Reference object/image in generative fill for new beta

[Deven15D5]

I just downloaded the newest beta version of PS. The reference image is not behaving anything like it used to. I used to make a selection, put in a prompt to influence the fill, and then pick my reference image and it just worked.

But now, it kicks out my prompt and when my reference photo is loaded, it's showing background cut out in the reference photo and it no longer just blends it into my scene. It's strange and not working normally at all.

[joan_7706]

Bonjour, avant je utilisée le remplisage generatif avec une description (prumt) et une image de reference ,le resultat c'etait assez bien, les dernières versions installes fireflyer 3 , elle me laisse pas ....soit je choisi une image de reference ou je ecris une description....je ne sais pas si c'est un reglage ou les nouvelles misse a jour, merci pour m'aider si quelqun peut.

Je aussi un deuxime question, quand je sellectionne une ima.ge de reference , il sellectionne pas la totalite de l'image, il sellectionne que des elements isoles, je ne sais pas comment faire pour importer la totalité de l'image.

Merci pour m'aider,car je suis un peu bloquée.... 

[joan_7706]

Je oublie de dire que ce la version Photoshop Beta, merci

[Zita36227679ws7s]

In responce to @joan_7706 
Basically we request the reinstatement of a previous version of Photoshop Beta that allowed the use of reference images without automatically removing their backgrounds. This feature was essential to my creative process, as I built a unique photography style around the generative fill tool using reference objects—a workflow that no longer functions as expected.
When I subscribed to the Adobe package, it was explicitly advertised as including this functionality. Furthermore, prior to subscribing, my research indicated that generative fill could be used repeatedly to refine outputs until the desired result was achieved. The recent shift to a credit-based system fundamentally changes this process and contradicts promotional content, including sponsored YouTube materials, which presented unlimited iterations.
Currently, I’ve had to pivot to alternative software solutions that better meet my creative needs. However, I am still bound to an active Adobe subscription with approximately eight months remaining—despite no longer having access to the tools I relied on most. This change has not only disrupted my workflow, but also undermines the hours of development I invested in crafting my style.
I urge Adobe to reconsider these changes and to restore access to the version of Photoshop Beta that retained background functionality in generative fill with reference images. Many users may find themselves similarly impacted, and without resolution, it is reasonable to anticipate a shift toward other platforms offering more reliable and consistent generative capabilities.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and I hope it would be considered.

[gopi30559400baxo]

Its been aug now still no response from them 

[rk_0820]

Hey friends, my Generative Fill Reference Objects function is not working. When I use this feature, Photoshop removes all background from my reference image. So, tell me how to use it. See my attached file..I want this background in my image, but it's not working

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from cc desktop">

[gopi30559400baxo]

moderator removed illegal activity

[devern_0587]

I've not commented on my thread here in a long time. I do want to ask. Is there anyone at Adobe that is willing to answer one question. You have all manner of other functions labeled "legacy" that users can still acess. Why is it you had to shut down ref photo and replace it with the ref object, and cannot simply give users the option of either or? I can't fathom why you have not done that. Nor can I fathom why you installed the new bizzare functionality in the first place? There must be a reason I guess, but man, can you simply put the legacy ref photo button back in? Why on Earth is that a big deal to do that? Will anyone there answer me/us about this please?

[gopi30559400baxo]

i felt its an waste to talk to them or begging them while we users pay them monthly subscription {illegal activity removed} {cursing removed} bro we all miss the beautiful feature , i updated this only hoping that they may have improved ugly gernerative fill turns out they removed this and put object which is absolute worse

[Kunlacha35666127ukhe]

Warning to Beta users: If you're still using version 26.6, DO NOT update under any circumstances!!!
This update has had a major negative impact on users — especially on the Reference Object/Image function in Generative Fill.
I've discovered that in version 26.8, this issue still hasn't been fixed.

And judging by the responses from the development team, they don't seem to think it's a serious problem — but we, the users, do.

You should fix it and bring the feature back to how it was.
If you're wondering what's going on, go read the discussion in this thread.
Solved: Re: Reference object/image in generative fill for ... - Adobe Community - 15291198

[karin@otherwise]

Same problem here, the latest beta now has the urge to stay very close to the reference image, but instead I want other options similar to it. And it then looks somewhat like the reference image, but it's totally worthless to use.

The version where I could upload an image and write a promt with it worked much better.

Unfortunately, I can no longer find the version where that was possible. So hopefully there will be an update soon to reverse this, because now it doesn't do at all what it is supposed to do.

[MeredithStotzner]

Thanks so much for sharing your feedback and for using the beta feature.
Since this is an early beta release, changes and some issues are expected as we continue active development.. We understand this can be disruptive, and we truly appreciate your patience. Your input is helping shape the final product, and you’ll see more updates as we work toward a polished release. In the meantime, there has been a small UX change. (No functionality change.)

