AI Reflection Removal in Photoshop 2026: Complete Workflow with Masking and Generative Fill

Photoshop 2026 introduces built-in AI reflection removal for the first time, bringing a capability previously limited to Lightroom and Camera Raw directly into a layer-based workflow. The key advantage here is control: results appear on a separate layer, which means you can mask out problem areas where the AI misidentifies subject details as reflections and patch remaining issues with generative fill.

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Practical Tips

Key techniques to get the most out of the reflection removal workflow in Photoshop 2026:

• Enable "Create a separate reflection layer" and set quality to Best before running the tool, so you retain full control over the output.
• Add a black layer mask to the reflection removal layer, then paint white only over areas where the removal looks correct — this prevents unwanted changes to subject details the AI misread as reflections.
• Use a selection brush to isolate specific problem areas, such as a hairline or cheek, before applying generative fill to patch remaining reflections naturally.
• Avoid generating over facial features like eyes — limit generative fill to edges and skin areas where the result will blend without altering recognizable details.
• Check your generative credit usage per feature before running fills, as consumption varies by account plan and the reflection removal step itself uses no generative credits.

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