Fix: Generative Fill Not Showing Up in Photoshop

October 17, 2023
By The Robo Collective
Post Production

Adobe Photoshop is well known for its suite of powerful tools and assets for photo editing and graphic design. With each update, new features are added to expand the feature set and keep up with modern trends. The latest version of Adobe Photoshop has introduced the AI powered Generative Fill tool which allows users to alter imagery with a simple keyword prompt, but some are having difficulty accessing the feature. Is Generative Fill not showing up in Photoshop? Well, in this article we’ll guide you through the process of unlocking this incredible feature.

Step 1: Update to the Latest Version

If Generative Fill is not showing up in Photoshop, make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Photoshop installed and added to your taskbar. The Generative Fill Tool is only available in Photoshop 2024 and beyond, so make sure you’ve updated the app through the Creative Cloud or update menu in the application. If the generative fill tool is not showing up in Photoshop after an update, be sure you’re not opening an older version of the software.

Step 2: Create a Document in Photoshop

Launch the application and either open a document you’re already working on or create a new one under ‘File’>’New’.

Step 3: Enable the Contextual Task Bar

Here’s the most crucial step of the process. Under the ‘Windows’ dropdown menu, an option called ‘Contextual Task Bar’ can be enabled or disabled with a single click. Be sure to have this menu option enabled, or your selections will not display options for Generative Fill.

Step 4: Select your Work Area

For the Generative Fill option to appear, you’ll need to select an area of your workspace with any of the selection tools available in the sidebar. When a selection is made, the Contextual Task Bar will be displayed.

Step 5: Enter your Prompt and Get Creative

Click on the Generative Fill button located on the Contextual Task Bar and enter any prompt you can think of. Generative Fill can be made from multiple selections at once, so try experimenting. Whether you’re retouching photos, designing graphic elements, or simply having fun, this feature is a valuable addition to your toolkit.