Patch Tool

The Patch Tool lets you repair larger areas of an image by selecting an imperfection and replacing it with pixels from another area. It combines the precision of a selection with the blending intelligence of the Healing Brush.

You can use the Patch Tool in two modes: Source (select the area to be fixed, then drag to a clean source area) or Destination (select a clean area, then drag it over the imperfection). This flexibility makes it excellent for removing large objects, wrinkles, or distractions.

Where to Find It

The Patch Tool is grouped with the Spot Healing Brush Tool (band-aid icon) in the toolbar. Click and hold the band-aid icon, then select Patch Tool. Press Shift+J to cycle through the healing group.

How to Use

• Select the patch area: With the Patch Tool active, draw a selection around the imperfection or object you want to remove (just like using the Lasso Tool).
• Choose Source mode: In the Options bar, select Source. This tells Photoshop that the selected area is what you want to fix.
• Drag to clean area: Click inside the selection and drag it to a clean area of the image that has the texture and color you want to use as a replacement.
• Release to apply: Release the mouse button. Photoshop blends the source pixels into the selected area, matching lighting and texture.
• Use Destination mode: Alternatively, select Destination, draw a selection around clean pixels, and drag them over the imperfection to copy them there.

Settings & Options

• Source: The selected area will be replaced by pixels from the destination you drag to.
• Destination: The selected area is copied and used to replace the area you drag to.
• Transparent: When enabled, the patched area blends more with the underlying texture.
• Sample All Layers: Samples from all visible layers — use this when working on a separate retouching layer.

Pro Tips

• For the most natural results, drag the selection to a source area that closely matches the texture and lighting of the area you're patching.
• Use Destination mode when you want to duplicate an object — select it, then drag the selection to where you want the copy to appear.
• After patching, use the Healing Brush or Clone Stamp to clean up any remaining visible edges or inconsistencies.

Common Mistakes

• Dragging too far from the source: Using a source area with very different lighting or perspective results in an unnatural-looking patch. Keep source areas as close as possible to the target.
• Not using a separate layer: Patching directly on the original layer is destructive. Duplicate the layer or use Sample All Layers on a new blank layer.