Ditched Photoshop Generative Fill? Krita Free Version
Yes, you can ditch Photoshop’s Generative Fill and use the free version of Krita instead, but with a key difference: Krita itself does not have a built-in AI feature. You get similar results by combining Krita’s native tools with separate, free AI upscaling or inpainting programs, or by using Krita’s non-AI fill layers and healing tools. This article explains what Krita can and cannot do, how to replicate Generative Fill workflows, and what to consider before making the switch.
What Krita’s Free Version Actually Includes
Krita is a professional-grade, open-source painting program available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The free version is the only version—there is no paid tier with extra features. It includes a full set of raster and vector tools, layer masks, filters, and a highly customizable brush engine. For photo editing, it offers content-aware fill (via the “Healing Brush” and “Patch Tool”), perspective and liquify tools, and a powerful filter system. However, it does not include a text-to-image generator or a one-click generative expand/inpaint feature like Photoshop’s Firefly-powered Generative Fill.
How Generative Fill Works in Photoshop
Photoshop’s Generative Fill uses Adobe Firefly, a cloud-based AI model. When you select an area and type a prompt, the AI generates new pixels that blend with the surrounding image. It can remove objects, extend backgrounds, or add elements. The results are often impressive because the AI understands context, lighting, and perspective. The catch is that it requires a Creative Cloud subscription and an internet connection. The feature is not available in older, perpetual-license versions of Photoshop.
How to Replicate Generative Fill in Krita (Free)
To get AI-powered fill in Krita, you must use an external tool. The most common workflow involves using a free, open-source AI inpainting program like InvokeAI or Stable Diffusion WebUI (Automatic1111). These run locally on your computer and can generate or replace image regions. Here’s a typical step-by-step process:
- Open your image in Krita and use the selection tools to mark the area you want to fill or replace.
- Export that selection as a PNG (or copy it to the clipboard).
- Open the external AI tool, load the image, and create a mask for the selected area.
- Type a prompt describing what you want there (e.g., “a wooden table” or “remove the person”).
- Generate a few variations, then export the result back into Krita.
- Use Krita’s layer mask and healing brush to blend the generated result seamlessly.
This method gives you similar control but requires more manual steps and a computer powerful enough to run local AI models. If you prefer a cloud-based option, some free web tools offer inpainting, but they may have upload limits or watermarks.
Non-AI Alternatives in Krita
For simple tasks like removing a stray object or extending a background, you may not need AI at all. Krita’s Healing Brush and Patch Tool work well for small fixes. The Clone Layers feature lets you paint over an area using pixels from another part of the image. For larger expansions, you can use the Transform tool to stretch or scale the image, then use the Filter > Adjust > Color Balance to match lighting. These methods are manual but give you complete control and require no extra software.
Common Problems and Workarounds
Users switching from Photoshop often face a few hurdles:
- No one-click AI: The biggest difference is the lack of a built-in generative fill. You must learn to use external tools or manual techniques.
- File compatibility: Krita can open PSD files, but complex Photoshop smart objects or adjustment layers may not translate perfectly. Save a copy as a PSD to preserve layers, but expect some flattening.
- Performance: Running local AI models requires a decent GPU (8GB VRAM or more). If your computer is older, cloud-based tools may be more practical.
- Learning curve: Krita’s interface differs from Photoshop. The brush engine is more prominent, and some tools are named differently. Give yourself a few days to adjust.
Comparing Costs and Licensing
Photoshop requires a Creative Cloud subscription, which costs a monthly fee. Krita is free under the GNU GPL license, meaning you can use it for personal and commercial work without paying. The external AI tools mentioned are also free and open-source, though you may need to provide your own model files (which are also free). The only costs are hardware (a capable GPU) and time spent learning the workflow.
Safety and Privacy Considerations
Using local AI tools keeps your images on your computer, which is more private than sending them to a cloud service. Adobe’s Generative Fill sends image data to Adobe’s servers, which may raise concerns for sensitive work. With Krita and local AI, you have full control over your data. However, be aware that some AI models may have biases or produce unexpected results, so always review the output before using it professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Krita run Photoshop plugins? No, Krita does not support Photoshop’s plugin format (8bf). However, it has its own Python plugin system, and many common filters are built-in.
Is there a way to get Generative Fill in Krita without external software? No, not as a one-click feature. You can use manual tools like healing and cloning, but true AI generation requires an external program.
Will my Photoshop files open correctly in Krita? Krita can open PSD files, but some advanced features like smart objects may be rasterized. It’s best to export a flattened copy for editing in Krita.
Is Krita really free for commercial use? Yes, Krita is released under the GNU GPL, which allows commercial use without payment. You can sell artwork made with Krita.
Which is better for digital painting: Krita or Photoshop? For painting, Krita is often preferred due to its brush engine. For photo manipulation, Photoshop has more advanced tools like Generative Fill. It depends on your primary use case.
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