How to Edit Photos with ChatGPT: Complete Photo Editing Tutorial

Want to edit your photos using ChatGPT without learning complicated photo editing software?

ChatGPT allows you to upload real photographs and request changes using simple text instructions. You can improve photo quality, replace backgrounds, change specific objects, remove unwanted elements, and resize images for different platforms.

In this complete ChatGPT photo editing tutorial, you will learn how to edit an existing photograph from start to finish.

We will begin by uploading a real photo and improving its lighting, sharpness, and overall appearance. Next, we will explore the image editing workspace and demonstrate its editing tools.

By the end of this tutorial, you will understand how to use:

Describe Edits for natural-language photo editing.
Markup for selecting specific image areas.
Comment for location-based editing instructions.
Remove BG for background removal.
Erase for removing unwanted elements.
Resize for changing image aspect ratios.
Zoom for inspecting image details.
Download, Share, and Feedback options.

Let's get started!

Watch the Video Tutorial

Watch the original video to see all the photo editing tools demonstrated step by step.

Prerequisites

Before following this tutorial, make sure you have:

Access to ChatGPT.
A working internet connection.
A photograph you want to edit.
Access to the image editing features demonstrated in the video.

You can open ChatGPT at chatgpt.com.

The video uses a real photograph of a man wearing a black T-shirt with a Udemy badge. He is standing indoors in front of a simple wall and wooden background.

We will use this photograph throughout the tutorial to demonstrate different editing techniques.

Note: This article follows the image editing interface shown in the video. Feature availability, toolbar labels, and menu locations may vary between ChatGPT versions and accounts.

Step 1: Upload Your Photo to ChatGPT

First, open ChatGPT and start a new conversation.

Open ChatGPT in your browser.
Start a new chat.
Click the plus (+) icon near the prompt box.
Upload the photograph you want to edit.

For this demonstration, we are using a photograph of a man wearing a black T-shirt with a Udemy badge.

The original photograph has a simple indoor background consisting of a wall and wooden elements.

Our goal is to improve the lighting, colors, contrast, and overall photo quality while preserving the person's appearance.

Step 2: Enhance the Photo Using a Text Prompt

After uploading the original photograph, we need to make our first edit.

In the video, the complete image editing workspace is not available immediately after uploading the original photo.

Therefore, we first submit a normal text instruction to generate an edited version.

For our first edit, we want to make the photograph brighter, cleaner, sharper, and more professional without changing the person's identity.

Enter the Following Photo Editing Prompt

Make this photo look brighter, cleaner, sharper, and more professional. Improve the lighting, colors, contrast, and overall photo quality.

Keep the man's face, facial features, skin tone, hairstyle, expression, body proportions, pose, black t-shirt, Udemy badge, and overall identity unchanged.

Copy the complete prompt, paste it into ChatGPT, and submit it along with the uploaded photograph.

ChatGPT uses the uploaded image as a reference and generates an edited version.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt contains two important parts.

Part 1: Describe what you want to improve.

We ask ChatGPT to improve the brightness, colors, contrast, sharpness, and overall photo quality.

Part 2: Specify what must remain unchanged.

We explicitly instruct ChatGPT to preserve the person's face, facial features, skin tone, hairstyle, expression, body proportions, pose, clothing, and identity.

This approach gives ChatGPT clear instructions about which elements to modify and which details to preserve.

Review the Edited Photo

After generation finishes, examine the new photograph.

In the video, the edited photograph appears brighter, cleaner, and more polished.

The intended result preserves the person's recognizable appearance, clothing, pose, and Udemy badge.

Always inspect the generated result to verify that important personal details have not changed unexpectedly.

Step 3: Open the ChatGPT Image Editing Workspace

After ChatGPT generates the first edited photograph, click the generated image.

This opens the full image editing workspace shown in the video.

At the top of the workspace, you can see several editing options:

Markup
Comment
Remove BG
Erase
Resize

At the bottom, you can see the Describe Edits input box.

This workspace allows you to continue modifying an existing image rather than starting the entire editing process again.

Let's explore the tools one by one.

Step 4: Use Describe Edits to Change the Background

The Describe Edits feature allows you to modify your photograph using natural-language instructions.

Suppose you want to replace the original indoor background with a modern professional office.

You do not need to manually select the background.

Instead, simply describe the change you want ChatGPT to make.

Enter the Following Prompt

Replace the background with a modern professional office.

Keep the man's face, hairstyle, expression, pose, black t-shirt, Udemy badge, and body proportions unchanged.

Enter the instruction in the Describe Edits box and submit it.

ChatGPT generates another version of the photograph with a different background.

Review the Background Replacement

Compare the new image with the previous version.

The goal is to replace the simple indoor environment with a modern office while keeping the person consistent.

