You control the outcome through descriptive prompts and selective refinement.
Builds Realism: Combining AI generation with manual editing delivers polished, believable results.
Generate Entirely New Hairstyles
Use the Lasso Tool to select the hair area (leave a little extra space around the edges for better AI blending).
Then, open Generative Fill, type a prompt like “long hair” or “fancy haircut”, and click Generate. The AI will propose new hairstyles that suit the subject’s features.
Remove Hats to Reveal Hidden Styles
Select and mask out a hat using Lasso Tool and Generative Fill to uncover the hair beneath. This technique lets you retouch without disturbing the underlying subject.
Add Facial Hair (e.g., Mustache)
Use Lasso Tool to select the area, then type “mustache” or “full mustache” into Generative Fill to experiment with different styles. These are fun portrait enhancements!
Try Color & Style Variations
After making your selection, prompt AI with specific descriptors—e.g., “blue hair,” “braided updo,” or “retro hairstyle”—to customize both style and color in creative ways.
Always Experiment
The tutorial encourages experimentation—try multiple prompts and repeat the process to discover interesting and unexpected looks. The potential is nearly limitless!
Creative Empowerment: Students can dramatically transform hairstyles with minimal effort, exploring visual storytelling and personal expression.
Non-Destructive Workflow: All edits remain editable and reversible, thanks to Smart Object and layer-based processing.
Iterative Testing: The ability to regenerate AI results encourages iterative design work—students can refine prompts until they get it right.
This is your chance to think like a digital artist and not just a photo editor. Instead of only swapping small details, your goal is to create a bold, eye-catching graphic that feels imaginative and polished. Use Photoshop’s Generative Fill to add, transform, and enhance elements in a way that tells a story or grabs attention.
Don’t just change a shirt or remove a distraction—push your creativity! Maybe your subject is standing in a futuristic city, wearing a dramatic new outfit, or styled with wild neon hair. Or perhaps you want to design a surreal portrait where unexpected elements (like floating objects or animals) blend seamlessly with reality.
By the end, your work should feel like a complete creative piece, not just a photo edit.
Choose an Image
You may use one of the provided practice images or bring your own.
Make sure your photo has space or context that makes sense for adding elements (e.g., background, clothing, accessories, hairstyle).
Add 3–5 New Elements
Examples: change a hairstyle, swap clothes, add accessories, or place a new object in the background.
At least two different AI skills must be demonstrated (e.g., background replacement + clothing change, or hairstyle + accessory).
Show Your Process
Final canvas must include:
Before image (original photo)
After image (AI-enhanced version)
Process breakdown (small images or screenshots that highlight what was added/changed).
Organize with Layers
Your Photoshop file (.PSD) should have clearly named layers that reflect your edits (e.g., “New Hair,” “Background Swap,” “Added Hat”).
Final Submission
Save and submit your work as both:
PSD file (with layers)
JPEG export (showing the before/after comparison).
Clear use of Generative Fill to add or transform elements.
Creative choices that feel natural and believable.
A well-organized Photoshop file with meaningful layer names.
A polished canvas that clearly shows before and after comparisons.
Pro Tip: Be bold with your ideas! Try something fun (like neon hair or a superhero costume) or something subtle (like changing clothing style). This is your chance to push creativity while practicing technical skills.