Place an image into a frame

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to add or replace an image to a frame created with the Frame tool in Adobe Photoshop.

Frames in Photoshop help you create shapes that automatically mask images placed inside them. When you use the Frame tool, the image you add becomes a Smart Object, which you can edit without losing clarity. The images automatically resize to fit the frame boundaries. Add images to frames to design layouts with shaped images.

Adobe Photoshop deeplink

Try it in the app
Use the Frame tool to create a placeholder frame in a few simple steps.

Draw a frame with the Frame tool.

Select File > Place Embedded or Place Linked to place an image in the frame. The image is added as a Smart Object.

  • Use Place Embedded to keep the image inside your Photoshop file.
  • Use Place Linked to link to the image on your computer and keep the file size smaller.

To place an asset from the Library panel, drag the asset onto the frame.

Photoshop interface showing an image placed inside a frame created using the Frame Tool.
Add an image inside a frame to shape it and build dynamic collage layouts.

Note

Frames appear as a layer type in the Layers panel. The frame layer shows two thumbnails: a frame and content, helping you easily edit the frame and its contents.