Using the Healing tools in Photoshop

Using the Healing tools in Photoshop is a terrific way to remove unwanted elements in your photos, from spots and blemishes to sensor dust, power lines and so much more. But did you know that there is more than one Healing tool? Let’s take a look at this fabulous tool in Photoshop.

Located on the left-hand side in the Tool Bar (using the Photography workspace). If you cannot see the icons as listed below click the three dots at the bottom of the toolbar and add them to your toolbar by selecting Edit Toolbar.

Looks like a Band-Aid with a handle

This uses Adobe AI to remove marks and blemishes. Great for small or difficult spots to get to. Power lines, flyaway hairs, acne and more. You can access this tool with the keyboard shortcut ‘J’ and cycle between the other healing tools J, by pressing Shift + J.

I have my mouse pointer slightly larger than the area I wish to cover. I have my mode set to Replace and Content-aware. It’s a great idea to do this on a new layer.

Looks like a Band-Aid (no handle)

The Healing brush tool allows you to repair imperfections by painting with pixels from another part of your image. You will need to select which pixels you wish to use by pressing Alt and left-clicking the mouse button.

I have my mouse pointer slightly larger than the area I wish to cover. I have my mode set to Normal, My source as Sampled and the Sample set to Current & below, and diffusion set to 5. It’s a great idea to do this on a new layer.

Looks like a patch with little stitches

The Patch tool allows you to replace a whole section or selected area with pixels from another part of the image. Similar to the Healing brush tool, but great for larger areas.

You need to draw the area you wish to cover. Then drag it to the area you wish to replace it with. I have my mode set to Normal, My source as Source and the diffusion set to 5. This must be done on the level you are working on.

Check it all out in the below video.