What techniques do you use to seamlessly remove or add elements to an image without making it look edited?

Removing an element from an image is super easy with the generative fill. However sometimes generative fill doesn't work effectively then I use different techniques like the clone stamp tool, healing brush tool, spot healing brush tool, and magic wand tool consequently it depends upon the type of the work and desired results. 

Adding objects (elements) to an image realistically is somehow more tricky. Sometimes the desired result can't be achieved with generative fill then first I select the element that needs to be added to the image and the selection technique depends on the type of object being selected (hairy, grassy, and other same types of objects using a select object with a cloud-based option) and other than grassy or hairy, the pen tool is the best way to select the objects. Once the object is selected and placed on the image then it needs to be blended properly with exact lighting (shadows, highlights), color balancing, correct perspective, exact sizing, and details matching (blur and sharpness). To do so there are multiple options and techniques

I prefer the following tools to achieve the desired result:

• Lighting: Using Level and Curve but sometimes exposure adjustment layer
• Color balancing: Hue and Saturation and Color Balance layer 
• Perspective and Sizing: With different transformation options and perspective warp
• Details: In Camera Raw Filter and using other blur filter options

Note:-

• I always work with the smart object layer so that I can make further amendments easily and non-destructively
• Try to work on different layers and make them grouped as required
• Name the layers and groups properly
• Apply mask to the layers and use the brush tool to show or hide the effects of those layers on the image

Seamlessly removing or adding elements to an image requires advanced techniques and attention to detail:

• Cloning & Healing: Use tools like Clone Stamp and Healing Brush to replicate textures. Content-Aware Fill can intelligently fill gaps.
• Lighting & Shadows: Match the scene’s light source using Dodge, Burn, and gradient shadows.
• Color Matching: Adjust added elements with Curves, Hue/Saturation, and Color Match to blend seamlessly.
• Edge Refinement: Soften edges with Feathering and Refine Edge tools.
• Texture & Noise Matching: Apply subtle noise and match textures to integrate objects convincingly.
• Perspective & Proportion: Align objects to the scene’s perspective using Vanishing Point or guides.
• Physics & Details: Mimic real-world light, shadow interactions, and chromatic aberrations for realism.

These techniques ensure edits look natural and professionally seamless.

 I always try to Using Pan tool for masks lets you non-destructively add or remove elements. You can fine-tune edges and transparency to ensure everything blends perfectly.also its depends on imagges i also try to do some another technique

1stly it depends on the client's expected quality.

• If you want to remove the background from an image with a 100% cutting edge, then you must use the Photoshop PEN TOOL clipping path. This tool will cut perfectly and accurately, but it's timely work because in this process, we need to know how to use the pen tool. 
• Sometimes I used the Photoshop Object Selection tool to automatically select the main product and then cut out the background after fixing some missing areas. Most of the time it gives me the best result. 
• On the other hand, I have also used AI background removal tools for urgent cases but maintain the quality I need to fix the missing or damage part of the ai given result. 

Hope these tricks will be useful for you also. Thanks. 

To edit images smoothly, I use these techniques using the Photoshop:

Generative Fill : Generative remove items, generate backgrounds, replace object smoothly.

Content-Aware Tools: Tools like Content-Aware Fill, Patch Tool, and Spot Healing Brush in Photoshop help remove or replace parts of an image seamlessly.

Clone Stamp Tool: This tool lets me copy and paint over areas to blend textures and patterns perfectly.

Layer Masks: I use separate layers and soft brushes to blend added elements into the background naturally.

Perspective and Lighting: I adjust the perspective, shadows, and lighting of added elements to match the original image.

Blend Modes and Adjustments: Blend modes, color corrections, and fine adjustments ensure added objects look natural.

Fine Details: I refine edges and add small imperfections to make edits look realistic.

To seamlessly remove or add elements to an image without making it look edited:

Match Lighting and Shadows

Ensure added elements have consistent light sources and shadows that align with the original scene.

Use tools like the Burn and Dodge in Photoshop for realistic adjustments.

Use High-Quality Textures

When adding objects, incorporate textures that match the resolution and grain of the original image.

Blend Edges Smoothly

Use feathering and layer masks to soften edges and avoid harsh cutouts.

Clone and Heal Precisely

For removal, use the Clone Stamp and Healing Brush to fill gaps with natural textures and patterns from the image.

Color Matching

Adjust hue, saturation, and brightness of added elements to blend seamlessly. Tools like Color Match or manual adjustments with curves can help.

Perspective Alignment

Use guides or the Transform tool to ensure added elements align with the image's perspective and scale.

Pay Attention to Small Details

Add or remove subtle elements (e.g., reflections, ambient light) to enhance realism.

Final Touches

Apply a unifying effect, like slight noise or a color grade, to blend the composition harmoniously.

When removing or adding elements to an image, I ensure seamlessness by combining careful planning with advanced tools like Adobe Generative Fill. Here’s my process:

1. Understanding the Context: I analyze the image’s perspective, lighting, and texture to ensure any changes blend naturally.

2. Using Adobe Generative Fill: This AI-powered tool is exceptional for smart edits. I use it to either remove unwanted elements or generate content that matches the surrounding area in terms of lighting, shadows, and texture.

3. Manual Refinement: After using Generative Fill, I fine-tune the results using tools like the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush to ensure absolute consistency.

4. Layer Adjustments: I work with adjustment layers to match the color tones and light distribution across the entire image.

5. Zoomed-In Quality Checks: I magnify the edited areas to verify there are no visible edges, mismatches, or artifacts.

These steps ensure that the image appears natural and unedited, no matter how extensive the modifications are.

To seamlessly remove or add elements to an image, I use the following techniques:

Content-Aware Tools: Utilize Photoshop’s Content-Aware Fill, Patch Tool, or Spot Healing Brush for smooth removal and replacement of elements.

Clone Stamp Tool: Carefully sample and paint over areas to blend textures and patterns seamlessly.

Layer Masks: Add elements on separate layers and use soft-edged brushes on masks to blend them into the background.

Perspective and Lighting Matching: Adjust the perspective, shadows, and lighting of added elements to match the original image.

Blend Modes and Adjustments: Use blend modes, color correction, and fine-tuned adjustments to integrate added objects naturally.

Fine Detailing: Manually retouch edges or add subtle imperfections to mimic the original image’s realism.