Trouble using Generative Fill/Generate Image to fill selected area

[Robert Ripps]

Using Photoshop 2025, 26.7.0, I made a selection on an open file, and I wanted to replace that selected area with an AI generated pattern, based on a sample image. It seems like Generative Fill only works with written cues, so I tried generate image to fill the selected area, by pointing it to a sample JPEG. However, instead of generating something to fill the selected area, Photoshop is basically replacing the whole image with the pattern sample.

I am not understanding how I can fill just my selection with generated content from my sample image.

Thanks.

[creative explorer]

@Robert Ripps To fill just your selection with a pattern, you would typically need to either provide a detailed text prompt to Generative Fill describing the pattern you want, or, if you have a specific pattern image, you would use traditional methods like Edit > Define Pattern (to define your sample as a pattern) and then Edit > Fill (to fill your selection with that defined pattern), rather than relying on generative AI for a literal pattern fill from a sample image.

[Robert Ripps]

I said pattern, but it's a sample photo I took that I want to use to fill in selected area. So this is what I did-

Thanks.

[CMass]

Hey @Robert Ripps, 

Thank you for sharing your versions. Could you please provide some screenshots of what you are seeing? A video would also be very helpful, if possible.

^CM

[Robert Ripps]

Maybe above screen grab will clarify? Thanks.