How to use generative fill in Firefly?
In Firefly's Generative Fill module, upload an image, brush over the area you want to change, type a prompt for what to add (or leave it blank to remove), and click Generate. Firefly returns several variations. You can add, replace, or erase objects. On paid plans this standard generation is unlimited and doesn't spend credits (as of 2026-07).
Why — the first-principles explanation
Generative Fill flips the usual prompt workflow. Instead of describing a whole new image, you keep an existing one and tell Firefly where and what to change. You paint a mask over a region, and the model regenerates only those pixels while reading the untouched surroundings for lighting, color, and perspective, so the edit blends in.
The two inputs are a mask (the brushed area) and a prompt (the instruction). A filled prompt means "put this here"; an empty prompt means "remove what's here and rebuild the background." Everything outside the mask stays exactly as it was, which is what makes this feel like editing rather than generating from scratch.
Because AI output is a sample, not a single answer, Firefly gives you multiple variations per run. You pick the best or regenerate. This iteration is the real skill: refine the mask edges and reword the prompt to guide the model.
On cost, Generative Fill is standard image generation, which paid Firefly and Creative Cloud plans make unlimited without draining credits (as of 2026-07). So you can iterate freely on paid tiers. On the free plan you'll spend from the small credit allowance and downloads carry a watermark. The same tool also lives inside Photoshop; the web version is the standalone way to use it.
An example that makes it click
Imagine a coloring book page you can talk to. You shade over the empty sky with your finger and say "add a hot-air balloon," and the page draws one in, matching the daylight already in the picture. Shade over a lamppost, say nothing, and the page erases it and fills in the street behind, like it was never there.
Everything you didn't shade stays put. And the page hands you three versions to choose from, because it's guessing what you want, not following one fixed answer.
How to do it
- Go to firefly.adobe.com and open the Generative Fill module.
- Upload the image you want to edit.
- Use the Add (brush) tool to paint a mask over the area to change.
- Type a prompt describing what to add or replace, or leave it blank to remove the object.
- Click Generate and review the several variations Firefly produces.
- Refine the mask or prompt as needed, then download (free downloads are watermarked).
Key facts
- Firefly's web Generative Fill lets you add, replace, or remove content within a brushed mask.
- A blank prompt removes the masked object and rebuilds the background.
- Firefly returns multiple variations per generation for you to choose from.
- On paid plans, Generative Fill is unlimited standard generation and doesn't consume credits (as of 2026-07).
- The same Generative Fill engine is also available inside Photoshop.
Adobe's commercially-safe image generator, trained on licensed content.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.▶ The 60-second explainer (script)
Here's how to use Generative Fill in Adobe Firefly. Generative Fill flips the usual workflow. Instead of describing a whole new picture, you keep an existing image and tell Firefly where and what to change. Start at firefly dot adobe dot com and open the Generative Fill module. Upload your image, then grab the brush and paint over the area you want to change, that's called a mask. Now type a prompt for what to add, like 'a blooming cherry tree,' and hit Generate. To remove something instead, just brush over it and leave the prompt empty, Firefly erases it and rebuilds the background behind it. Everything outside your brushed area stays exactly the same, which is why it feels like editing, not starting over. Firefly gives you several variations each time, so pick the best or regenerate. And here's the good news: on paid plans, Generative Fill is unlimited standard generation and doesn't spend any credits, so iterate freely. On the free plan it uses your small credit allowance and downloads have a watermark. Same tool also lives inside Photoshop.
What authoritative sources say
People also ask
How do I remove an object with Generative Fill?
Brush a mask over the object, leave the prompt blank, and click Generate. Firefly erases it and rebuilds the background behind it.
Can I use Generative Fill on the Firefly website?
Yes. Firefly's web app has a Generative Fill module where you upload an image, mask an area, and prompt. The same engine is also in Photoshop.
Does Generative Fill cost credits?
On paid plans it's unlimited standard generation with no credit cost. On the free plan it uses your small monthly credit allowance and watermarks downloads.
Why do I get several results?
AI generation produces samples, not one fixed answer, so Firefly offers multiple variations. Pick the best or regenerate to refine.