How to Remove Backgrounds in Photoshop: 3 Best Methods

Removing the background in Photoshop is a common task that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as creating clean product images, isolating people or objects for composites, and more. There are several ways to remove backgrounds in Photoshop, and the best method for you will depend on the specific image you’re working with.

How to Remove Backgrounds in Photoshop

Here are three common methods for removing backgrounds in Photoshop:

1. Using the Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool is a great all-purpose tool for removing backgrounds. It uses artificial intelligence to automatically select the edges of your subject, and you can then refine the selection as needed.

To use the Quick Selection Tool, follow these steps:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar. It looks like a paintbrush with a dotted line around it.
3. Click and drag over your subject to select it. The Quick Selection Tool will automatically try to select the edges of your subject.
4. Use the Refine Edge brush (located in the Options bar) to refine the selection. You can use the Refine Edge brush to add or remove pixels from the selection.
5. Once you’re happy with the selection, press Ctrl+Shift+I (or Cmd+Shift+I on Mac) to invert the selection. This will select the background.
6. Press Delete to delete the background.

2. Using the Background Eraser Tool

The Background Eraser Tool is a more traditional way to remove a background. It works by erasing pixels that are similar to the color you click on.

To use the Background Eraser Tool, follow these steps:

1. Again, open your image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Background Eraser Tool from the toolbar. It looks like a regular eraser with a tiny arrow next to it.
3. Set the Sampling option in the Options bar to “Foreground Color.” This will tell the Background Eraser Tool to erase pixels that are similar to the color you click on.
4. Set the Size of the eraser brush to a size that is appropriate for your image.
5. Click on the background color to start erasing. Be careful not to erase any part of your subject.
6. You can use the Zoom tool to zoom in on your image to get a closer look at the edges of your subject.

3. Using the Pen Tool

The Pen Tool is a more precise way to remove a background. It allows you to create a path around your subject, and then you can use that path to create a selection.

To use the Pen Tool, follow these steps:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar. It looks like a pen nib.
3. Click on a point where you want to start the path.
4. Click on another point to create a straight-line segment.
5. Drag the direction handles that appear at each point to create a curved line segment.
6. Continue clicking and dragging to create a path around your subject.
7. Once you’ve created a path around your subject, close the path by clicking on the first point you created.
8. Right-click on the path and select “Make Selection.”
9. Press Delete to delete the background.

These are just three of the many ways to remove a background in Photoshop. The best method for you will depend on the specific image you’re working with and your personal preferences.

Read Also: How to Install Portraiture in Photoshop: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

Here are some additional tips for removing backgrounds in Photoshop:

• Use a high-resolution image. The higher the resolution of your image, the easier it will be to remove the background without losing detail.
• Use an image with a solid background. If the background in your image is busy or cluttered, it will be more difficult to remove.
• Zoom in on your image. This will help you to see the edges of your subject more clearly and make a more accurate selection.
• Save your work often. In case you make a mistake, you can always go back to a previous version of your image.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to remove backgrounds in Photoshop like a pro!