• "Replace Image" removed. - to use a different reference image, use the trashcan icon to remove the current one. Then you'll be prompted to add a reference image.
• A new section title, "INTENT" to help make it more clear that you are not swapping, which reference image you were using.
• Replace Object radio button is now "Swap the selected area"
• Insert object radio button is now "Place into the selected area"

Thank you again for helping us build this feature.

[gopi30559400baxo]

They fixed nothing. They just playing with us 😭 😭.. same update with an useless extra button and telling us it's an update.

 Lol

[MeredithStotzner]

Thanks for the speedy response - I understand your frustration that you haven't seen the impact of your feedback yet. We are actively working on changes for this feature  - so this UX change was just a little step to test something out. 
We have invited and have plans to invite more users from this and other public forums to the Alpha prerelease program for testing and input. 

Thank you again!
The Photoshop Team

[extndd]

I've been begging you for months!!!

My workflow is destroyed! Give people in this thread the ability to roll back to version 26.6 beta.

I CAN'T CONTINUE WORKING AND PAYING FOR A SUBSCRIPTION UNTIL I HAVE THIS FEATURE!

Give me the ability to roll back to the old version, don't remove it from the list of available versions!

I've already written to tech support several times! I'm losing money because I can't insert a reference image!

Let me use what I've been paying for for over a year!

[devern_0587]

I feel your pain, but why did you not just keep 26.6 installed and not update? I'm still using 26.6 and ref photo at least for now until and if they time it out. 

[extndd]

because I installed version 26.9 after 26.6 and after that it was impossible to roll back

I really need it, because I actually lost my job

[Illegal activity removed by moderator]

[devern_0587]

Understood. Sorry that happened to you. Hopefully Adobe is working on bringing out a new reference photo feature as I think all of our opinions are hard to ignore at this point. 

[IrinaM1]

Yes we are working on it!

and if you're intested in participating in it our pre-release program, please PM me or email me directly (imaderyc@adobe.com), 

thank you

Irina

Photoshop Quality Engineer

[Zita36227679ws7s]

Hello. I am seeking assistance. I am experiencing significant frustration and disappointment. Following a recent update to Photoshop Beta, I am encountering difficulties generating images using a reference picture.

The background of the reference image is consistently being removed.

Despite exhaustive research, I have been unable to locate an option to retain or remove the background when selecting the reference image. During the generation process, a prompt appears regarding possession of the image, which I have attempted to address even after exiting Photoshop and restarting. Thank you in advance.

[Sameer K]

Hey, @Zita36227679ws7s. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. I've moved your post to discussions. The post info does not include whether you're working on macOS or Windows. I've tried to use the Reference image and the general workflow. 

Please share screenshots and videos of the issue and the system info from Photoshop Help > System info > Copy and paste into a text document > Upload and attach here.

Thanks! 
Sameer K

(Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

[Zita36227679ws7s]

@Sameer K 
Reference Image Background Removal – No Selection Box Option
Thank you for your assistance, @Sameer K. I appreciate your support.

I encountered significant challenges with the updated version of Photoshop Beta (26.7.0). The reference image background was removed without any option to retain the original, and the quality of the generative images was subpar.
Additionally, the update nearly depleted my generative credits, leaving me with very few remaining.
I sincerely hope the authorized team will consider restoring some of these credits.
While I understand that Photoshop Beta is still in its testing phase, this update has been the most problematic one I have encountered in the year I have been using the software.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Zita

[Zita36227679ws7s]

@Sameer K Windows 11

[Zita36227679ws7s]

@Sameer K 
I'm now refering to a new problem, this is in the latest Photoshop version (not beta)
I have given up on trying to sort out the referance image thats background is being removed, I use another program for that, but why I ask is the few functions I still use in photoshop so bad?

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the outcome of the sky replacement feature in the latest official release of Photoshop (not the beta version).

As a paying customer, I have relied on Photoshop’s AI-powered tools, including sky replacement, to deliver high-quality and realistic results in my work. However, during recent use, the tool has produced extremely disappointing results—most notably in the attached image. The replacement sky appears poorly blended, unnatural, and inconsistent with the lighting and tone of the original photo. This is not the level of performance I expect, especially given that this feature previously worked seamlessly in earlier versions.

I did not anticipate spending valuable time correcting what should be a simple automated edit, nor did I expect to waste my creative credits or subscription fees on a tool that fails to deliver its advertised quality. The current result is not only unusable but also undermines the trust I had in Photoshop’s reliability.

Please investigate this issue and let me know if there is a fix, rollback option, or update pending. I would appreciate a response from your technical team and a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience caused—whether in the form of support credits or compensation.

Looking forward to your response or reveral to an other forum.

[IrinaM1]

Hi Zita36227679ws7s,

Could you give us more information how you're using Reference Image? 

thank you,

-irina

Photoshop QE