How to Use ChatGPT for Photoshop: Hidden Tricks to Boost Your Workflow

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful tool, but mastering it takes time. What if you could speed up your workflow, solve creative blocks, and discover hidden techniques—all with the help of ChatGPT?

In this guide, you’ll learn practical, non-obvious ways to integrate ChatGPT into your Photoshop process, from generating ideas to automating repetitive tasks.

🔹 1. Generating Custom Photoshop Actions with ChatGPT

Problem: Performing the same edits (e.g., batch resizing, color correction) on multiple files is tedious.
Solution: Let ChatGPT write a Photoshop Action script (.jsx or .atn) for you.

How to Do It:

1. Ask ChatGPT:

   “Write a Photoshop Action script that resizes images to 1200x800px, applies Auto Tone, and saves as JPEG at 90% quality.”

2. Copy the generated JavaScript (.jsx) code.
3. In Photoshop: File → Scripts → Browse → Paste the script.

✅ Bonus: ChatGPT can explain how to modify scripts for different needs (e.g., watermarking, batch renaming).

🔹 2. Creating Complex Selections & Masks (Without Pen Tool!)

Problem: Cutting out objects with tricky edges (hair, fur, transparent elements) is frustrating.
Solution: Use ChatGPT to generate precise Select Subject or Color Range commands.

Example Prompt:

“Give me step-by-step instructions to isolate a person with curly hair from a busy background in Photoshop. Use Select and Mask, but avoid the Pen Tool.”

ChatGPT will suggest:

• Select → Subject (AI-based initial selection)
• Refine Edge Brush settings for hair details
• Output to Layer Mask for non-destructive editing

✅ Pro Tip: Ask for alternative methods (e.g., Channels for glass/transparency).

🔹 3. Color Grading Like a Pro (Without Presets)

Problem: Your photos look flat, and color grading feels like guesswork.
Solution: ChatGPT can recommend Curves/Levels adjustments based on your goal.

Try This Prompt:

“What are the exact RGB Curves adjustments to create a cinematic teal-and-orange look in Photoshop?”

ChatGPT will reply with:

• Shadows: Add teal (reduce red, slight blue boost)
• Highlights: Warm oranges (reduce blue, increase red/yellow)
• Blending Mode: Soft Light at 30% opacity for subtlety

✅ Bonus: Ask for LUT (Lookup Table) alternatives if you need quick results.

🔹 4. Fixing Common Photoshop Errors

Problem: Photoshop crashes, tools misbehave, or files won’t save.
Solution: ChatGPT decodes error messages and suggests fixes.

Example Errors It Can Solve:

• “Could not complete your request because the file is locked.” → Fix: Unlock layer or save as PSD first.
• “Scratch disks are full.” → Fix: Change scratch disk location in Preferences.
• “Type tool not working.” → Fix: Reset font cache or disable GPU acceleration.

✅ Pro Tip: Provide the exact error text for tailored solutions.

🔹 5. Designing Text Effects (Beyond Layer Styles)

Problem: Default bevels/drop shadows look generic.
Solution: ChatGPT suggests advanced blending tricks.

Prompt Example:

“How can I create a neon glow text effect in Photoshop without using Layer Styles?”

ChatGPT’s Method:

1. Duplicate text layer → Gaussian Blur (5px) → Set to Screen blend mode.
2. Add Outer Glow manually with a soft brush.
3. Use Color Lookup for vibrant hues.

✅ Bonus: Ask for animatable text effects (for GIFs/Video Timeline).

🔹 6. Automating Tasks with ChatGPT + Scripting

Advanced Trick: Combine ChatGPT with Photoshop’s Scripting API for next-level automation.

Sample Workflow:

1. Ask ChatGPT:

   “Write a script to apply a vintage photo effect: add noise, reduce saturation, and vignette.”

2. Test the script in ExtendScript Toolkit (comes with Photoshop).
3. Bind it to a Keyboard Shortcut for one-click editing.

🎯 Final Tips for ChatGPT + Photoshop Mastery

1. Be Specific: Include details like Photoshop version (e.g., “CC 2024”) for accurate advice.
2. Verify Steps: Test ChatGPT’s suggestions on dummy files first.
3. Combine Tools: Use MidJourney/DALL-E for concept art, then edit in Photoshop.

Now You Try! Open ChatGPT and ask:

“What’s the fastest way to remove a background in Photoshop for a product photo?”

(Need a custom prompt for your project? Comment below!)