What is Inpainting?
Inpainting is an AI image editing technique that allows you to remove, replace, or modify specific areas within an image. By selecting a region (using a mask), you can erase unwanted elements and have AI generate new content that blends seamlessly with the surrounding image.
How Inpainting Works
The Masking Process
Inpainting relies on masks - selections that tell the AI which areas to modify:
- Select the area: Draw or paint over what you want to change
- Provide context: The AI analyzes surrounding pixels
- Generate replacement: New content is created to fill the masked area
- Blend edges: The AI smooths transitions for seamless results
Context Understanding
The AI examines:
- Surrounding colors and textures
- Lighting direction and intensity
- Perspective and depth
- Object types and patterns
Inpainting vs Outpainting
| Feature | Inpainting | Outpainting |
|---|---|---|
| Area Modified | Inside image boundaries | Outside image boundaries |
| Primary Use | Remove/replace objects | Extend image canvas |
| Mask Required | Yes | Direction selection |
| Context Source | Surrounding pixels | Edge pixels |
Common Use Cases
Object Removal
Remove unwanted elements:
- Photobombers in vacation photos
- Trash or debris in landscapes
- Watermarks and logos
- Power lines in scenic shots
- Blemishes in portraits
Object Replacement
Swap elements in images:
- Change clothing items
- Replace backgrounds behind subjects
- Swap product colors
- Update signage or text
Image Restoration
Fix damaged photos:
- Repair scratches and tears
- Fill missing sections
- Remove stains and damage
- Restore old photographs
Creative Editing
Artistic modifications:
- Add new elements to scenes
- Create composite images
- Modify facial features
- Change weather conditions
Best Practices for Inpainting
Mask Selection Tips
- Include margins: Extend mask slightly beyond the object
- Follow edges: For clean results, trace object boundaries
- Consider context: Include enough surrounding area for AI reference
- Avoid complex areas: Simple backgrounds yield better results
Prompt Guidance
When inpainting supports prompts:
- Describe what should replace the masked area
- Match the style of the rest of the image
- Be specific about textures and colors
- Reference lighting conditions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Masks too small: Leaves visible edges or artifacts
- Ignoring lighting: Replacement may look out of place
- Complex replacements: Simple fills work best
- Unrealistic expectations: AI can't always perfectly match complex patterns
Quality Factors
What Affects Results
- Background complexity: Simple backgrounds are easier
- Object size: Smaller objects remove more cleanly
- Edge definition: Clear edges help AI understand boundaries
- Lighting consistency: Uniform lighting yields better blending
When Inpainting Works Best
- Removing small to medium objects
- Areas with consistent textures (sky, grass, walls)
- Objects with clear boundaries
- Images with good lighting
Challenging Scenarios
- Removing large or central subjects
- Complex patterns or textures
- Areas with many small details
- Reflections or shadows of removed objects
Professional Applications
Real Estate Photography
- Remove personal items from listings
- Clean up exterior shots
- Fix minor property issues digitally
E-commerce
- Clean product backgrounds
- Remove unwanted reflections
- Fix product imperfections
Portrait Photography
- Remove temporary blemishes
- Clean up background distractions
- Fix clothing issues
Content Creation
- Remove copyrighted elements
- Clean up screenshots
- Prepare images for publication
Inpainting on Pixelift
Pixelift offers inpainting through our Background Remover and image editing tools. The AI automatically detects subjects and allows for intelligent object removal and replacement.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Start with quality: Higher resolution images yield better inpainting
- Work iteratively: Remove objects one at a time for best results
- Check edges: Zoom in to verify seamless blending
- Use appropriate tools: Different tools work better for different tasks
- Save originals: Always keep your original images
Inpainting has revolutionized image editing, making professional-quality object removal accessible to everyone. What once required hours of manual work in Photoshop can now be accomplished in seconds with AI.