Extend images beyond borders

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Generative Expand fills the empty frame around your image with content that naturally blends with the original.

Try it in the app
Work with a sample file and learn how to use Generative Expand.

Open InDesign

Note

Ensure you're connected to the internet, as Generative Expand requires cloud processing.
Generative Expand is not available in mainland China.

Place an image in your InDesign document and drag the image frame to expand the image size.

You can also select any image with empty space in the frame.

Select Generative Expand from the Contextual Task Bar. You can also select File > Generate or Window > Generate, to access Generative Expand .

Select Generate to fill the empty frame with relevant elements from the existing image.

Additionally, in the prompt field, type a description of the output you're looking for and then select Generate .

Caution

Generative Expand doesn’t function correctly on rotated images.

Select the left or right arrows to view and select different variations of your prompt. The original image is now replaced with the selected variation. You can select Window > Generate to view all the past variations. Once variations are generated, the Contextual Task Bar and panel will change to Text to Image as the text frame has no empty space.

All variations are downloaded to your computer at C:\Users\<username>\Documents\InDesign GenAI Assets (Windows) or /Users/username/Documents/InDesign GenAI Assets (macOS).

Select the ellipsis icon to Show Generate Panel , Generative AI User Guidelines , Hide Context Bar , Pin Context Bar .

Once you select Hide Context Bar , the Contextual Task Bar will not open by default. Select Window > Contextual Task Bar to see it on the workspace.

Key capabilities

Generative Expand is an AI-powered capability that extends existing images to fit the referenced frame in the layout.
Users can create a specific background for their reference image using a text prompt.
Generative Expand lets you extend the image to a different aspect ratio, filling the space in seconds.
Generative Expand will present you with three different choices, allowing you to explore various creative concepts.
You right-click the selected variation, select Edit With, then select any application to edit the generated variation.
The Firefly model currently returns an output of 2K resolution for generated images (up to 4K for expands) to InDesign.

Tips and tricks

Determine the intended frame size. Position your image within the frame, taking into account where it will be expanded. For example, if you position the image to the far left of your frame, it will be extended to the right boundary. Generative Expand will fill any white space.
Use the text prompt to expand the image with specific elements.
Stick with simple and direct language with your text prompt, approximately 3-8 words that include a description, color, or scene. Don’t worry about adding commands like add or remove. Instead, use simple phrases like 'bright tropical flowers,' 'a sunrise behind mountains, ''a man with headphones,' or 'an ice cream parlor.' Learn more about writing effective prompts.
The original image in the document will be replaced with the generated image. If required, please save a copy of the original image before expanding it using Generative Expand.

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