Check the face, hairstyle, expression, clothing, badge, and body proportions to make sure they remain recognizable.

What Else Can You Change with Describe Edits?

As explained in the video, natural-language editing can be used to describe changes to:

Backgrounds.
Lighting.
Clothing.
Objects.
Other visual elements.

For the remaining demonstrations, we will continue using a suitable version of the edited photograph.

Step 5: Use Markup to Edit a Specific Area

Next, let's explore the Markup tool.

Markup allows you to visually indicate which part of a photograph you want to change.

This is particularly useful when an image contains several objects and describing an exact location using text would be difficult.

Open the Markup Tool

Open the edited photograph.
Click Markup in the toolbar.
Use the available controls to mark an area of the image.

The video demonstrates several markup controls, including:

Drawing directly over the photograph.
Adding text.
Adding visual markings or shapes.
Choosing drawing colors.
Adjusting the drawing tool size.
Undo and redo.
Erasing markup.

The drawing tool size can be adjusted using the controls shown on the side of the editor.

Practical Example: Change the T-Shirt Color

Suppose you want to change only the man's black T-shirt to dark blue.

Instead of describing the location of the T-shirt, use the drawing tool to mark it.

The markup does not need to be perfect. Its purpose is simply to indicate the area you want ChatGPT to edit.

After marking the T-shirt, enter the following instruction.

Change the marked t-shirt to dark blue.

Keep the Udemy badge, face, pose, background, and everything else unchanged.

Submit the edit.

ChatGPT uses the marked area and your instruction to generate a modified photograph.

Review the result to confirm that the T-shirt color has changed without affecting the badge, face, pose, or background.

Step 6: Use Comment to Edit a Specific Location

The Comment tool provides another way to make precise edits.

Instead of drawing over an entire area, you can place a comment directly on a specific part of the photograph.

This gives ChatGPT both the location and the editing instruction.

Practical Example: Add a Smartwatch

In the video, the presenter uses the Comment tool to add a smartwatch to the person's wrist.

Follow these steps:

Click Comment in the image editing toolbar.
Locate the person's visible wrist.
Place a comment near the wrist.
Enter the editing instruction.
Submit the edit.

Enter the Following Comment

Add a black smartwatch here.

ChatGPT uses the location of the comment to understand where the smartwatch should appear.

This eliminates the need to write a lengthy description explaining the exact position of the new object.

When Is the Comment Tool Useful?

According to the video, comments can be useful for editing:

Clothing.
Accessories.
Objects.
Background details.
Text.
Small corrections.

Use this feature when you need to connect an instruction to a particular location in the image.

Step 7: Remove the Photo Background with Remove BG

Next, let's explore the Remove BG feature.

This tool removes the background while keeping the main subject.

In our example, the original photograph contains a wall and wooden background.

We want to remove these background elements and keep the person.

How to Remove the Background

Open the photograph in the image editing workspace.
Click Remove BG.
Allow ChatGPT to process the photograph.
Review the resulting image.

In the video demonstration, ChatGPT removes the wall and wooden background while keeping the person.

Why Is Background Removal Useful?

You can use background-removed photographs in:

YouTube thumbnails.
Profile graphics.
Presentations.
Social media posts.
Advertisements.
Promotional designs.

Background removal can also be the first step in a larger image transformation.

For example, after removing the original background, you could instruct ChatGPT to place the person in a completely different environment.

Example Prompt: Add a New Background

Place the person in a modern professional office.

Keep the person's face, hairstyle, pose, t-shirt, and Udemy badge unchanged.

This prompt is discussed in the video as an example of how background removal can be combined with additional photo editing.

The transcript does not establish that this particular follow-up prompt was executed during the Remove BG demonstration.

Step 8: Use Erase to Remove Unwanted Objects

The Erase tool allows you to remove unwanted elements from a photograph.

Unlike background removal, which targets the image background, Erase lets you brush over a specific area.

For this demonstration, the video returns to a version of the photograph where the original background is visible.

There is a small unwanted white mark on the wooden background.

Let's remove it.

How to Use the Erase Tool

Open the photograph containing the unwanted mark.
Click Erase in the editing toolbar.
Brush over the white mark on the wooden background.
Apply the edit.
Review the generated result.

ChatGPT attempts to reconstruct the selected area naturally.

In the video, the unwanted mark is removed, making the background appear cleaner.

What Can You Remove with Erase?

The video identifies several potential uses for the Erase tool:

Small distractions.
Unwanted objects.
Marks.
Unnecessary text.
Other unwanted image elements.

Review the edited region after applying the tool to ensure the reconstructed area looks natural.

Step 9: Resize Your Photo for Different Platforms

One of the most practical photo editing tools demonstrated in the video is Resize.

