Adjust the sample source overlay options

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to customize the overlay when using the Clone Stamp tool or Healing Brush tool in Adobe Photoshop.

Select the Clone Stamp tool or Healing Brush   tool.  

Select Alt-click (Windows) or Option-click (macOS) in the image to set the sample source.

Select Window > Clone Source to show the panel.

Select Show Overlay in the Clone Source panel to display the sampled source over your image.

Customize the overlay settings:

  • Auto Hide - Hide the overlay while painting.
  • Clipped - Clip the overlay to match the brush size.
  • Opacity - Enter a percentage to set the overlay transparency.
  • Blending mode - Select Normal, Darken, Lighten, or Difference to adjust how the overlay blends with the image.
  • Invert - Invert overlay colors to distinguish from the image.
Tip

For easier alignment, set Opacity to 50%, select Invert, and deselect Clipped. When aligned, matching areas appear gray.