Where is the AI tool in Photoshop is one of the most common questions new and experienced users ask today. Adobe has added powerful AI features to Photoshop, but many people still feel confused about where these tools are located, how they work, and which version of Photoshop they need to access them. Because of the rapid pace of updates, even longtime designers sometimes feel overwhelmed.
In addition, Photoshop’s AI tools can appear in different places depending on the feature you want to use. Some tools live in the toolbar, while others sit inside the Contextual Task Bar, the Edit menu, or the Generative Fill panel. Therefore, if you are switching from an older version of Photoshop, the interface may look unfamiliar.
This guide shows you exactly where the AI tools are inside Photoshop. You will learn where each feature is located, how to enable them, how to access the new Generative AI toolbar, and how to use AI for editing, retouching, object removal, and creative image generation. You will also learn how to fix common problems, such as AI tools not appearing.
By the end, you will know where the AI tool is in Photoshop, how to use it confidently, and how to make the most of Adobe’s newest Firefly-powered features.
Why AI Tools in Photoshop Matter Today
AI has changed how artists, photographers, and content creators work. However, you may wonder whether these new tools are worth the hype. According to Adobe’s own release notes, AI tools can now automate:
- Complex object removal
- Image expansion
- Background creation
- Portrait retouching
- Lighting adjustments
- Color matching
- Style transfer
These tasks used to take minutes or even hours. Now, they take seconds.
Imagine trying to remove a person from a beach photo manually. You would need the Clone Stamp, Healing Brush, and lots of patience. With Firefly-powered Generative Fill, you simply select the person, click a button, and the background recreates itself almost instantly.
It feels like having a digital assistant who understands your artistic goals. This is why more people are asking “where is the AI tool in Photoshop?” They want to unlock these new shortcuts and creative powers.
Where Is the AI Tool in Photoshop?
If you want the quick answer, here it is:
The AI tool in Photoshop is located inside the Contextual Task Bar, the Edit menu, the Generative Fill panel, and certain AI-assisted tools such as Select Subject and Remove Tool.
However, the exact location depends on what you want to do. Photoshop AI features are not all in one place. Adobe spreads them across the interface for workflow flexibility.
Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown.
Where to Find Every AI Tool in Photoshop
This section explains step-by-step where each AI feature is located.
The Contextual Task Bar (Main AI Hub)
The most important place to find Photoshop AI tools is the Contextual Task Bar.
This bar appears automatically when you make a selection or open a compatible document. It gives you instant AI options such as:
- Generative Fill
- Generative Expand
- Remove Background
- Make Object Selection
How to open the Contextual Task Bar:
- Update Photoshop to the latest version.
- Make a selection using any selection tool.
- Look at the bottom or side of your canvas.
- The bar appears with AI options.
This is the easiest answer to “where is the AI tool in Photoshop?” because most modern AI actions begin here.
Generative Fill (Firefly Image Generation)
Location:
- Contextual Task Bar
- Edit → Generative Fill
Generative Fill is the most famous AI tool in Photoshop. It allows you to add new objects, remove objects, extend backgrounds, or generate visual elements with text prompts.
How to use Generative Fill:
- Select an area with the Lasso, Marquee, or Object Selection tool.
- Click Generative Fill.
- Type a prompt such as “add mountains” or “create a soft sunset sky.”
- Choose Generate.
- Review the variations.
You don’t need artistic skills. You only need a clear prompt.
Generative Expand (AI Canvas Extension)
Location:
- Crop Tool → Expand
- Contextual Task Bar (when using Crop)
This tool allows you to expand your canvas and let Photoshop fill the new empty area with high-quality content.
For example, you can turn a vertical portrait into a horizontal landscape without distorting your subject.
Remove Tool (AI Object Removal)
Location:
- Toolbar → Remove Tool
- Shortcut: J (cycle through healing tools)
The Remove Tool uses AI to understand your scene and rebuild missing areas naturally.
When to use it:
- Removing people
- Removing signs
- Removing wires
- Removing shadows
- Cleaning up backgrounds
It’s fast and clean, especially for beginners.
Select Subject (AI-Powered Selection)
Location:
- Select → Subject
- Toolbar → Quick Selection → Select Subject
Photoshop’s Select Subject uses AI to detect people, animals, products, and even hair strands automatically.
This tool is essential for photographers and e-commerce editors.
Neural Filters (Facial + Creative AI Tools)
Location:
- Filter → Neural Filters
Neural Filters use deep learning to apply advanced adjustments like:
- Skin Smoothing
- Colorize
- Depth Blur
- Face-Aware Liquify
- Style Transfer
How to open Neural Filters:
- Go to the Filter menu.
- Select Neural Filters.
- Download filters if needed.