This feature allows you to generate versions of an image with different aspect ratios.

An aspect ratio describes the relationship between an image's width and height.

For example, a square image has a 1:1 aspect ratio, while a widescreen image commonly uses 16:9.

Open the Resize Tool

Open the edited photograph.
Click Resize in the toolbar.
Review the available aspect ratios.
Select the desired format.

The video demonstrates the following resize options.

Aspect Ratio	Format	Common Uses
1:1	Square	Square social media posts and profile graphics
3:4	Portrait	Portrait photographs and poster-style designs
9:16	Story / Vertical	YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, Stories, and mobile content
4:3	Landscape	Landscape photographs and general image layouts
16:9	Widescreen	YouTube thumbnails, videos, presentations, and widescreen designs

Verification note: The transcript appears to misidentify the Story format as "9x6." The conventional vertical format is 9:16. Confirm the exact label shown in the video before publishing.

Practical Example: Resize a Photo to 16:9

For this demonstration, we will select the Widescreen 16:9 format.

Click Resize.
Select Widescreen 16:9.
Allow ChatGPT to generate the resized image.
Review the new composition.

ChatGPT generates a new version of the photograph using the selected aspect ratio.

The video explains that the editor can adapt or extend the image composition rather than simply stretching the original photograph.

This is useful when you have a portrait photograph but need a landscape version for a YouTube thumbnail, presentation, or another project.

Step 10: Use Zoom to Inspect Image Details

After editing your photograph, you may want to inspect smaller details.

The Zoom control allows you to change how large the image appears inside the editor.

In the video, the zoom percentage appears in the upper-right area of the editing workspace.

For example, the photograph may currently be displayed at 25%.

How to Use Zoom

Locate the zoom percentage.
Click the percentage control.
Choose a different zoom level.
Inspect the required image details.

Increase the zoom level to examine smaller areas such as:

The person's face.
The T-shirt.
The Udemy badge.
Hands and accessories.
Other small visual details.

Zoom out again to inspect the complete image composition.

Important: Changing the zoom percentage does not modify the actual image resolution.

It only changes the image's displayed size inside the editor.

Step 11: Download the Edited Photograph

Once you are satisfied with the edited photograph, you can save it to your computer.

The video demonstrates a Download icon in the upper-right corner of the editor.

How to Download the Image

Open the final edited photograph.
Locate the Download icon in the upper-right corner.
Click Download.
Save the generated image to your computer.

You can then use the downloaded photograph in:

Profile pictures.
YouTube thumbnails.
Websites.
Presentations.
Social media posts.
Advertisements.
Other creative projects.

Step 12: Share the Edited Image or Prompt Template

ChatGPT also provides sharing options in the demonstrated image editing workspace.

Click the Share button to view the available options.

The video shows two options:

This Image.
Share Prompt Template.

Option 1: Share This Image

The This Image option allows you to share the generated image itself.

Use this option when you want to share the finished photograph.

Option 2: Share Prompt Template

The Share Prompt Template option allows you to share the creative template behind the edit.

Instead of sharing only the final photograph, you can share the editing idea so that another person can apply a similar workflow to their own image and details.

For example, you could share the professional photo enhancement template demonstrated earlier in this tutorial.

Other people could then use the same type of editing instructions with their own photographs.

Step 13: Provide Feedback on the Generated Image

Finally, let's explore the image feedback options.

In the upper-right corner of the demonstrated editor, there is a three-dot menu.

Click this menu to access the feedback options.

The video demonstrates two choices:

Like This Image.
Dislike This Image.

When to Like an Image

Select Like This Image when the generated result looks good and follows your editing instructions.

When to Dislike an Image

Select Dislike This Image when the result does not follow your instructions or contains quality problems.

These options allow you to provide feedback about the generated photograph.

Summary: ChatGPT Photo Editing Tools

Here is a quick overview of all the image editing features covered in this tutorial.

Tool	What It Does	Example
Describe Edits	Changes an image using text instructions	Replace the background with a modern office
Markup	Visually identifies an image area	Change the marked T-shirt to dark blue
Comment	Attaches an instruction to a specific location	Add a smartwatch near the wrist
Remove BG	Removes the image background	Remove the wall and wooden background
Erase	Removes selected unwanted elements	Erase a small white mark
Resize	Changes the image's aspect ratio	Generate a 16:9 widescreen image
Zoom	Changes the image's viewing magnification	Inspect the face or Udemy badge
Download	Saves the edited photograph	Download the final image
Share	Shares the image or prompt template	Share a photo enhancement template
Feedback	Provides feedback on the generated result	Like or dislike an image

Best Practices for Editing Photos with ChatGPT

The demonstrations in this tutorial illustrate several useful photo editing practices.

