How to Use Harmonize and Generative Upscale Tools in Photoshop

How to Use Harmonize and Generative Upscale Tools in Photoshop

Creating realistic photo composites requires matching lighting and color between different images—a traditionally time-consuming process. Two new AI-powered tools in Photoshop solve these challenges: Harmonize automatically adjusts lighting and shadows to blend subjects seamlessly into backgrounds, while Generative Upscale enlarges small images without losing detail.

These tools work together to streamline complex editing workflows, from cutting out subjects and matching environmental lighting to enlarging old photos for high-quality prints.

Watch the Video

Video by PHLEARN. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips

Master these essential techniques for successful compositing and image enhancement:

  • Use Remove Background first to create a layer mask, which automatically enables the Harmonize tool in your contextual taskbar
  • Generate multiple variations with Harmonize—run it 2-3 times to get more options since the tool is still in early development
  • Combine Harmonize with Generative Fill to change clothing and match environmental context for more realistic composites
  • For Generative Upscale, start with images between 1,500-3,000 pixels on the long edge to stay within the 6,144-pixel output limit
  • Keep both original and upscaled versions as separate layers to compare quality and make adjustments as needed

Explore more advanced techniques for AI-powered image editing and enhancement workflows.

How to Use Photoshop's New Harmonize Feature to Blend Images Automatically
Photoshop's latest AI feature promises to solve one of compositing's biggest challenges: making cut-out objects look naturally integrated into new backgrounds. The new Harmonize tool automatically matches lighting, creates shadows, and adds reflections with a single click. This breakthrough technology eliminates hours of manual work that traditionally required advanced knowledge of color theory, lighting principles, and complex adjustment layers. While still in beta, Harmonize represents a sign
Topaz Labs Bloom: Creative Upscaling Made Simple and Effective
Topaz Labs recently introduced Bloom, a web app that enlarges AI-generated images by up to 8×, opening new creative possibilities for digital artists.
How to Use Photoshop 2026's New AI Upscale, Sharpen, and Denoise Filters
Photoshop 2026 introduces three powerful AI filters that transform low-quality images into crisp, professional results. These tools tackle common photo problems: pixelated enlargements, soft details, and grain from low-light conditions. Each filter uses advanced AI models to enhance different aspects of your images, with options ranging from standard to premium quality depending on your Creative Cloud plan. Watch the Tutorial Key Tips for AI Image Enhancement * Choose Topaz Gigapixel for
Comparing Photoshop's Three AI Upscaling Tools: Generative Upscale vs Neural Filters vs Preserve Details
Low-resolution images present a constant challenge for designers and photographers who need crisp, detailed prints or high-quality digital displays. Traditional upscaling methods often produce blurry, pixelated results that fail to meet professional standards. Photoshop now offers three distinct AI-powered upscaling options, each with unique strengths and limitations. This comprehensive comparison reveals how each tool performs across different image types and helps you choose the right approac
Photoshop August 2025 Update: 6 New Features Including Enhanced Remove Tool and Harmonize
Adobe continues to transform Photoshop with powerful AI-driven features that streamline complex editing tasks. The August 2025 update introduces six significant enhancements, from an improved Remove Tool that creates cleaner selections to the revolutionary Harmonize feature that automatically matches lighting and shadows across composite elements. These updates address common workflow challenges while introducing new capabilities for collaborative projects and intelligent image processing. Wa
How to Change Background Using AI in Photoshop
In this engaging Photoshop tutorial by Aaron Nace from Phlearn, you will explore the art of blending graphics with portrait photography. One of the key techniques highlighted is the Super Zoom feature, which allows you to upscale graphics without sacrificing quality. This ensures that your images maintain sharpness and clarity, even when enlarged. The tutorial also introduces the use of Gradient Maps for effective color matching. This tool helps create a consistent color palette that ties the e
Using Photoshop's New Generative Upscale Tool
Old family photos often hold irreplaceable memories, but their small size and low resolution make them difficult to print or display properly. These cherished images deserve better than pixelated enlargements that lose all their detail and emotional impact. Photoshop's new AI-powered Generative Upscale tool changes this completely. This beta feature can transform tiny, low-resolution images into crisp, printable photographs using artificial intelligence—all with a single click. Watch the Tuto
10 Ways AI Completely Transformed My Photoshop Techniques
Repetitive tasks like making complex selections, removing unwanted objects, and cleaning up blemishes can consume hours of an editor's time. While traditional Photoshop methods offer precise control, they are often slow and require significant technical skill for what should be simple fixes. This guide demonstrates how to integrate modern AI features into your daily workflow. You will learn practical techniques for everything from one-click selections and generative fills to automated retouchin
Discover Hidden Photoshop AI Tools to Transform Your Photos
Transform ordinary photographs into captivating works of art using advanced Generative AI features in Photoshop. This guide reveals a powerful, often overlooked technique to unlock incredible artistic potential from your images. Discover how to apply stunning styles, from delicate watercolors to bold Art Deco and futuristic visions, by mastering a subtle yet impactful control within Photoshop's AI capabilities. Watch the Video Understanding Generative AI's Creative Control Generative AI to
Photo Restoration: Combining AI with Photoshop for Optimal Results
Restoring old, damaged photographs can be a challenging endeavor. While many AI-powered tools promise to breathe new life into vintage images, they often fall short, either over-sharpening details, neglecting certain areas, or, most critically, altering the original likeness of individuals. This often leads to frustrating and uncanny results that strip the photos of their authentic charm. This tutorial unveils a comprehensive workflow that marries the efficiency of AI-driven enhancement with th

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

Create a Liquid Gel Logo Effect in Photoshop

Liquid gel effects transform flat logos into dimensional, glossy designs that appear to bubble and flow. This technique uses multiple layer styles and strategic duplication to build depth, creating surfaces that catch light like thick, viscous liquid. The method combines gradient overlays, bevel effects, and inner glows across several duplicated...

How to Use Photoshop's AI Sharpen Filter and When It's Worth the Cost

Photoshop's new AI Sharpen filter promises one-click sharpening powered by advanced algorithms. This tool uses technology from Topaz Labs to enhance image details without manual adjustments, but it comes with a significant cost in credits. Understanding when to use this automated approach versus traditional methods like the High...

How to Create Convincing Scale Effects in Photoshop Composites

Creating believable scale effects requires more than simply resizing objects—it demands understanding how light, perspective, and atmospheric conditions change with distance. When tiny subjects appear massive or giant objects seem miniature, viewers should feel the illusion is completely natural. This technique combines careful attention to lighting consistency, depth cues,...

How to Flip Images Horizontally and Vertically in Photoshop

Flipping images is a fundamental technique that can dramatically change the composition and impact of your photos. Whether you need to correct the orientation of a subject, create mirror effects, or simply improve the visual flow of your design, knowing how to quickly flip images both horizontally and vertically gives...

How to Use Nano Banana Pro in Photoshop for Background Replacement and Scene Changes

Nano Banana Pro transforms how you place subjects into new environments in Photoshop. This advanced AI model maintains perfect subject likeness while seamlessly integrating them into any background you can imagine. The tool excels at matching lighting, preserving facial features, and even adapting clothing to complement new scenes, all through...

How to Restore Old Photos Using AI and Photoshop While Preserving Original Details

Traditional AI photo restoration tools often change facial features, alter poses, or distort important details when enhancing old photographs. This hybrid workflow combines AI enhancement with precise manual alignment techniques to restore vintage images while keeping every original detail intact. The method uses strategic cropping, AI processing with specific prompts,...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.