Expand photos with Generative Expand

Last updated on 4 August 2026

Learn how to expand your photos with Generative Expand and create more space around your subject.

Generative Expand in Adobe Lightroom on mobile lets you extend your photo beyond its original dimensions by generating new content that blends naturally with the existing photo.

For best results, use Generative Expand before applying edits such as Generative Remove, Lens blur, or Masking, and expand the photo gradually instead of extending all sides at once. Some edits, such as Shadows, Highlights, Clarity, or Dehaze, may affect the appearance of the original photo after expansion.

On iOS, Generative Expand is currently available only on iPhone.

Select a photo to open it in Detail view.

Select Crop .

In the Crop and expand panel, toggle on Expand.

Expand the photo using one of the following options:

Original: Drag the crop handles beyond the original photo boundaries to expand the canvas.
Ratios: Select an available aspect ratio to automatically expand the photo to the selected ratio.
Social media aspect sizes: Select a preset size optimized for social media platforms to expand the photo accordingly.

Select Generate.

In the Variations panel, review the generated variations and select the one you prefer.

Note

Select the Info icon to view the Generative AI terms of use, report a variation, delete unwanted variations, or share your feedback.

Select Done .

Select a photo to open it in Detail view.

Select Crop .

In the Crop and expand panel, toggle on Expand.

Expand the photo using one of the following options:

Original: Drag the crop handles beyond the original photo boundaries to expand the canvas.
Ratios: Select an available aspect ratio to automatically expand the photo to the selected ratio.
Social media aspect sizes: Select a preset size optimized for social media platforms to expand the photo accordingly.

Select Generate.

In the Variations panel, review the generated variations and select the one you prefer.

Note

Select the Info icon to view the Generative AI terms of use, report a variation, delete unwanted variations, or share your feedback.

Select Done .

Tip

To apply Generative Expand while correcting perspective in Geometry, select Aspect, and then toggle on Expand before making your geometry adjustments.

Generative Expand uses generative credits. The number of available credits depends on your Adobe subscription. Each photo generation uses one generative credit.

Correct perspective with Guided Upright

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