How to Choose an Inpainting Tool (2026)

A short guide to picking an inpainting tool based on your workflow, budget, and quality needs.

Quick verdict
Score: 4.2 / 5
Pros
  • Clear checklist
  • Helps avoid overpaying
Cons
  • You still need to test on your own images

Start with your workflow

Ask two questions:

  1. Do you edit a few images per week, or hundreds per day?
  2. Do you need a perfect result, or “good enough” fast?

Key features to compare

  • Brush and mask controls: Undo, feathering, and quick selection tools matter.
  • Export formats: PNG/WebP, transparency, and file-size options.
  • Speed: Try your largest image.
  • Consistency: Test 5–10 images, not just one.

Pricing notes

Free plans can be great for learning. If you do frequent work, a subscription may still be cheaper than time spent fixing artifacts.

Verdict

Choose the tool that matches your typical image type and volume. The best tool is the one you’ll actually use consistently.