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5 Ways To Remove The Background From Your Image In Photoshop

Learn how to easily remove the background from your images with these 5 simple methods using Photoshop. Say goodbye to messy backgrounds and hello to professional-looking photos!

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Simple Ways To Remove The Background From Your Image In Photoshop | PhotoCut

You can use the following tools in Photoshop to remove the background from an image: 

Quick selection tool

Background eraser tool

Pen tool

Photoshop quick action tool

Magnetic lasso tool

1. Background Eraser Tool

The background eraser tool is considered a ‘destructive’ way to remove the image background in Photoshop. This tool does most of the work while giving you a fair bit of control. However, you will find that removing the background from an image in Photoshop with this tool can take a lot of time and patience.

How to use the Background Eraser tool

Step:1 - Considering this is a destructive tool, you should start by making a copy of the image you want to edit and erase the copy. 

Step:2 - Click on the tools palette and look for the background eraser tool. 

Step:3 - Once you do this, click on the first option on top to change the brush size, hardness, and spacing to your liking. After all, the background eraser is a brush, so you will have to set the size depending on how you want to paint - wide or with precision. 

Step:4 - You will find sampling options right beside the size option. The sampling options are: continuous, once, and swatch. Choose the one that works the best, depending on how much of the image you want to delete. 

Step:5 - Next, go to the Limits option and choose from contiguous, discontiguous, and find edges. The continuous option allows you to erase the pixels that are physically touching pixels under the crosshair. The find edges option operates similarly since it erases pixels touching the crosshair. However, it is much sharper and more precise. 

Step:6 - Once you are satisfied with the resulting image, save the project and export the image as a PNG.

2. Quick Selection Tool

Best used for personal editing, the quick selection tool is often regarded as one of the most accessible tools to remove an image’s background with decent accuracy. It works best when:

There is a clear contrast between the background and foreground.

You want to save time and remove the background from the image with decent accuracy and quickly refine the edges.

How to use the Quick Selection tool

Step:1 - Start by opening an image in Photoshop and duplicating it. For this, right-click on your background and click on the duplicate layer. Name the layer and hit the eye icon on the left to turn off the layer. 

Step:2 - Then, click on Photoshop’s tools palette and find the quick selection tool, which you will find along with the magic wand tool and the object selection tool. 

Step:3 - Check the Auto Enhance option on top to give you smoother selection edges. 

Step:4 - Now, move the pointer over the areas that you want to select. If you want to add more areas to the selection, you must move your pointer over those areas. 

Step:5 - However, if you’ve added too many areas to the selection and want to remove them, use the alt key (if you are using windows) or the option key (on macOS) to deselect the area. You can also change tools to deselect the areas you do not want to add to the selection. 

Refine Edges

Step:6 - Right-click on the selection within the marching ants and select Refine Edge. You will find a dialogue box that you can use to fine-tune your selection significantly. Under view mode, you can view the selection against various backgrounds. 

Step:7 - Then, head to the Edge Detection option, click Smart Radius and adjust the radius to your liking. You will also find the Refine Radius Tool on the left of the edge detection tool. Click on that, go to the upper left corner, and adjust the tool size. This will help you refine the edges accurately. Finally, right-click within your selection and click on Layer Via Copy. 

Step:8 -Finally, please create a new file and drag and drop the selection onto this file and export it as a PNG file.

3. Pen Tool

The pen tool gives you more control than any Photoshop background removal tool. It is the most accurate way to remove backgrounds, working best for images with transparent, defined edges. The pen tool is perfect for professional editing. That said, it can also cost you a lot of time. 

How to use the Pen Tool

Step:1 - As always, open the image and make a copy of it before you start editing. Hit Duplicate Layer for this. Also, go to Window → Paths before you get started. 

Step:2 - Now, head to your tools palette and look for the pen tool above the text tool. 

Step:3 - Find a suitable place, preferably an edge, and click to start the anchor. After this, you will have to work around the subject carefully.

Step:4 - Remember that you will generally deal with two types of curves - simple and complex. 

Step:5 - When you find curves, you will have to click, hold, and drag to create a curved line and move the mouse pointer to adjust the length and angle of the curved line. One of the benefits of the pen tool is that you can edit your pen tool paths at any point. 

Step:6 - Once you are done tracing your subject, head to the paths box you opened at the beginning and click on the thumbnail of the path you are working on. In this case, you will find one path for your subject. Click on the thumbnail. Doing this will turn your subject into a selection. 

Step:7 - If you need to fine-tune your selection further, consider using the refine edge tool explained above.

Step:8 - Click on your layer and the layer mask icon below to load the selection. Once satisfied with the selection, create a new file, and drag and drop the selection to the new file. Then, export this image as a PNG file.

4. Photoshop Quick Action Tool

The Photoshop quick action tool is the quickest way to remove the background using photoshop. That said, you can expect to compromise on accuracy, which is why this tool is best used for personal editing.

How to use the Photoshop Quick Action Tool

Step:1 - Open the image and head over to the layer panel. You will notice that your

Step:2 - Click on the image to unlock it. The layer name will change from ‘Background’ to ‘Layer 0.’ 

