Open both images in Photoshop—the primary image you want to edit and the additional image to use as a pixel source.
Last updated on
Sep 29, 2026
Learn how to use pixels from a second image to fill selected areas and remove unwanted objects.
Multi-Image Content-Aware Fill gives you more control over complex removals by letting you source pixels from a different photograph of the same scene.
This feature works when you have multiple photographs of the same location with slightly different elements—such as tourists walking through a landmark or vehicles passing through a street scene. Instead of sampling only from the current image, you can use pixels from a second photograph that doesn't contain the unwanted object. The two images should share significant content overlap in the region being filled, with minimal camera movement between shots.
Before you begin, open both the primary image you want to edit and the additional image that will serve as your pixel source. The Content-Aware Fill workspace remains open throughout this process, so you can make selections, apply fills, and refine results without switching between workspaces.
- Two images of the same scene with overlapping content
- Primary image containing the object or area you want to remove
- Additional image without the unwanted object
Select and open the Content-Aware Fill workspace
In the primary image, use the Object Selection tool, Quick Selection tool, or Lasso tool to select the area you want to fill.
Right-click inside the selection and select Content-Aware Fill to open the Content-Aware Fill workspace.
The workspace displays your primary image on the left with a preview of the fill result, and the Content-Aware Fill panel on the right with adjustment options.
Choose the additional image source
Locate the Additional Document section in the Content-Aware Fill panel and select it to reveal the options.
Select the Additional Document dropdown menu.
Select an open image from the list or select Import to browse for another file.
After you select the additional image, Photoshop generates a preview showing how the fill will look. The fill quality depends on how well the two images align and how much content they share in the selected region.
Note
When you add a document, the Sampling Area overlay and the Sampling Brush tool are disabled. Photoshop automatically chooses pixels from the additional image to complete your fill.
Adjust fill settings to match surrounding pixels
Adjust the Flexibility control in the Content-Aware Fill panel to determine how the source pixels adapt. Select Off for static cloning, Default for moderate adaptation, or High to allow more warping.
Drag the Brightness slider to match the lightness or darkness of the filled pixels to the surrounding area.
Drag the Contrast slider to adjust the contrast of the filled pixels.
Use the Color Balance sliders to fine-tune the color matching between the filled area and the surrounding image.
If you need to reset your adjustments, select the reset icon next to the Additional Document header to restore the default fill settings.
Use alignment points to improve results (optional)
Select the Alignment tool from the toolbar in the Content-Aware Fill workspace.
In the primary image preview, select a distinctive point in or near the fill area.
In the additional image preview, select the corresponding matching point in the same location.
Add additional alignment point pairs as needed to improve the image match.
Alignment points help Photoshop understand how the two images relate to each other, particularly when the camera angle or position differs slightly between shots. You can place up to four pairs of alignment points. Each pair is numbered and color-coded for clarity.
Tip
Place alignment points close to the region being removed, but distribute them relatively evenly around the area for best results.
Apply the fill and finish
Review the preview on the left side of the workspace to verify the fill meets your needs.
Select OK in the Content-Aware Fill panel to apply the fill and close the workspace.
Photoshop creates a new layer containing the filled result, preserving your original image. You can make additional refinements using standard retouching tools or repeat the process with different alignment points if needed.
For best results, use images taken with minimal camera movement and rotation. Less than 10 degrees of camera rotation around the subject produces the most seamless fills. The camera position can vary slightly between shots, but less translation between positions creates better results.
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