Imagine being able to remove a distracting tourist from a travel photo, change the color of a car, or even add a new object to a scene—all with a few simple clicks. This is the power of generative fill and inpainting, two revolutionary AI technologies that are changing the game for photo editing.
This guide is a key part of our deep dive into The World of Visual AI Applications. Discover all the ways AI is transforming digital creativity.
What is Generative Fill?
Generative Fill is an AI-powered tool that allows you to add, remove, or replace parts of an image based on a simple text prompt. You select an area of your photo, type what you want to see, and the AI generates it for you, automatically matching the lighting, shadows, and perspective of the original image.
Think of it as a magic wand for your photos. You could select an empty patch of grass and type "a picnic blanket with a basket of fruit," and the AI would create it seamlessly.
What is Inpainting?
Inpainting is a closely related technology that focuses specifically on removing or repairing parts of an image. While you can use generative fill to remove objects by leaving the prompt blank, inpainting is the underlying technology that intelligently fills in the gap.
For example, if you have an old, scratched photograph, you can use an inpainting tool to "paint over" the scratches. The AI will analyze the surrounding pixels and intelligently fill in the damaged areas, restoring the photo to its original glory.
Key Differences
| Feature | Generative Fill | Inpainting |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Adding, replacing, or removing content | Repairing or removing content |
| Requires Input | Often uses a text prompt to guide generation | Uses surrounding pixels to fill in an area |
| Example | Adding a hat to a person in a portrait | Removing a power line from a landscape photo |
In short: think of Generative Fill as being about creation and Inpainting as being about restoration.
Popular Use Cases
The creative possibilities are nearly endless, but here are some of the most common ways these tools are used:
- Object Removal: Effortlessly remove unwanted people, objects, or blemishes from your photos.
- Adding Elements: Enhance your images by adding new elements, like clouds in a clear sky or flowers in a field.
- Changing Outfits or Styles: Select a piece of clothing and use a prompt to change its color or style.
- Photo Restoration: Repair cracks, tears, and missing pieces in old family photographs.
- Expanding Images (Outpainting): Some tools use this technology to expand the borders of an image, letting the AI imagine what's beyond the original frame.
How to Use Generative Fill: A Simple Guide
- Select Your Area: Open your image in a tool that supports generative fill. Use a selection tool (like a lasso or brush) to outline the area you want to change.
- Write Your Prompt: A text box will appear. Type a clear and concise description of what you want to generate. For example, "a small, fluffy white dog" or "a red sports car." If you want to remove something, you can often leave the prompt blank.
- Generate: Click the "Generate" button. The AI will typically provide you with a few different options to choose from.
- Refine and Save: Pick the option that looks best and save your new image. It's that simple!
Closing Thoughts
Generative fill and inpainting are more than just novelties; they are powerful tools that are making professional-level photo editing accessible to everyone. By understanding the context of an image, these AI models offer a level of realism and ease of use that was unimaginable just a few years ago. Whether you're a professional designer or just someone who wants to have fun with their photos, the creative potential is limitless.