How to remove a subject from a background in Photoshop

Removing an object from the original background into a new one will enhance the appearance of your subject and make it stand out the more. Before placing your object into a new landscape, you will have first remove the original background of the image.

Background removal is pretty tricky, and this art requires much more than the in-built tools. Nevertheless, you don’t need to be an expert in graphic design to learn the several steps you should follow to remove the subject in Photoshop because it’s pretty easy.

Step One: Open your image

Begin by identifying the photo that you intend to remove the unwanted background from and then open in Adobe Photoshop. Click the Quick Selection Tool. Choosing this tool will open a context-responsive menu at the top of the workspace. Before you start, select ‘Add to Selection.’ Also, open the ‘Brush Picker,’ and you can reduce or increase the size of the brush depending on your photo’s size.

Step Two: Remove the background image with a selection

Once the tool is ready, click the mouse and drag it on the background you want to remove. A selection, or group of moving ants, will show up and grow as you continue clicking and dragging. Work on your subject gradually adding to your selection as you move around the object.

You can zoom in closer to help you work on the tougher regions that include both subject and background. Smaller details such as shoelaces are not necessary to include. However, reducing the size of your brush can help you capture even the most minor details of your subject. Once your subject falls within a selection, then you are ready to continue.

Step Three: Refine the edges

Once the selection is complete, right-click inside the marching ants and then select ‘Refine Edge’ from the menu that pops up. The Refine Edge exchange will help you refine your selection and get better results. You can start by changing the View Mode to any option that will smartly contrast with your selection. By doing this, you will see the parts of the edge that require fine-tuning.

Under Adjust Edge, you can increase the value slider of the Smoothing option to soften the rough edges of the selection. You may want to adjust more sliders, but smoothing will work better. When you finish, click OK.

Step Four: View the selection on a fresh layer

The last step is to analyze your result. To do this, right-click inside your selection and select ‘Layer Via Copy.’ The selection will assign itself sans background, a new layer, without editing the original photo. You can then toggle off to view the layer of your original background against your original image.

Final verdict

Removing an object from a background in Photoshop is the first phase for composting success. Once you remove the background, you will be ready to design a new background for your subject utilizing your creativity.

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