How to use the Remove tool

The Remove tool takes things out of a photo. Paint over something you do not want, and when you let go the area is filled from what is around it.

Where to find it

It is in the toolbar, in one slot with Spot Healing Brush, Healing Brush, Patch, Content-Aware Move and Red Eye. Right-click the slot, or press and hold it, to choose between them. Press Shift+J until it is selected (J on its own picks Spot Healing Brush).

How to use it

Choose the tool. Press Shift+J until it is selected, or right-click the healing slot in the toolbar and pick Remove.
Size the brush. Set Size so the brush is a little wider than the thing you are removing.
Paint it out. Paint over the whole object, a little past its edges, including its shadow.
Let go. The fill is worked out on your device. Paint again over anything left behind.

A Remove tool stroke painted over the black lock on a bicycle, before the fill — Screenshot from the editor, 13 November 2026.

Options bar settings

Size: The brush diameter in pixels.
AI: Uses an AI model on your device, better for big objects, poles and people. It is downloaded once, about 208 MB, the first time you turn it on.

Tips and common mistakes

Cover the object completely. A thin outline left behind is copied into the fill.
Remove large things in two or three passes rather than one giant stroke.

Questions

Is my photo uploaded when I use Remove?

No. Both the standard fill and the AI option run in your browser on your device. After a removal a Better result button may appear: it uses a cloud AI, and opens a dialog first so nothing is sent unless you go ahead.

Photostar is a free online Photoshop alternative that runs in your browser. There is no account to make, and your files stay on your device.

Checked 13 November 2026 in the current editor.

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