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Fotomaker01RA
Known Participant
May 4, 2026
Question

How Do I Get Reference Images to Work with Partner Models (Ps rel. 27.6)?

  • May 4, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 40 views

I just installed Ps production rel. 27.6. The release notes suggested I should be able to use partner models with Reference Images. I cannot get that to work (Win 11). I’ve tried a few different approaches with different images (I select an area of my image, download a ref image, in that dialog box say I want the object to be used and swapped into the selected area on my main image). I’m not able to use any partner models in that process. The only way for me to get a Generate option that works is with the new Firefly Fill and Expand model. Did I misunderstand that partner models should work also? If so, can someone pls detail the steps to get them to work using Reference Images? Thx in advance!

    2 replies

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    Fotomaker01RAAuthor
    Known Participant
    May 5, 2026

    Sameer, I checked. I should have the full Pro functionality. Ref images with partner models is definitely not working on my 2 Win PCs - one running latest beta and one running latest production release. I've done all the usually prescribed Pref resets and multiple approaches to try to get it to work.

    Depending on the order I use, either the Gen Fill description box or the Generate button are grayed out and unusable. And, it is impossible to remove a downloaded reference image. The trash can icon in that dialog box will not remove the opened ref image. I need to shut down Ps to get rid of it.

    Is Corey or an expediter of his willing to investigate this if he's still PM? We had to do that with a different issue last yr and what I'd reported was a bug the devs had to correct. 

    Thx for your response!

    Sameer K
    Community Manager
    Sameer KCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    May 4, 2026

    Hey, @Fotomaker01RA. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. I've verified the release v27.6 and the steps to use Reference image in Generative fill are as follows:


    1. Open Your Image: Begin by selecting File > Open to open the image you want to edit.

    2. Make a Selection: Use a selection tool, such as the Selection Brush, to define the area you wish to edit.

    3. Select Generative Fill: With your selection active, choose Generative Fill from the options.

    4. Choose the AI Model:

      • In the Contextual Task Bar, click on the model selector.

      • Review the available AI models. The partner models include:

        • Gemini 3.1 (with Nano Banana 2)

        • Gemini 3 (with Nano Banana Pro)

        • Gemini 2.5 (with Nano Banana)

        • FLUX.2 pro

        • FLUX.1 Kontext [pro]

      • Hover over a model to view additional details, then select the desired partner model.

    5. Upload Reference Image: After selecting the partner model, a Reference image panel should appear. Upload the image you want Photoshop to reference.

    6. Enter a Prompt (if needed): You can enter a detailed prompt describing what you want to generate, or leave it blank for Photoshop to fill the selection using surrounding pixels.

    7. Generate: Click on Generate, then choose a variation from the Properties panel if applicable.


    Also, I've checked your account and you currently have an EDU subscription, so the access to partner models may be limited, so it's better to get in touch with the IT, or the Subscription Admin to learn more about your entitlements.


    Thanks!
    Sameer K

      F
      Fotomaker01RAAuthor
      Known Participant
      May 4, 2026

      I'll try that.

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