‍Step:3 - Go to Window → Properties, and you will find a dialogue box. Here, you will find the following options under Quick Action: ‘Remove Background’ & ‘Select Subject’. 

‍Step:4 - If you click on ‘Remove Background,’ the file will get automatically rendered, and the background will be removed. Then, save the resulting image and export it as a PNG. 

Step: ‍5- Magnetic Lasso Tool

The magnetic lasso tool requires some time and patience. This tool is for you if you are comfortable with accessible hand selections.

‍How to use the Magnetic Lasso Tool

Step:1 - Select the magnetic lasso tool from the tools palette on the left and use it to start drawing along the edge of the subject. You will need to be slow and patient as you move your cursor. 

‍Step:2 - Once you use the tool and have a starting point, cover all the edges and return to the starting point to make a selection. This selection will turn into marching ants, as with all the other methods mentioned. 

‍Step:3 - Go to Selection → Save Selection and give it a name. 

‍Step:4 - Then, Selection → Inverse and hit delete to remove the background. At this point, you will find a white/grey checkered background instead of the original one. 

‍Step:5 - To make adjustments, either backtrack your actions, use the polygonal lasso tool or the refine edge option, as explained earlier. 

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FAQ’s

FAQ’s

I'm looking for a comprehensive guide on how to use a free photo editor. Can you recommend any resources?

I recommend checking out our detailed step-by-step guide on How to Use a Free Photo Editor. It covers everything from downloading and installing to using the essential tools and techniques for enhancing your photos.

How can I edit the background of an image using free software?

To learn how to edit the background of an image using free software, visit this comprehensive guide: How to Use a Free Photo Editor to Edit Photo Backgrounds.

I need to remove the color from an image and make it transparent. Can I do this for free and how?

Yes, you can use several free tools to remove color and make your image transparent. One such tool is PhotoCut. It's easy to use:
Step 1: Go to Remove Color From Image With AI for Free.
Step 2: Download the app or directly upload your image.
Step 3: Select 'Remove Background' (make sure the 'Transparent' option is checked).
Step 4: Download the resulting transparent image.

How do I edit a photo professionally using a free online tool?

For detailed guidance on professional photo editing using free online tools, please refer to our comprehensive documentation at Remove any person from the photo using AI. This guide covers advanced techniques for removing unwanted elements, adjusting color balance, and enhancing image quality. By following the step-by-step instructions, you can achieve professional-level results without breaking the bank.

How can I edit my transparent images further?

You can use a free photo editor such as Transparent Background Maker using AI to further enhance your transparent images. This allows you to crop, resize, add text, adjust colors, and apply various effects to your images.

How can I remove multiple people from a photo using AI?

Most of the free AI tools only allow you to remove one person at a time. However, there are some paid tools that allow you to remove multiple people. One popular option is PhotoCut, for more information on how to use free photo editors to remove people from photos, you can refer to this comprehensive guide on Remove any person from the photo using AI for Free.

How do I use a Free Transparent Background Maker using AI?

To use a Free Transparent Background Maker using AI, follow these general steps:
Step 1: Choose a suitable tool, such as a free Transparent Background Maker using AI.
Step 2: Upload your image to the tool's website or app.
Step 3: Wait for the AI to process the image and remove the background.
Step 4: Download the processed image with a transparent background.
Step 5: If desired, you can then use the image in your projects or designs.

How can I use a Background Editor to edit the background of a photo?

To edit the background of a photo using a Background Editor, follow these general steps:
Step 1: Open the Edit Background of the Photo article to learn the step-by-step process.
Step 2: Download the app.
Step 3: Use the background removal tool to isolate the foreground subject from the background. This may involve selecting the subject manually or using an automatic detection feature.
Step 4: Once the background is isolated, you can replace it with a new image, color, or pattern, or remove it entirely.
Step 5: Adjust the settings and options provided by the software to fine-tune the appearance of the edited photo.
Step 6: Save the edited photo to your desired location.

How can I enhance the quality of my images without losing detail or resolution?

AI technology has revolutionized image enhancement, allowing you to improve clarity, remove noise, and scale images to higher resolutions without sacrificing image quality. Discover how AI can enhance your images by visiting this comprehensive guide: Enhance Image Quality with AI & Get Higher Resolution Image.

How can I remove unwanted objects or people from my photos for free?

There are several free online tools that allow you to remove unwanted objects from photos. One highly recommended tool is Remove Unwanted Objects for Free.
This tool is easy to use and provides accurate results. It allows you to manually select the unwanted objects and remove them from the photo. You can also use the automatic detection feature to identify and remove unwanted objects automatically.Here are the steps on how to use Remove Unwanted Objects for Free:
Step 1: Upload your photo to the tool.
Step 2: Use the tools to manually select and remove the unwanted objects.
Step 3: Or, use the automatic detection feature to identify and remove unwanted objects.
Step 4: Download the edited photo.The tool is completely free to use and does not require any subscription or registration.

How can I get started with the free AI Photo Editor?

To start using the free AI Photo Editor, simply click on the following link: Free AI Photo Editor
Once you have clicked on the link, you will be taken to the editor where you can upload your photo and begin editing. The editor is user-friendly and provides a wide range of AI-powered features to enhance your photos.

