Generative AI isn't just for creating images from scratch. Some of its most powerful applications involve editing and manipulating existing photos in ways that once seemed like magic. Two of the most important techniques are in-painting and out-painting.

In-painting: The Smart Replacement

In-painting is the process of selecting a specific area within an image and telling the AI what to replace it with. You can "erase" an unwanted object or "add" something new, and the AI will seamlessly blend it into the scene, matching the lighting, shadows, and perspective.

Example:

• You have a perfect photo of a city street, but there's a garbage can in the foreground. You can select the garbage can and prompt the AI to "replace with a fire hydrant."
• You have a picture of a person holding an empty plate. You can select the plate and prompt, "fill with a stack of pancakes."

Out-painting: Expanding the Canvas

Out-painting (also known as Generative Fill) is the process of extending an image beyond its original borders. You can take a tightly-cropped photo and ask the AI to imagine what the rest of the scene looks like. It will generate new content that logically and stylistically matches the original.

Example:

• You have a close-up portrait of a person. You can expand the canvas and the AI can generate their shoulders, torso, and the background they're in.
• You have a beautiful landscape photo. You can make it wider or taller, and the AI will extend the mountains, sky, and fields.

⚡️ Tools & Tips

• Adobe Photoshop's Generative Fill: This is one of the most powerful and widely available tools for both in-painting and out-painting. You can select any part of an image and use text prompts to add, remove, or change elements seamlessly. (🔍)
• Canva's Magic Edit: A simple and accessible in-painting tool. You can "brush" over an area of your photo and type what you want to replace it with, making it great for quick fixes and creative additions. (🔍)

The AI Academy Way: Digital Renovation

Think of these tools like a magical home renovation crew.

• In-painting is like telling your crew, "I don't like that old armchair. Replace it with a sleek, modern leather sofa." They remove the old one and put in the new one, and it looks like it was always meant to be there.
• Out-painting is like saying, "This room feels a bit small. Expand the walls and add a sunroom." The crew doesn't just add a box; they intelligently extend the flooring, match the wall color, and add windows that make sense with the existing architecture.

At AI Academy, our lessons break down these powerful concepts into simple, interactive tasks. You won't just read about in-painting; you'll get to try it out in a guided environment, building your skills one step at a time.