Generate consistent variations with Reference image

Last updated on 24 April 2025

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Use an uploaded image as your guide and get more control over the generated content.

Try out the latest features and enhancements.

Update Photoshop

Reference Image allows you to upload a reference image to visually guide Photoshop to generate customized variations. Pair the image with a descriptive text prompt to have more control over your generated result.

It's most useful when you want to integrate specific styles or composition details that may be hard to describe.

Note:

The Reference Image feature is available for the Generate Image and Generative Fill workflows in Photoshop.

Generative Fill with reference image

Use a reference image in place of a text prompt for Generative Fill to generate content that looks very similar to your reference image.

With an active selection, select Generative Fill.
Select the Reference object button ( ) in the Contextual Task Bar.
Select Choose image and upload the reference image.
Use the Replace object and Insert object radio buttons to add a new object or replace an existing one.
- Replace object: Select this option when you don't want the original background to show. Example: changing a person's coat.
- Insert object: Select this option when you want some of the original background to blend in. Example: adding a football to a field and keeping the line markings.
Select Generate.

Generate Image with reference image

Follow these steps to generate variations using Reference Image in Generate Image.

Select Generate Image to generate an image.
Select the Reference image icon from the Contextual Task Bar or Properties panel.

Pair this image with descriptive text prompts, if necessary.

Note:

When the reference image is successfully uploaded, a blue tick appears beside the icon , and its thumbnail can be viewed in the Properties panel.
Select Generate ( ) and choose from the variations that appear in the Properties panel.

Generate Image with Composition Reference

Gain more creative control when ideating by generating assets with the same structure and visual arrangement as a reference image. It's now easier to create concepts when specific details are hard to describe with just a text prompt.

Select Generate Image ( ).
Enter a descriptive prompt.
Select Reference image > Composition and upload a desired visual or select an option from the Gallery.

Generate assets that match the composition of your reference image
Select Generate ( ) and choose from the variations that appear in the Properties panel.