Use the Content-Aware Patch tool

Last updated on Sep 29, 2026

Use the Content-Aware Patch tool in Photoshop to remove unwanted elements and blend textures.

Learn to use the Content-Aware Patch tool to remove unwanted elements from your images.

Removes unwanted image elements by blending them with surrounding content using the Content-Aware tool. This works best when the surrounding area has similar textures and patterns.

Before you begin

  • Make sure your image or background layer is editable
  • Make sure your image is rasterized

Configure Patch tool settings

In the toolbar, hold down the Spot Healing Brush and select the Patch tool .

In the options bar, select Content-Aware from the Patch dropdown and then choose from the given options:

  • Patch: Choose patch option.
  • Structure: Enter a value between 1 and 7 to specify how closely the patch should reflect existing image patterns. Higher values (7) make the patch adhere strongly to existing patterns. Lower values (1) create loose adherence.
  • Color: Enter a value between 0 and 10 to control how much Photoshop blends colors in the patch. At 0, color blending is off. At 10, color blending is at its maximum.
  • Sample All Layers: Enable this option to create the result of the move in another layer using information from all layers. Select the target layer in the Layers panel.
Tip

Extend selections slightly beyond the unwanted element for better blending.

Create and apply the patch

Select an area on the image to replace.

Use a selection tool, like Object Selection, to draw a selection around the area to replace.

Drag the selection over the area you want to fill.

Release to apply the patch.

Note

When dragging your selection, position it over areas with similar textures and patterns. Photoshop blends the source area with the edges of your selection.