How to Remove Background in Photoshop
Removing the background in Adobe Photoshop can be done using several different methods depending on the complexity of the image. Here are three common techniques: using the Quick Selection Tool, the Pen Tool, and Layer Masking. Let’s go through each method step-by-step.
How to Remove Background in Photoshop
Method 1: Quick Selection Tool
- Open Your Image:
- Open Photoshop and load the image from which you want to remove the background.
- Select the Quick Selection Tool:
- In the Tools panel on the left side, select the Quick Selection Tool (shortcut: W). You may need to click and hold the Magic Wand Tool to reveal the Quick Selection Tool.
- Make a Selection:
- Select and drag over the portion of the image you wish to keep. Photoshop will automatically detect the edges. Adjust the size of the brush using the bracket keys [ ] to refine the selection.
- Refine the Selection:
- Click on the “Select and Mask” button in the options bar at the top to refine your selection. Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to clean up the edges, especially around areas like hair or fur.
- Remove the Background:
- Once satisfied with your selection, click “OK” to return to the main workspace. Then, press Ctrl + J (Cmd + J on Mac) to duplicate the selected area onto a new layer, effectively removing the background.
Method 2: Pen Tool
With the selection active, click on the “Add Layer Mask” icon located at the bottom of the Layers panel.
- Open Your Image:
- Open Photoshop and import the image you want to edit.
- Select the Pen Tool:
- In the Tools panel, select the Pen Tool (shortcut: P).
- Create a Path:
- Click to create anchor points around the object you want to keep. Click and drag to create curves if needed. Connect the path by clicking on the starting point.
- Convert Path to Selection:
- Once your path is complete, right-click within the path and select “Make Selection.” Set the Feather Radius to 0 pixels and click OK.
- Remove the Background:
- Press Ctrl + J (Cmd + J on Mac) to duplicate the selected area onto a new layer, effectively removing the background.
Method 3: Layer Masking
- Open Your Image:
- Open Photoshop and load the image.
- Select the Object:
- Use a selection tool such as the Quick Selection Tool or Magic Wand Tool to make a rough selection of the object you want to keep.
- Refine the Selection:
- Click on “Select and Mask” to refine your selection. Use the various tools within this workspace to fine-tune the edges.
- Apply a Layer Mask:
- With the selection active, click the “Add Layer Mask” button at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will hide the background and reveal the selected object.
- Refine the Mask:
- Select the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel. Use the Brush Tool (shortcut: B) with black and white colors to paint on the mask and refine the edges. Painting with black will hide parts of the image, while painting with white will reveal them.
Remove Background in Photoshop With Background Eraser Tool
- Open your image in Photoshop and duplicate the background layer by right-clicking on the layer and selecting “Duplicate Layer”. This allows you to work on a copy of the layer without affecting the original.
- Select the Background Eraser Tool from the toolbar. It may be hidden under the regular Eraser Tool, so click and hold on the Eraser Tool to reveal the Background Eraser Tool
- In the Options Bar at the top, set the following settings:
- Brush size: Adjust the size of the brush using the bracket keys ([ and ]) to make it smaller or larger. Use a smaller brush for detailed areas.
- Sampling: Set this to “Continuous” to have Photoshop sample colors under the crosshair as you drag, or “Once” to only sample the initial color you click on
- Limits: Choose “Find Edges” to help preserve the edges of your subject.
- Tolerance: Set this between 20-40%. Lower values will only erase exact color matches, while higher values will erase a wider range of similar colors.
- Position the brush’s crosshair over the background color you want to erase. Click and drag to select the color and begin erasing. Keep the crosshair away from your subject.
- For large background areas, first erase around the edges of your subject, then switch to the regular Eraser Tool set to 100% opacity to quickly erase the rest of the background.
- Zoom in and use a smaller brush to erase details and edges around your subject
. You may need to adjust the brush size, sampling, and tolerance settings as you work. - When finished, add a new background color by creating a solid color fill layer below your subject layer to check for any missed spots.
- Make final touch-ups with the Eraser Tool, switching back to the Background Eraser Tool for edges.
- Save your image with a transparent background in a format like PNG.
The Background Eraser Tool takes some practice but is great for quickly removing simple backgrounds with distinct colors from your subject. For more complex backgrounds, you may need to use additional selection tools and layer masks for the best results
Tips for All Methods:
- Zoom In: Zoom in to get a better view of the edges and make more precise selections.
- Feathering: Feather your selection slightly to avoid harsh edges.
- Edge Detection: Use edge detection features in the “Select and Mask” workspace to handle tricky areas like hair.
- Undo: Use Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac) to undo mistakes as you work.
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What is the best tool to remove a background in Photoshop?
The best tool to remove a background is the Background Eraser Tool. It allows you to easily erase the background around your subject by sampling the colors you want to remove.
How do I find the Background Eraser Tool in Photoshop?
The Background Eraser Tool may be hidden under the regular Eraser Tool in the toolbar. To find it, click and hold on the Eraser Tool icon until a menu pops up, then select the Background Eraser Tool from the list.
What settings should I use with the Background Eraser Tool?
When using the Background Eraser Tool, set the brush size to match the area you’re working on. Use a smaller brush for detailed edges. Set Sampling to “Continuous” to erase colors as you drag, or “Once” to only erase the initial color you click on. Choose “Find Edges” under Limits to help preserve the edges of your subject. Set Tolerance between 20-40% to control how much of the background color is removed.
How do I remove a background with the Background Eraser Tool?
First, duplicate your background layer so you can work on a copy. Select the Background Eraser Tool and adjust the settings. Position the crosshair in the center of the brush over the background color you want to remove, then click and drag to start erasing. Keep the crosshair away from your subject.
What if I miss some spots when removing the background?
If you miss some spots after erasing the background, you can use the regular Eraser Tool set to 100% opacity to quickly remove any remaining background areas. Then zoom in and use a smaller brush to erase details and edges around your subject.
How do I check for any missed spots after removing the background?
To check for missed spots, add a new solid color fill layer below your subject layer. This will show you any areas where the background wasn’t fully removed. Make final touch-ups with the regular Eraser Tool, switching back to the Background Eraser Tool for edges.
What file format should I save my image with a transparent background?
Save your image with a transparent background in a format like PNG. This will preserve the transparent areas around your subject.
Conclusion
Removing the background in Photoshop can be accomplished using various tools and techniques, each suited for different types of images. The Quick Selection Tool is great for quick edits, the Pen Tool provides precise control, and Layer Masking offers flexibility for complex images. Practice using these methods to find the one that works best for your specific needs.
