One of the most startling AI features in Photoshop is the ability to replace individual elements within an image using reference objects. This is pushing AI to its limits, not just creating images from scratch but matching pose, lighting and tone.
Starting and reference images
In this photograph of a seated woman she’s wearing a gray suit and holding a laptop. I wanted to replace the suit with the gold dress.
Begin by tracing the outline of the area you want to change with the Lasso Tool, then choose Generative Fill from the Contextual Task Bar. Click the “models” icon and make sure Firefly Image 3 is selected, then the icon to the left of it will become active. Click to select your reference image on disk – in this case, the gold dress.
Here’s the result of replacing the original suit with that dress, as well as two other costumes drawn from other images. Some of the results are extraordinary – note, for instance, the slight reflection of the polka dot bikini in the laptop surface. The soldier’s uniform has been added perfectly, despite the fact that the uniform was originally on a man. But what are those odd additions added to the laptop in the gold dress version?
It’s not just clothes
Photoshop can perform its magic with just about any pair of images. Here’s a photograph of the British parliament (you can just make out the tip of the Big Ben clocktower).
This is the Bank of England, in the City of London a couple of miles to the east. I chose this as the Reference Object, having first traced around the parliament building on the left.
Here’s the result: it’s not an exact copy of the Bank of England, although it does feature very much the same architectural style. But look how well Photoshop has matched the perspective of the scene. In addition, it has correctly interpreted the lighting direction, and applied it to the new building, as well as allowing the original building on the right to cast a shadow on the new one.
This article was last modified on December 5, 2025
This article was first published on December 3, 2025
Commenting is easier and faster when you're logged in!
