Imagine the subject of your photo surrounded by a completely different background—one you’ve designed from the background-up using your imagination.Before you can place your subject into a completely new landscape, you’ll need to remove the background of the original image first. Background removal is a tricky art and requires more than just the eraser tool, but you don’t have to be a graphic design whiz to learn the steps in Adobe Photoshop CC.
Step 1: Ready Your Tool
First, open your photo in Adobe Photoshop. To remove the background, select the ‘Quick Selection Tool’ from the tools panel. (Don’t see the ‘Quick Selection Tool?’ It may be nested with the ‘Magic Wand Tool’). The ‘Quick Selection Tool’ is the best tool for basic background removals.
Choosing the ‘Quick Selection Tool’ opens a
context-sensitive menu at the top of your workspace. Before you begin, select
‘Add to Selection.’ You may need to open the ‘Brush Picker’ and increase or
reduce the brush size depending on the size of your photo.
Step 2: Remove
Background Imagery with a Selection
With the tool ready,
click and drag your mouse on the unwanted background. A group of marching ants,
or selection, will appear and grow as you click and drag. Gradually work around
your subject adding to the selection as you go.
Sometimes, you’ll find that some areas are added to your selection
that you don’t want to
include. Hold down the ‘Alt’ or ‘Option’ key to toggle the subtraction mode for the tool, and then click and drag your mouse around the background area you wish to remove. Release the ‘Alt’ or ‘Option’ key when you’re ready to add to your selection again. Alternate between the addition and subtraction modes as your work.
Zoom-in closer to work tougher areas that include both background and subject. Tip: smaller details like shoestrings, aren’t necessary to include. But reducing your brush to 1px can help capture the smallest details.
Once your subject is completely within a selection, you’re ready to move on.
Step 3: Refine the Edges
You finally remove the background of your image now next time to refine your image.Select your object with "Quick Selection Tool" and then click on the "Select and Mask" option in the above menu look at the following image.
include. Hold down the ‘Alt’ or ‘Option’ key to toggle the subtraction mode for the tool, and then click and drag your mouse around the background area you wish to remove. Release the ‘Alt’ or ‘Option’ key when you’re ready to add to your selection again. Alternate between the addition and subtraction modes as your work.
Zoom-in closer to work tougher areas that include both background and subject. Tip: smaller details like shoestrings, aren’t necessary to include. But reducing your brush to 1px can help capture the smallest details.
Once your subject is completely within a selection, you’re ready to move on.
Step 3: Refine the Edges
You finally remove the background of your image now next time to refine your image.Select your object with "Quick Selection Tool" and then click on the "Select and Mask" option in the above menu look at the following image.
First, change the View Mode to ‘On White’ or any option that sharply contrasts with your selection. Doing so will help you see the parts of your edge that need the most help.
Under Adjust Edge, increase the Smooth value slider to soften the jagged edges of your selection. You may need to adjust additional sliders but smoothing should help the most.
Check the Documentation Click OK when finished. |
Finally transparent image is ready. |
Removing the background of an image is the first step for compositing success. With the background removed, you’re ready to create a new surrounding for your subject using your own creativity.