How to Extend Photo Background: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this article, I'll show you how to extend a background effectively, introduce the best AI image expanders to use for different needs, and share some tips and tricks to ensure you achieve the best results possible.

Use AI Image Extender to expand images:

Why Do You Need AI Image Extenders?

Using AI image extenders can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of your image editing workflow.

Seamless Background Extension: AI can intelligently analyze and replicate the background, making extensions look natural and cohesive.

Time Efficiency: Manually extending backgrounds can be time-consuming. AI tools speed up the process, allowing for quicker edits.

Enhanced Creativity: These tools provide creative flexibility, enabling designers and photographers to experiment with compositions and layouts without being restricted by the original image size.

Consistent Quality: AI extenders maintain the quality of the original image, avoiding pixelation or distortion that might occur with manual editing.

User-Friendly: Many AI tools are designed to be easy to use, making them accessible even for those with limited photo editing experience.

How to Extend Image in Photoshop?

Step 1: Open Your Image

Start by opening your photo in the photo editing software of your choice. For this guide, we'll use Adobe Photoshop as an example.

1. Launch Adobe Photoshop.
2. Open the photo you want to edit by navigating to File > Open and select your image file.

Step 2: Extend the Canvas

To create more space for extending the background, you'll need to increase the size of your canvas.

1. Go to Image > Canvas Size.
2. In the dialog box, adjust the width and/or height to extend the canvas. Make sure to choose the direction in which you want to extend (e.g., left, right, top, bottom).
3. Click OK.

Step 3: Duplicate the Background Layer

To keep your original image intact, duplicate the background layer.

1. Right-click on the background layer in the Layers panel.
2. Select Duplicate Layer and click OK.

Step 4: Select the Background Area

Use a selection tool to choose the part of the background you want to extend. The selection tool you use will depend on the complexity of your background.

1. Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool (or another appropriate selection tool).
2. Make a selection around the area of the background you want to extend.

Step 5: Stretch or Clone the Background

There are two main methods to extend the background: stretching and cloning.

Method 1: Stretching

1. With the background area selected, go to Edit > Transform > Scale.
2. Click and drag the selection to stretch the background to the edges of the extended canvas.
3. Press Enter to apply the transformation.

Method 2: Cloning

1. Select the Clone Stamp Tool from the toolbar.
2. Hold the Alt key (Option key on Mac) and click on the area of the background you want to clone.
3. Release the Alt key and click and drag to paint over the extended canvas area, effectively cloning the background.

Step 6: Blend and Refine

After extending the background, you may need to blend and refine the edges to make the extension look natural.

1. Use the Smudge Tool, Blur Tool, or Healing Brush Tool to blend the extended background with the original image.
2. Adjust the opacity and flow of the tools to achieve a seamless transition.

Step 7: Save Your Edited Image

Once you're satisfied with the extended background, save your edited image.

1. Go to File > Save As.
2. Choose your desired format (e.g., JPEG, PNG) and click Save.

How to Extend Image with AI?

You use AI tools to expand images with simple clicks, like Canva, Fotor, and Photoroom tools.

Canva: Magic Expand

Canva is an online graphic design tool with a photo expansion feature that extends photos in various directions. Canva's AI Image Expander offers users a seamless experience in outpainting images. 

Best for expanding photos within designs with AI-generated content. 

Cost: Part of Canva Pro: $15/month and $120/year with a free trial.

Photoroom: AI Expand

Photoroom is a photo editing platform with an AI image expander feature.

Best for generating realistic background photos without distorting the main subject.

Cost: Free and paid ($4.99/week, $12.99/month, or $89.99/year with free trial).

Fotor: Image Extender

The Fotor AI image extender tool is a new feature on the platform. It helps users extend images using outpainting AI techniques with just a few clicks. The tool is designed to make this process convenient, fast, and easy. With this AI image extender tool, you can upload almost any type of image and have it generate new pixels.

Cost: Paid ($7.19/month)

Conclusion

AI outpainting is a useful and enjoyable technique for creating new elements in visuals. Using AI image extender tools, you can expand almost any image in just a few seconds. Artists and designers love outpainting AI because it allows them to generate a variety of new visual content.