The quick answer
First check whether the button is hidden or visible but unavailable. The cause may be your image, account, or Photoshop version.
Write down the tool name and exact message. Test on a spare image before resetting settings.
In this article
Keep these in mind
- Check your Photoshop version, account, and chosen model.
- Try a small image copy.
- Reinstalling an app will not bring back a retired online model.
Find the right control
Does the tutorial show Photoshop on a computer, in a browser, or in beta? Their buttons can differ. Check your version against the current help page for the tool.
For Generative Fill, open a picture and mark an area. If the floating bar is hidden, check Window > Contextual Task Bar. To enlarge the image, look under Image > Generative Upscale. That command is separate from the Fill prompt.
Read more: Adobe: Edit images with Generative Fill · Adobe: Generate Background and the Contextual Task Bar · Adobe: Generative Upscale
Check whether the picture is the cause
Save your work. Then make a copy for testing. Under Image > Mode, check the color mode and bit depth. Note which layer and area are selected. Read the requirements for the tool you want to use.
A small RGB, 8-bit image with an unlocked image layer is a useful test. If the tool works there, compare those settings with your original. Change one setting at a time. Keep your original safe. Flattening its layers or changing its mode can remove image information you need.
Read more: Adobe: Common generative AI issues
Check the model and account
Reference buttons depend on the chosen model. Adobe’s partner-model guide says to type a prompt before adding example images. A gray button does not always mean the image file is broken.
Are you signed into the right Adobe account? Does your plan include the model, and do you have enough credits? A school or company account may also limit access. Find out what is missing before buying another plan.
Some models are no longer offered. Adobe keeps a list of retired models. An old tutorial may show one that has gone. Reinstalling Photoshop will not bring back an online service that has stopped.
Read more: Adobe: Use reference images · Adobe: Generative AI model retirement
Report a small, clear example
If the tool also fails on a simple test image, take a screenshot. Show the message, chosen layer, and model. Note your Photoshop version, operating system, and the steps that led to the problem.
For a plugin, check its own guide too. Does it support your Photoshop version? Is any required extra app open and connected? Avoid resetting all your settings without a clear reason. A small example helps support find the cause.
Sources & further reading
Product features can change. Check the linked documentation for the version and service you use.