Remove Tool issue on PS 2026 with transparent background

[mcsparty]

When using Photoshop 27.0, (on Mac Sequoia 15.6.1) I am having issues with the remove tool. I remove backgrounds for product photos. And, after removing the background, I will often go in and clean up the object. Removing stickers, etc. However, now if I try to use the Remove tool on an object with a transparent background - Photoshop is generating a new background. Is there any way to stop this from occurring?

[Aleke]

Hi @mcsparty, welcome to the community!
Could you try adding a solid white background layer underneath your object before using the Remove tool? Sometimes that helps smooth things out.
If it’s still giving you trouble, feel free to share a screenshot or a quick screen recording so we can take a closer look and help you out. Thanks so much!
Alek

[mcsparty]

Hi Aleke,

Unfortunately, the screen recording I made is too large to include here and .zip files are not accepted. The gist of what I found is this:

1. Adding a white layer underneath does not stop PS from generating a new background on the layer I am working on

2. The Remove Tool on setting Auto or Gen AI On BOTH create the undesired false background on my transparent layer

3. Gen AI off does not create the fale background. So, I guess I will work in this mode for now. However, I prefer Auto if it can be fixed.

Thank you so much!

[D Fosse]

Sounds to me like you need to lock transparency in the layers panel.

EDIT: that didn't work out too well...it does prevent bleeding into the transparent area, but then it proceeds to fill the transparency with white. That can't be intentional, or can it?

[mcsparty]

Locking the layer worked! Thank you! I have to unlock the layer in order to remove the background in the first place and have never needed to relock it in previoous versions. But, this is a fairly easy fix, so I will take it!

Thanks again!

[Tony Pick]

@Aleke I have the same issue, locking transparent background partly resolves the issue: sometimes it works well, sometimes it gives alert that the action is impossible, and sometimes (about every 5th time) it creates the undesired false background on part my transparent layer.

But the tool overall is very good 🙂