How to use PhotoVim

Refine an AI edit as a layer with a mask

Updated 2026-09-11

An AI result is easier to refine when it stays separate from the original. PhotoVim can add the result as a layer with a mask, so you can hide unwanted parts and reveal the original underneath.

Steps

  1. Open the photo and surround the part to change with the lasso or rectangular selection. Leave a little margin.
  2. In the AI panel choose Generate Image, describe the change and check the model and displayed cost before running. AI generation requires a connection; using your own key may incur provider charges.
  3. The result arrives in the Layers panel as a new layer with a mask thumbnail attached.
  4. Click the mask thumbnail and paint with black to reveal the original there. Paint with white to bring the AI result back.
  5. Lower the opacity to 60–80% to blend it into the original. Blend modes work too.
  6. Toggle the result layer's visibility to compare it with the original. Save a project copy to keep the layers and mask; export PNG or JPEG for a flattened image to share.
Worth knowing

Keep the original layer unchanged and edit the result layer's mask. Black hides the result, white reveals it, and gray partially blends it. Enlarged AI output may still contain less detail than the original.

Try it in the editor

Questions

The result looks softer than the original.

When a model returns fewer pixels than the selected area, the result is enlarged and goes soft. A notice appears when that happens. Select a smaller area or pick another model and run again.

How many credits does it cost?

The cost is shown next to the button before you run. With your own API key registered, the provider bills your account instead of credits.