7 Ways To Remove Background From Image In Photoshop
Removing the background from an image in Photoshop is a crucial skill for photographers, designers, and anyone working with graphics. Whether you’re looking to isolate a subject, create a collage, or enhance your visuals for social media, knowing how to effectively remove backgrounds can save time and elevate your projects. In this article, we will explore 7 ways to remove background from image in Photoshop, providing detailed steps for each method.
1. Using the Quick Selection Tool
One of the easiest and most efficient methods to remove background from an image in Photoshop is using the Quick Selection Tool. This tool allows you to paint over the area you want to keep, making it a great choice for subjects with clear edges.How to Use the Quick Selection Tool:
- Open your image in Photoshop.
- Select the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar (or press W).
- Click and drag over the area you want to keep. The tool will automatically detect edges.
- Once you’ve selected the subject, click on Select and Mask in the options bar.
- Adjust the settings in the Properties panel, like Smooth or Feather, to refine your selection.
- Choose Output To Layer Mask and click OK to remove the background.
2. The Magic Wand Tool
The Magic Wand Tool is another simple way to remove the background from an image in Photoshop, especially if the background color is uniform or consistent.Steps to Use the Magic Wand Tool:
- Open your image.
- Select the Magic Wand Tool from the toolbar (or press W).
- Click on the background area you want to remove. Adjust the Tolerance level in the options bar to increase or decrease the sensitivity.
- Hold Shift and click on other background areas to add them to your selection.
- Once the background is fully selected, press the Delete key.
- Select the selection by pressing Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (Mac).
3. The Pen Tool for Precision
If you’re looking for precision when removing backgrounds, the Pen Tool is your best bet. It allows you to create custom paths around the subject, giving you complete control over the selection.How to Use the Pen Tool:
- Open your image in Photoshop.
- Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar (or press P).
- Click to create anchor points around your subject. For curves, click and drag to adjust the curve.
- Once you’ve outlined the subject, right-click and choose Make Selection.
- Set the Feather Radius to 0 pixels and click OK.
- With the selection active, create a layer mask by clicking the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
4. Color Range Selection
Using Color Range is a fantastic method to remove the background from an image in Photoshop, especially when the background and subject have distinct colors.Steps to Use Color Range:
- Open your image.
- Go to Select > Color Range.
- Use the Eyedropper Tool to click on the background color.
- Adjust the Fuzziness slider to include similar colors.
- Click OK to create a selection.
- Inverse the selection by going to Select > Inverse.
- Click the Layer Mask icon to remove the background.
5. Background Eraser Tool
The Background Eraser Tool is perfect for more intricate backgrounds, allowing you to erase while preserving the edges of your subject.How to Use the Background Eraser Tool:
- Open your image.
- Select the Background Eraser Tool from the toolbar (found under the Eraser Tool).
- In the options bar, set the brush size and hardness according to your needs.
- Hold the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) and click on the background color to define it.
- Click and drag the brush over the background to erase it. The tool will keep the subject intact.
6. The Lasso Tool for Freehand Selection
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, the Lasso Tool allows you to draw a freehand selection around your subject, making it easier to remove backgrounds from images with irregular shapes.Steps to Use the Lasso Tool:
- Open your image.
- Select the Lasso Tool from the toolbar (or press L).
- Draw around the subject, closing the selection.
- Once the selection is complete, go to Select > Inverse.
- Press the Delete key to remove the background.
- Select the selection by pressing Ctrl + D (Windows) or Command + D (Mac).
7. Using the Select Subject Feature
Photoshop’s Select Subject feature uses AI to automatically detect and select the main subject in your image, making it one of the most straightforward ways to remove background from images in Photoshop.How to Use Select Subject:
- Open your image.
- Go to Select > Subject. Photoshop will automatically analyze the image and create a selection around the subject.
- Once selected, you can refine the selection by going to Select and Mask.
- Choose Output to Layer Mask and click OK to remove the background.