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Known Participant
January 14, 2026
Question

How to get back the remove tool

  • January 14, 2026
  • 4 replies
  • 131 views

I have version 25.12.4 20250725.r.1089 75c3aec x64.  Hello all. My remove tool is issing. Before coming to this community, I saw several videos on how to restore the remove tool. I clicked on Edit and then toolbar - the remove tool is NOT in the "Extra Tools" but it is in the left panel. I tried dragging it to my toolbar but it does not allow me to drag it there.  Also, why would the remove tool "disappear"? Thank you in advance. 

4 replies

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 24, 2026

Is this the tool you're asking about?

 

The Photoshop Remove Tool (found under the Spot Healing Brush, hotkey 'J') is an AI-powered tool that removes unwanted objects, people, or distractions by simply painting over them. It automatically fills the area, blends backgrounds, and offers "Find Distractions" to auto-detect wires and people.

 

Try restarting your computer to free up some memory.

 

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 17, 2026
quote

I clicked on Edit and then toolbar - the remove tool is NOT in the "Extra Tools" but it is in the left panel.

By @Summerlee340

 

 

Since you can see the Remove tool in the dialog, it is not missing, it's just not showing. Here are four possible ways to retrieve it in Photoshop, if that is what you are using. The tool shares a slot with other tools and another tool might be in the front of the group. 

  • Restore the toolbar in the dialog (upper right)
  • Reset all tools (Select the Move tool, then right-click it in the options bar and choose Reset All Tools)
    It doesn't have to be the Move tool, but it can't be the group you are trying to reset.
  • Note which group the Remove tool is in (dialog) and note which tool is currently active within that group.
    Right-click that tool (in the toolbar) and you will see all tools in that group. Select the Remove tool.
  • The shortcut for the Remove tool is "J". Use Shift+J to cycle between the tools in that group.

 

If none of these work, please show us a screenshot of the dialog in Edit > Toolbar.

 

Jane

 

jane-e
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 25, 2026

If none of these work, please show us a screenshot of the dialog in Edit > Toolbar.

By @jane-e

 

@Summerlee340 

Did any of these work for you or do you still need assistance?

Jane

 

John T Smith
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 14, 2026

Your previous discussions About Summerlee340 - Adobe Product Community are in Photoshop or Lightroom

 

Which is this discussion about?

kglad
Community Expert
Community Expert
January 14, 2026

what app?