3 best ways to cut out image background in photoshop

There are different tools in photoshop you can use for removing the background from an image. Removing background from an image is crucial for highlighting any image subject. The uses of tools differ on the type of subject. 

If the subject of your image is simple and straight lines, then the clipping path works best, but if your subject of an image is furry or hairy, then you will need image masking. 

Today we will learn three easy and quick ways to cut out image backgrounds in photoshop.

Ways to cut out image background in photoshop

1. Background eraser tool

The background eraser tool is best for removing background from a high contrasted image. It can save your time by removing background effectively. But if you need more control over the photo, you must spend more time to achieve an excellent result. 

Steps to remove the background using the background eraser tool

1. Firstly, open an image from your file in photoshop and right-click your background layer. Then click duplicate layer. After that, from the dialog box, name your layer and click OK. Finally, turn off the layer by clicking the eye icon to the left of the original layer.

     2. Select the background eraser tool from the left and click the brush icon for revealing the brush panel. You can change the hardness according to your choice. You can also change the size of the brush. For this,                       increase or decrease the size of the brush. 

3. Then set the sampling from the toolbar option to continue working. After that, set the limit around 20-25% for fine edges. Set lower tolerance as it will help pick the fewer color variant. 

4. After setting the option, you can start erasing the background from the subject’s immediate area. Click and hold to move the brush. Make sure the brush is not touching your subject anyway. For close detail, zoom in your image if you need. 

5. Here is a tip for better working, draw short strokes and undo if unsatisfied. It will save you time for doing one thing again and again. 

For difficult areas, adjust the brush size according to your need. For better results, you can slow down your working process. This step-by-step process will give you perfect background removal effectively.

2. Pen tool

The pen tool is best for removing background from an image that is not high-contrasted. Or, if the background eraser fails to satisfy you, you can use the pen tool. The pen tool is effective for detailed images. This tool works best for images with gaps or complex edges.

It can be time-consuming as it needs to focus on small detail while removing the background from any picture. Also, you have to be patient while working with the pen tool.

Steps to remove the background using the pen tool

1. First of all, open your image in photoshop. Then click the background layer and click Duplicate Layer. After that, name your layer. Then turn off the layer by clicking the eye icon. 

2. Next, select the pen tool from the toolbar. Zoom in to make drawing paths easier. Click at any edge to start an anchor. Then continue adding anchor according to your subject of the image. 

3. For a curved line, click-hold-drag and then move the mouse to adjust the curve. You can use a direct selection tool from the toolbar for adjusting directional lines. If you need to undo any anchor, you can use your keyboard shortcut or go to file>Undo. For the keyboard, press command+z, and for macOS, press Crtl+z. 

4. After completing your path, if you are satisfied with your work, the next step will be saving your paths. For this, go to Windows>Paths, click the bar menu at the right, and name your path after clicking the New Path. It will save your path to the Paths panel.

5. After that, select Make Selection by clicking new paths in the Paths panel. Click OK, and this will reveal the outline of your paths. 

6. After that, Select>Inverse, which will save your Selection from deleting. When you click inverse, you will see the marching ants are around the Selection. Now press delete, and you will see your selected subject’s white or grey background.

Professional photo editors use pen tools for natural look photos. Using the pen tool will also give you a professional background removal effect. But it needs a lot of practice to get control over this tool. If you are not comfortable with this tool, then you can try the magnetic lasso tool.

3. Magnetic Lasso Tool

Magnetic Lasso Tool will work best if you want to remove background from a highly contrasted image with complex edges. In this tool, photoshop will detect your path for you and will save you time.

Steps to remove the background using the Magnetic Lasso Tool 

1. First, open your image in photoshop, click the background layer and then click the duplicate layer. After that, name your layer and turn off the layer by clicking the eye icon. 

2. Next, select the magic lasso tool from the toolbar. Then draw the edge of your subject, and a path will be created as you move the cursor. You have to be patient with your moves for better results.

In this step, you must connect to your starting point by moving the cursor around the subject completely. After finishing, click the starting point, and you will see marching ants around your subject.

3. Go to Selection and save your selection by clicking the Save Selection option. And then give it a name.

4. Delete the background by going to Select>Inverse and clicking delete. Your previous background will turn into a white or grey background. 

You can backtrack if you need any adjustments. For random background removal, these processes are enough to get your desired result. 

Conclusion

But suppose you need background removal for professional use. In that case, you can outsource professional background removal services from a professional photo editor. Clipping Path Mania is a professional background removal service provider company for your assistance.

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