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How to remove a background from a photo in Photoshop in this step-by-step tutorial.
Removing the background from a
photograph can be a really tricky task, particularly if the subject you
want to cut out has lots of hair, or if the background is exceedingly
complex. Here, we take you through the process of removing a background
from an image to help you overcome that challenge.
First, you'll need to open the image you wish to remove the background from in Adobe Photoshop. Here, I'm using a photograph I took of a giraffe at Colchester Zoo to demonstrate this technique, which has a very defined boundary between the bit we want to keep (the giraffe) and the background. For images with fine detail around what you want to cut out – such as hair – see our tutorial on how to cut out hair in Photoshop.
I'm using Adobe CC, but the background removal technique detailed here will work in Photoshop CS5 and above, though some elements may look slightly different.
Once you've chosen the image you want to remove the background from and opened it in Photoshop, use the slideshow controls above and right to follow the remaining steps in the tutorial (if you're viewing this site on a computer or tablet – if you're on a phone, just scroll down).
Now, you'll need to make a selection.
To make a selection there are various tools you can use, but for
beginners, the easiest tools to use are the Quick Selection Tool and the
Magic Wand Tool. There's also the Lasso tool, which can be more
accurate but also take longer to use.
For this example, we're using the Quick Selection tool, which can be found in the tools panel.
Make sure you're using the Quick Selection tool with the '+' in the centre, by pressing the shift key.
Select the background that you'd like to remove by clicking and dragging around the area. If you accidentally select something you didn't want to, you can press and hold the alt key on your keyboard to use the '-' Quick Selection tool and remove it from the selection. Remember to press shift again before continuing to select more of the background, though.
You don't need to be too accurate with things like hair and fur, because you can refine the edge later (we'll come onto that in a minute).
When you're happy with your selection, right click and then click 'Select inverse'.
Intro
First, you'll need to open the image you wish to remove the background from in Adobe Photoshop. Here, I'm using a photograph I took of a giraffe at Colchester Zoo to demonstrate this technique, which has a very defined boundary between the bit we want to keep (the giraffe) and the background. For images with fine detail around what you want to cut out – such as hair – see our tutorial on how to cut out hair in Photoshop.
I'm using Adobe CC, but the background removal technique detailed here will work in Photoshop CS5 and above, though some elements may look slightly different.
Once you've chosen the image you want to remove the background from and opened it in Photoshop, use the slideshow controls above and right to follow the remaining steps in the tutorial (if you're viewing this site on a computer or tablet – if you're on a phone, just scroll down).
Time to complete
10 minutesSoftware needed
Adobe Photoshop CS5 or laterStep: 1
For this example, we're using the Quick Selection tool, which can be found in the tools panel.
Make sure you're using the Quick Selection tool with the '+' in the centre, by pressing the shift key.
Select the background that you'd like to remove by clicking and dragging around the area. If you accidentally select something you didn't want to, you can press and hold the alt key on your keyboard to use the '-' Quick Selection tool and remove it from the selection. Remember to press shift again before continuing to select more of the background, though.
You don't need to be too accurate with things like hair and fur, because you can refine the edge later (we'll come onto that in a minute).
When you're happy with your selection, right click and then click 'Select inverse'.
Amazing tutorial. I just searching to remove the background image which i have snap from my Mobile. But landed on your articles. Just tried your tutorial and it turns out great. Actually mostly i am using toolpic editor which is also a best Photoshop Online Editor, do check it out, If you can throw some tutorial on this editor that how can i remove background from toolpic that would be really great for me thanks
ReplyDeletevery nice ur tips
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