Pan vs. Zoom
Understanding the difference between expanding your canvas and changing scale is essential for AI artists. This guide clarifies the common confusion between Pan (in Midjourney) and Zoom (in Photoshop Generative Fill).
At a Glance
Pan (Midjourney)
Extends the canvas in a specific direction while keeping the original image at its current size and position. Generates new content beyond the existing borders, like sliding a camera frame sideways.
Zoom Out (Photoshop)
Shrinks the original image and generates content around all sides simultaneously. Creates a "step back" effect where your original becomes smaller within a larger canvas, revealing context in every direction.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect What we're comparing | Pan (Midjourney) | Zoom Out (Photoshop) | Why It's Confused |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Directional canvas extension in one specific direction at a time. | Omnidirectional canvas expansion with image scaling. | Both involve adding content beyond original borders. |
| Direction Control | Choose one direction: up, down, left, or right per operation. | Expands equally in all directions simultaneously. | The term "pan" is used differently across software. |
| Original Image | Stays the same size, remains in place on canvas. | Becomes proportionally smaller within the new canvas. | Both operations change the final composition. |
| Use Case | Add headroom, extend backgrounds, or reveal more scene detail in one direction. | Create environmental context, add breathing room, or show the "bigger picture". | Both solve composition problems. |
| Analogy | Sliding a window frame left or right to see what's next to the current view. | Flying a drone backward to reveal what surrounds the entire scene. | Both reveal "hidden" content around the original. |
| Typical Workflow | Sequential: Pan left, then pan up if needed (requires multiple steps). | One-step: All sides expand at once with single action. | Both can be iteratively applied for more expansion. |
Memory Aids
Pan creates a panoramic sweep in one direction. Zoom Out creates a bird's-eye reveal.
Pan is an arrow pointing one way (directional). Zoom Out is a circle expanding (omnidirectional).
Pan slides the camera horizontally. Zoom Out lifts the drone straight up to show everything.
Glossary Cloud
Quick Quiz
You have a portrait that's too tightly cropped. You want to add sky above, ground below, and environment on both sides. Which tool accomplishes this in one action?