Combine AI masking with traditional techniques to refine edges, match lighting, and create realistic composites.

What you’ll learn

Combine AI speed with pro techniques for realistic composites

Great composites aren’t a one-click solution. They’re what happens when you combine AI with traditional skills. Automatic masking can create a solid base, but details like hair and fur edges need additional refinement. By combining AI selections with custom brushes and manual adjustments, you move from “cut out” to fully integrated, believable composites.

Refine edges to show realism with custom brushes and techniques

Creating a custom hair or fur brush introduces randomness in size, angle, and spacing, which mimics natural texture. Contract the mask slightly, then paint edges back in to rebuild detail with intention. The goal isn’t to match the original edge exactly, it’s to create the illusion that the subject belongs in the scene.

Match light, color, and detail to unify the scene

Use Generative AI (Harmonize) to align lighting and color, then combine variations with masks for the best result. Finish with Camera Raw adjustments like texture and sharpening, applied selectively. This layered approach ensures your final image feels cohesive, not generated.

Pro tip: Use smart object lets you treat multiple layers as one so you can apply non-destructive adjustments on top of everything.