Photoshop’s Remove Tool is an AI-driven feature that simplifies object removal with incredible accuracy, making it a game-changer for photo editing. Unlike traditional methods, it leverages machine learning to analyse your image and fill removed areas seamlessly—often in one stroke. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through how to use it to remove an unwanted object (the Tattoo on the neck), with a comparison to the classic Content-Aware Fill tool to see why this newcomer shines. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
- Adobe Photoshop (version 24.5 or later, ideally the latest 2025 update for optimal AI performance)
- A sample image (e.g., a landscape with a distracting signpost or a portrait with an unwanted background element). You can use your own image, or just click on the link to download the Tattoo woman image.
Step 1: Open Your Image and Duplicate the Layer
Start by loading your image into Photoshop. For non-destructive editing (a must for pros!), duplicate your background layer by pressing Ctrl+J (Windows) or Cmd+J (Mac). Name this layer something like “Remove Edit” for clarity.
Step 2: Select the Remove Tool
Find the Remove Tool in the Toolbar—it’s nested under the Spot Healing Brush Tool (shortcut J). Click and hold the Spot Healing Brush icon, then select “Remove Tool” from the flyout menu.
Step 3: Adjust the Brush Settings
In the Options bar at the top, set your brush size slightly larger than the object you want to remove (e.g., 20-50 pixels for small objects). Check “Sample All Layers” if you’re working across multiple layers, and leave “Remove After Each Stroke” checked for instant results.
Step 4: Paint Over the Object
Zoom in (Ctrl/Cmd + +) for precision, then simply brush over the object you want to remove. Use short, deliberate strokes rather than one long drag for best results. Release the mouse, and watch the AI work its magic—replacing the object with a seamless fill based on surrounding pixels.
Step 5: Refine if Needed
If the result isn’t perfect (e.g., slight texture mismatches), brush over the area again. The AI refines its fill each time. For larger objects, uncheck “Remove After Each Stroke,” paint multiple strokes, then click the checkmark in the Options bar to apply all changes at once.
Step 6: Compare and Save
Once satisfied, compare your edited layer to the original by toggling its visibility in the Layers panel. Save your work as a PSD to preserve layers, then export as a JPG or PNG for your blog or portfolio.
Remove Tool vs. Content-Aware Fill: A Comparison
Now, let’s pit the Remove Tool against the classic Content-Aware Fill to see how they stack up.
| Feature | Remove Tool | Content-Aware Fill |
|---|---|---|
| How to Access | Toolbar (nested under Spot Healing Brush) | Edit > Fill > Content-Aware or workspace |
| Ease of Use | One-click brushing, no selections needed | Requires manual selection first |
| AI Power | Advanced machine learning for complex fills | Basic pixel sampling, less intelligent |
| Speed | Instant with each stroke | Multi-step process (select, fill, confirm) |
| Precision | Excels with edges and varied backgrounds | Struggles with intricate details |
| Best For | Quick fixes, small-to-medium objects | Larger areas with uniform backgrounds |
Example Scenario: Imagine removing a person from a busy street photo.
- Remove Tool: Brush over the person, and the AI rebuilds the pavement and crowd behind them in seconds—often flawlessly.
- Content-Aware Fill: Select the person with the Lasso Tool, go to Edit > Fill > Content-Aware, and it might leave blurry patches or mismatched textures, requiring Clone Stamp cleanup.
- Screenshot Recommendation: Side-by-side images—one edited with the Remove Tool (clean result), the other with Content-Aware Fill (visible artifacts), zoomed in to show the difference.
Pro Tips
- Complex Backgrounds: Use a smaller brush and multiple strokes for detailed areas like grass or patterns.
- Generative AI Option: In newer Photoshop versions (2025+), toggle the “Mode” dropdown to “Generative AI” for even smarter fills (requires internet).
- Fallback: If the Remove Tool stumbles, pair it with the Healing Brush for manual touch-ups.
Final Thoughts
The Remove Tool’s AI precision makes it a must-have for fast, professional edits—outpacing Content-Aware Fill in speed and adaptability. Whether you’re cleaning up a quick snapshot or prepping a client project, this tool will save you time and effort. Try it on your next PSD Vault tutorial image and share your results in the comments!