11 Shortcuts to Remove Background in One Click! - Photoshop Tutorial

PiXimperfect
10 May 202324:57

TLDRThis tutorial video provides an in-depth guide on how to remove backgrounds from images in Photoshop efficiently. It covers a variety of techniques suitable for different scenarios, including using the 'remove background' button, employing color range selection for images with distinct color backgrounds, and addressing high-contrast subjects. The video also introduces actions and droplets for automating the process, particularly useful for e-commerce where bulk image editing is required. By the end, viewers are equipped with the knowledge to handle complex selections and create professional-looking images with clean backgrounds.

Takeaways

  • 🔍 **Identify the Shortcut**: Use the 'remove background' button in the properties panel after unlocking the layer.
  • 🎨 **Use Color to Your Advantage**: Select and remove background colors like green with a single command.
  • 🛠️ **Create Custom Actions**: Automate the background removal process by recording your actions for repeated tasks.
  • 📂 **Batch Processing**: Process multiple images at once by dragging and dropping them into a specially created 'droplet'.
  • 📈 **Smart Radius Tool**: Utilize the smart radius feature in 'select and mask' for smoother edges.
  • 🖌️ **Refine Edges Manually**: Use the refine edge brush tool for manual adjustments when automatic tools fall short.
  • 🌈 **Color Range for Specific Backgrounds**: Employ color range selection for backgrounds of a specific color.
  • 🔄 **Blend Modes for Contrast**: Use multiply or screen blend modes to manage contrast issues between subject and background.
  • 📷 **Pixel Perfect Compositing Plugin**: Consider using third-party plugins for advanced masking and compositing.
  • 📁 **Save Time with Variables**: Use Photoshop's variables feature for automating tasks like inserting names into a design template.
  • 🌟 **Continuous Learning**: Understand the concepts behind the tools for flexibility and to create your own shortcuts and actions.

Q & A

  • What is the secret button that can remove the background in Photoshop with just one click?

    -The secret button is the 'Remove Background' button found in the properties panel. However, it only appears when the layer is unlocked.

  • How can you automate the process of background removal in Photoshop for multiple images?

    -You can record an action in Photoshop that includes the steps for background removal and then apply this action to a series of images for batch processing.

  • What is the role of the 'Select and Mask' option in refining the edges of a selection?

    -The 'Select and Mask' option allows for better edge refinement by using features like Smart Radius and Refine Hair, which can help in creating smoother and more accurate selections.

  • How can you remove certain colors from an image using Photoshop?

    -You can use the 'Select > Color Range' tool to select a specific color and then invert the selection to target the areas you want to remove. After that, you can create a mask to remove these areas.

  • What is the benefit of using the 'Multiply' blend mode when dealing with high contrast images?

    -The 'Multiply' blend mode can help in reducing halos around the subject by darkening the image. It can be particularly useful when the subject and background have a high contrast ratio.

  • How can you save time when you need to remove the background from a large number of images?

    -You can use the batch processing feature in Photoshop by creating a droplet that applies a specific action to any image dragged onto it, automatically processing and saving the images with the background removed.

  • What is the 'Decontaminate Colors' option in the 'Select and Mask' workflow?

    -The 'Decontaminate Colors' option extends the image while keeping the mask the same, which can help in removing color halos around the edges of a selection.

  • How can you create a fully automatic action for color-based background removal if you know the background color in advance?

    -You can record an action that includes the 'Select > Color Range' with the specific color preselected, followed by 'Select Similar', and then the steps to refine the mask and remove the color from the edges.

  • What is the purpose of the 'Refine Hair' feature in the 'Select and Mask' tool?

    -The 'Refine Hair' feature is used to improve the selection and masking of fine details such as hair or fur, making the edges appear more natural and less harsh.

  • How can you use the 'Screen' blend mode to deal with high contrast images where the subject is lighter than the background?

    -The 'Screen' blend mode can be used to lighten the image and reduce the appearance of dark halos around a light subject against a dark background.

  • What is the Pixel Perfect Compositing plugin and how does it simplify the masking process in Photoshop?

    -The Pixel Perfect Compositing plugin is an Adobe approved tool that simplifies the masking process by providing easy-to-use buttons for common tasks like 'Select Color Range', 'Select Subject', and applying blend modes like 'Multiply' and 'Screen'.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to Background Removal in Photoshop

The paragraph introduces the concept of background removal in Photoshop, highlighting the ease and flexibility of the process. It emphasizes the advantage of using Photoshop for professionals due to its accuracy and versatility. The speaker also mentions a gift (an action called 'pix background removal') that simplifies the process and can be used for batch processing images, especially useful for e-commerce. The paragraph sets the stage for learning various shortcuts and techniques for background removal in different situations.

05:01

🛠️ Tools and Techniques for Background Removal

This paragraph delves into the specific tools and techniques used in Photoshop for background removal. It discusses the use of 'select subject' and 'select and mask' features, along with the smart radius option for refining edges. The paragraph also addresses the limitations of these methods and provides solutions, such as using the 'refine hair' feature for detailed selections. The speaker demonstrates how to improve the results by adjusting settings and using actions for automation, offering a comprehensive guide for users to effectively remove backgrounds from their images.