These features allow quick retouching without over-editing.
Presets, Adjustments, and Auto Enhancements (AI-Assisted)
Not all AI features are labeled as “AI.” Some are built into Photoshop’s classic tools.
AI-assisted features include:
- Auto Tone
- Auto Color
- Auto Contrast
- Auto Levels
- Object Finder
You can find them under Image → Adjustments or inside the Properties panel.
How to Enable the AI Tool in Photoshop
Sometimes users cannot find the new AI tools. This may happen for several reasons. Below are the most common solutions.
Update to the Latest Photoshop Version
AI features require:
- Photoshop 2024 or later
- Creative Cloud subscription
- Firefly-enabled region
Go to Creative Cloud → Updates → Check for updates.
Enable the Contextual Task Bar
If it’s hidden:
- Go to Window.
- Click Contextual Task Bar.
Switch to the Right Workspace
Some workspaces hide AI tools.
Use:
- Essentials workspace
- Or reset workspace to defaults
Ensure You’re Signed In
AI tools require Adobe authentication. Sign in through Creative Cloud desktop app.
Check Region Restrictions
Some countries do not have Firefly-enabled access due to compliance laws.
What Makes Photoshop’s AI Tools Unique?
Photoshop AI tools stand out for several reasons:
1. They understand context
AI analyzes lighting, perspective, shadows, and texture.
2. They maintain realism
Generative Fill blends edges cleanly.
3. They allow full control
You can refine prompts or variations.
4. They work with existing Photoshop workflows
You still use layers, masks, and brushes.
This blend of automation and creative control makes Photoshop a leader in AI-powered editing.
Real-Life Example
Sarah, a freelance product photographer, received a request to create a hero banner for a watch brand. The client wanted a dramatic ocean background—but the original product photo was taken indoors.
Before Photoshop AI tools, this would take hours. She needed to composite manually, adjust shadows, and match color tones.
With Generative Fill, she simply:
- Outlined the background
- Typed “stormy ocean with dramatic waves”
- Hit Generate
Photoshop created three variations. She chose her favorite, adjusted the shadows slightly, and delivered the final image.
Total editing time: 8 minutes instead of 2 hours.
That is the power of knowing where the AI tool is in Photoshop and how to use it.
Step-by-Step
Below is a simple workflow you can follow.
Step 1 — Open Your Image
Start with a clean, high-quality photo.
Step 2 — Make a Selection
Use the Lasso Tool, Object Selection Tool, or Marquee Tool.
Step 3 — Look for the Contextual Task Bar
This bar shows your AI tools.
Step 4 — Choose Generative Fill or Remove
Depending on your goal.
Step 5 — Type a Prompt
Be descriptive but concise.
Step 6 — Generate and Review
Photoshop gives multiple variations.
Step 7 — Refine Manually
Use masks, adjustments, or other tools.
Step 8 — Save Your Project
Always save as a PSD first.
Tips for Better AI Results in Photoshop
Write Clear Prompts
“Add roses” is vague. “Add red roses in soft lighting on the right side” is better.
Use Small Selections
AI performs better with smaller, focused areas.
Keep Layers
Generative layers stay editable.
Use Masking
You can blend AI results for natural looks.
Try Multiple Variations
Photoshop improves with experimentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the AI tool in Photoshop for Generative Fill?
You can find it in the Contextual Task Bar after making a selection. You can also access it under Edit → Generative Fill. It appears only in supported versions of Photoshop.
2. Where is the AI tool in Photoshop for removing objects?
The Remove Tool is in the toolbar. Look for the Healing tools and cycle until you see the Remove Tool. It uses AI to clean backgrounds instantly.
3. Where is Photoshop’s Select Subject AI feature?
Select Subject is in the Select menu. You can also find it in the Quick Selection tool options. It uses AI to detect objects automatically.
4. Why can’t I find the AI tools in Photoshop?
You may need to update your software. Another reason is that the Contextual Task Bar is hidden. Try enabling it under Window → Contextual Task Bar.
5. Where is Generative Expand in Photoshop?
Use the Crop Tool and increase the canvas size. The Contextual Task Bar will show Generative Expand when space is added.
Conclusion
Understanding where the AI tool is in Photoshop helps you take advantage of Adobe’s most powerful new features. These tools speed up editing, improve creativity, and simplify complex workflows. Whether you use Generative Fill, Remove Tool, Neural Filters, or Select Subject, AI gives you precise control with less effort.
Photoshop continues to evolve. Therefore, the more familiar you become with AI tools today, the more prepared you’ll be for tomorrow’s updates. Start practicing with small tasks, experiment with prompts, and explore the Contextual Task Bar. Soon, these AI features will feel like second nature—and they will completely transform how you create.