How can I easily erase the background of any image for free?

You can use online tools like Background Eraser to erase the background of any image for free. Click here to access Background Eraser.

How can I effectively clean up my images using AI for free?

To effortlessly cleanup your images using AI at no cost, I recommend visiting our comprehensive guide on 'Picture Cleanup with AI - Cleanup Pictures for Free'. This valuable resource provides step-by-step instructions on utilizing powerful AI tools to remove unwanted objects, enhance colors, and optimize your images for various purposes.

How can I create a rounded profile picture for free?

Visit our website Create your rounded profile picture for free - Round PFP for a simple and easy-to-use tool that allows you to create rounded profile pictures in just a few simple steps. Our user-friendly interface makes it effortless to customize your profile picture in a matter of seconds. Whether you want to crop an existing image or use our pre-designed templates, we provide you with the freedom to create the perfect rounded profile picture for any platform.

How do I instantly remove the background from an image for free using AI?

With our AI-powered instant background remover, you can remove the background from any image in just a few clicks. Simply upload your image to our website or mobile app, and our AI will automatically detect and remove the background, leaving you with a transparent background image. You can then use this image for any purpose, such as creating social media graphics, website banners, or product images. Click here to try our instant background remover for free.

How can I remove the background from an image for free?

Here's a free and easy-to-use online tool that will help you remove the background from any image instantly: Free Image Background Remover - Remove Bg for Free

How can I add a brown background to my image for free?

There are several free online tools that you can use to add a brown background to your image. One popular option is add a brown background to your image for free. This tool allows you to change the background color of your image to any color you want, including brown. Simply upload your image to the tool, select 'Change Background Color' from the left-hand menu, and then choose the desired brown shade from the color palette. You can then download the edited image with the new brown background.

How can I remove the background from an image quickly and easily?

To quickly and easily remove the background from an image, you can use an online removal tool like Remove Background. Simply upload your image to the website, and it will automatically remove the background in seconds.

How can I create a rounded profile picture for free?

You can easily create a rounded profile picture for free using our online profile picture rounding service at Create your rounded profile picture for free - Round PFP.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Upload your desired image.
Step 2: Select the rounding shape (circle or square).
Step 3: Adjust the rounding radius to your preference.
Step 4: Preview your rounded profile picture and click 'Download.'

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PhotoCut Pro is a powerful image editing software that empowers you to effortlessly remove and replace backgrounds. By subscribing to PhotoCut Pro, you unlock a myriad of premium features, including:-
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Discover the Transformative Power of PhotoCut Pro: A Comprehensive Guide to Background Removal

How can I quickly and easily crop my photos using a free image cropper tool?

You can use the 'Free Image Cropper: Easily Crop Photos within seconds' tool to quickly and easily crop your photos. This tool offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of cropping options, allowing you to achieve the desired result in just a few seconds. To get started, simply upload your photo, select the desired cropping area, and apply the changes. The tool supports various image formats and provides high-quality output. For more detailed information and a step-by-step guide, you can refer to our comprehensive article on the topic: Free Image Cropper: Easily Crop Photos within seconds.

How can I add a plain white background to my image for free?

You can add a plain white background to your image for free using various online tools and software. One such tool is Add Plain White Background to your image. This tool allows you to upload your image, automatically remove the existing background, and replace it with a plain white background. The process is simple and user-friendly, and the best part is that it's completely free.

How can I easily add a white background to my passport photo to meet government requirements?

To add a white background to your passport photo, follow these steps:
Step 1: Use a photo editing software such as Photoshop, Paint.NET, or Canva.
Step 2: Open your passport photo in the software.
Step 3: Create a new layer behind the photo.
Step 4: Fill the layer with white using the paint bucket tool.
Step 5: Adjust the opacity of the white layer to blend it with the photo.
Step 6: Crop the photo to the required size and save it in the appropriate file format.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, refer to our comprehensive article:
How to Add White Background to Passport Photo

How can I add a light blue background to my image without having to pay?

There are several free online tools that allow you to easily add a light blue background to your image. One popular option is Free Online Photo Editor. This user-friendly tool offers a wide range of editing options, including the ability to change the background color of your image. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in our comprehensive article, you will be able to add a light blue background to your image with professional-looking results in just minutes.

What are the most important trends to keep in mind for clothing flat lay photography in 2024?

To stay ahead of the curve in 2024, consider these key trends:
Use of natural light: Natural light enhances realism and creates a soft, inviting atmosphere.
Minimalist backgrounds: Clear and uncluttered backgrounds draw attention to the clothing and reduce distractions.
Interesting textures and patterns: Incorporating fabrics with different textures and patterns adds visual interest and depth.
Attention to detail: Pay meticulous attention to elements such as wrinkles, folds, and accessories to showcase the craftsmanship and allure of the garments.
Use of props: Props like flowers, jewelry, or books can enhance storytelling and create a personalized touch.

For more in-depth insights and inspiration, be sure to explore our comprehensive article on
Clothing Flat Lay Photography Ideas You Need to Know for 2024 (Updated)