1. Clearly Describe the Required Changes

Instead of giving vague instructions, specify exactly what you want to improve.

For example, the first prompt identifies brightness, sharpness, lighting, colors, contrast, and overall quality.

2. Specify What Must Remain Unchanged

When editing a real photograph, clearly identify important details that you want to preserve.

These may include the person's face, hairstyle, expression, pose, clothing, and accessories.

3. Use Markup for Specific Areas

When describing an object's position becomes difficult, mark the relevant image area visually.

This helps identify the part of the photograph you want to edit.

4. Use Comments for Location-Based Changes

Attach a comment directly to the relevant location when you want to add or modify a specific object.

The smartwatch demonstration illustrates this approach.

5. Review Each Generated Result

After applying an edit, review the image carefully.

Check whether the requested changes were applied and whether important details were preserved.

If necessary, continue editing the image using another instruction.

Troubleshooting Common ChatGPT Photo Editing Problems

1. I Cannot See the Complete Image Editing Toolbar

In the video, the complete editing workspace becomes available after the first edited image is generated.

Upload the original photograph, submit an editing instruction, and open the generated result.

If the demonstrated toolbar still does not appear, its availability may differ in your ChatGPT interface.

2. ChatGPT Changes the Person's Face

Clearly instruct ChatGPT to preserve the face, facial features, skin tone, hairstyle, expression, and identity.

The initial photo enhancement prompt demonstrates this approach.

However, an instruction to preserve identity does not guarantee perfect consistency. Review the generated image before using it.

3. ChatGPT Changes More Than the Selected Area

Use Markup to identify the intended area and specify which elements must remain unchanged.

For example, the T-shirt editing prompt explicitly preserves the Udemy badge, face, pose, and background.

4. The Erase Tool Produces an Unnatural Result

The Erase tool attempts to reconstruct the selected area.

Check the generated region carefully, especially if the background contains detailed textures.

If the result is unsuitable, review the edit and try a more precise selection where the available interface permits it.

5. I Cannot Find the Resize Option I Need

Open the Resize tool and review the available aspect ratios.

The video demonstrates square, portrait, story, landscape, and widescreen formats.

Available presets may differ between interface versions.

6. Does Zoom Increase Image Quality?

No. Zoom only changes the displayed size of the image inside the editor.

It does not change the photograph's actual resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Edit My Own Photos with ChatGPT?

Yes. You can upload an existing photograph and ask ChatGPT to modify it using text instructions.

This tutorial demonstrates the process using a real photograph.

2. Can ChatGPT Improve Photo Quality?

ChatGPT can generate an enhanced version of a photograph based on instructions to improve lighting, colors, contrast, sharpness, and overall appearance.

Review the result to ensure it meets your requirements.

3. Can I Change a Photo Background with ChatGPT?

Yes. The Describe Edits demonstration replaces a simple indoor background with a modern professional office.

4. How Do I Remove a Background in ChatGPT?

Open the generated photograph in the demonstrated image editing workspace and select Remove BG.

ChatGPT then processes the photograph to remove its background while keeping the main subject.

5. Can ChatGPT Change the Color of Clothes?

Yes. In the video, the Markup tool is used to select a T-shirt, followed by a prompt requesting a dark blue color.

6. Can I Add Objects to a Photo?

Yes. The video demonstrates using a location-based comment to request a black smartwatch on the person's wrist.

7. Can ChatGPT Remove Unwanted Objects?

Yes. The Erase demonstration removes a small unwanted white mark from the wooden background.

8. Can I Resize Photos for YouTube Thumbnails?

Yes. The video demonstrates the Widescreen 16:9 option, which is suitable for YouTube thumbnails and other widescreen designs.

9. Can I Share My Photo Editing Prompt?

The demonstrated Share menu includes a Share Prompt Template option.

This allows you to share the creative template behind an image edit.

10. Do I Need Professional Photo Editing Skills?

No advanced photo editing knowledge is required to follow the demonstrated workflow.

Many of the edits can be requested through simple natural-language instructions.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to edit photos with ChatGPT using the image editing features demonstrated in the video.

We started by uploading a real photograph and improving its brightness, colors, contrast, sharpness, and overall appearance.

Next, we explored the complete editing workspace and used Describe Edits, Markup, Comment, Remove BG, Erase, and Resize.

We also learned how to inspect image details using Zoom, download the edited photograph, share images and prompt templates, and provide feedback on generated results.

The main advantage of this workflow is that many common photo editing tasks can be completed by describing the changes you want in ordinary language.

Whether you are creating YouTube thumbnails, profile pictures, social media posts, presentations, or promotional graphics, these tools provide a convenient way to experiment with photo editing.

Try the demonstrated workflow with your own photograph and review each result carefully to achieve the appearance you want.