How to Remove a Background in Photoshop

To remove a background in Photoshop, you can use several methods depending on the complexity of the image and your desired outcome. Here\\\’s a general step-by-step guide:

Method 1: Using the Quick Selection Tool and Refine Edge

1. Open the image in Photoshop.

2. Select the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar on the left (shortcut: W).

3. Use the tool to click and drag over the subject you want to keep. The tool will automatically detect the edges.

4. If needed, adjust the brush size and use the [ and ] keys to increase or decrease the brush size respectively.

5. Once you have made the initial selection, click the \\\”Refine Edge\\\” button in the options bar at the top.

6. In the Refine Edge dialog box, use the available tools like the Refine Radius Tool, Erase Refinements Tool, or the Smart Radius checkbox to refine the selection edges. Adjust the settings to get the best result.

7. Preview the selection against different backgrounds using the \\\”View Mode\\\” options in the dialog box.

8. When you\\\’re satisfied with the selection, click \\\”OK\\\” to apply the changes.

9. Press Ctrl/Command + J to create a new layer with the subject isolated from the background.

Method 2: Using the Pen Tool

1. Open the image in Photoshop.

2.Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar on the left (shortcut: P).

3. Zoom in on the image to work with finer details.

4. Start by creating an anchor point by clicking on one edge of the subject. Continue adding anchor points along the subject\\\’s outline, following the edges carefully.

5. To create curved lines, click and drag the anchor points to adjust the direction handles.

6. Complete the path by connecting the last anchor point to the first one.

7. Right-click on the path and choose \\\”Make Selection\\\” from the context menu.

8. Adjust the feather radius if desired and click \\\”OK\\\” to create a selection.

9. Press Ctrl/Command + J to create a new layer with the subject isolated from the background.

Method 3: Using the Background Eraser Tool

1. Open the image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Background Eraser Tool from the toolbar on the left (shortcut: E).
3. In the options bar at the top, adjust the brush size and hardness to fit your needs.
4. Click and drag the Background Eraser Tool over the background you want to remove. The tool will erase the color values based on the sampling area.
5. Be careful not to touch the subject. If you accidentally erase parts of the subject, use the History panel or undo (Ctrl/Command + Z) to correct it.
6. Continue erasing the background until you\\\’ve removed it entirely.
7. Press Ctrl/Command + J to create a new layer with the subject isolated from the background.

To keep the background that was removed, save your work in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG.