Need a Free AI Image Expander (Outpainting)?
Extend the edges of any photo or AI image beyond its original frame using free outpainting tools.
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Finish this guide, then continue with another AI Art tutorial to lock in the workflow.
FAQ Highlights
- What is the difference between inpainting and outpainting?
- Can outpainting change the image resolution?
Introduction
Ever taken a perfect photo but wished you had zoomed out more? Or generated an AI image where the subject is too close to the edge? Outpainting (also called image expansion) lets AI fill in the area beyond the original borders of an image.
Here are the best free tools for expanding images with AI.
Step 1: Use Clipdrop by Stability AI (Free Web Tool)
Clipdrop offers a free outpainting tool called "Uncrop" that works directly in your browser.
- Go to the Clipdrop Uncrop page.
- Upload your image.
- Choose how much to expand on each side (top, bottom, left, right).
- Click "Uncrop" and wait for the AI to fill in the new areas.
- Download the expanded image.
Best for: Quick expansions with minimal setup.
Step 2: Use RunwayML Inpaint (Free Tier)
RunwayML is a professional AI video and image editor. Its inpainting/outpainting tool is powerful and free for a limited number of generations.
- Upload your image to RunwayML.
- Select the "Infinite Image" tool.
- Use the "Expand" brush to select the areas you want to extend.
- Describe what should appear in the expanded area, or let the AI guess.
- Generate and refine.
Best for: More control over what the AI adds to the expanded area.
Step 3: Use Photoshop Generative Expand (Free Trial)
If you have access to Photoshop, its Generative Expand feature is the most polished outpainting tool available.
- Open your image in Photoshop.
- Select the Crop tool and make the canvas larger on one or more sides.
- Click "Generative Fill" without selecting anything (Photoshop automatically fills the empty space).
- Leave the prompt blank for the AI to match the existing image style, or describe what you want added.
Best for: Professional-quality results with seamless blending.
FAQ
What is the difference between inpainting and outpainting?
Inpainting replaces or fills an area inside an image (like removing an object). Outpainting extends the image beyond its original borders (like expanding the canvas).
Can outpainting change the image resolution?
No. The expanded area keeps the same resolution as the original. If you expand significantly, the overall image resolution stays the same, so details in the expanded area may be less sharp.
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