10:02

🎨 Color-Based Background Removal and Adjustment

The focus of this paragraph is on color-based background removal, where the speaker explains how to use the 'color range' selection tool in Photoshop. It details the process of selecting a specific color to remove and adjusting the fuzziness for different images. The paragraph also addresses common issues like halos around the edges and provides solutions, such as using 'select similar' and 'decontaminate colors' for a cleaner mask. Additionally, it explains how to automate this process by creating actions tailored to specific color backgrounds.

15:04

🌟 Handling High Contrast and Complex Images

This paragraph tackles the challenges of removing backgrounds from images with high contrast or complex scenarios. The speaker discusses techniques for managing halos that appear due to high contrast between the subject and background. Solutions like changing the blend mode to 'multiply' or 'screen' are presented, along with methods for refining the edges and removing unwanted halos. The paragraph also mentions the use of Pixel Perfect compositing plugin for an even more streamlined process and provides actions for different situations, including cases where a mask is not required.

20:06

📚 Batch Processing and Automation

The final paragraph covers the concept of batch processing in Photoshop, which is a time-saving technique for applying the same actions to multiple images. The speaker guides through the process of creating a droplet, which automates the background removal process even further. This allows users to process large batches of images quickly and efficiently without needing to manually apply the actions to each image. The paragraph concludes with resources for learning more about Photoshop and encourages users to explore and understand the software to make the most of its capabilities.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Background Removal

Background removal is the process of eliminating the backdrop of an image to isolate the subject, which is a common task in photo editing. In the video, this is achieved through various techniques and tools in Photoshop, such as the 'remove background' button, color range selection, and refine edge brush tool. It's essential for e-commerce, where products need to be displayed against transparent backgrounds for website listings.

💡Hue Saturation Adjustment Layer

A Hue Saturation Adjustment Layer is a tool in Photoshop used to modify the color properties of an image. Specifically, it allows for the targeting and adjustment of specific color ranges, such as removing the green color from the edges of an image as demonstrated in the video. This tool is crucial for refining the background removal process and ensuring that no unwanted colors are left around the subject's edges.

💡E-commerce

E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods or services using the internet, and it often requires product images to have transparent backgrounds for online listings. The video discusses how background removal is particularly useful in e-commerce, as it allows for quick and efficient processing of product images to be used on websites.

💡Select Subject

Select Subject is a feature in Photoshop that automatically detects and selects the main subject of an image. This tool is highlighted in the video as a quick way to isolate the subject from the background. It's particularly useful when the subject is distinct from the background, making the selection process more straightforward.

💡Mask Button

The Mask Button in Photoshop is used to hide parts of a layer based on the selection made. When combined with the Select Subject feature, it can be used to create a mask that hides the background, leaving only the subject visible. The video demonstrates how to use the Mask Button to refine selections and create clean, background-free images.

💡Smart Radius

Smart Radius is a feature within the Select and Mask tool in Photoshop that helps to refine the edges of a selection. It works by analyzing the colors and textures around the edges and creating a smoother, more natural transition between the subject and the background. In the video, it is used to improve the quality of the selection, making the subject appear more realistically separated from the background.

💡Batch Processing

Batch Processing in Photoshop is a method that allows users to apply a set of actions to multiple files at once, automating repetitive tasks. The video explains how to use this feature for removing backgrounds from a large number of images, which saves time and effort, especially when dealing with e-commerce product images.

💡Pixel Perfect Compositing Plugin

The Pixel Perfect Compositing Plugin is a tool mentioned in the video that simplifies the process of photo compositing, which includes background removal. It offers various techniques such as multiply blend mode and screen blend mode to handle high-contrast images and refine masks. The plugin is presented as an efficient way to enhance the quality of composite images in Photoshop.

💡Actions

In Photoshop, Actions are recorded sequences of commands that can be played back to automate tasks. The video provides an in-depth look at how to create and use actions for background removal, allowing for a faster workflow. Actions are particularly useful for applying the same set of edits to multiple images, as demonstrated in the script.

💡Droplet

A Droplet in Photoshop is a feature that allows users to process multiple files with a single action by simply dragging and dropping them onto the Droplet. The video script describes how to create a Droplet for the purpose of batch processing images for background removal, showcasing its efficiency in handling large volumes of images.

💡Color Range

Color Range is a selection tool in Photoshop that allows users to select a specific color or range of colors within an image. The video demonstrates using the Color Range tool to select and remove background colors, such as green, which is particularly useful when the background color is uniform and distinct from the subject.

Highlights

A secret button press removes the background in one click.

Photoshop can be instructed to remove specific colors, such as greens, from the background.

Hue saturation adjustment layers are automatically created to refine the removal of certain colors.

E-commerce users can batch process images by dragging and dropping them into a specialized program for automated background removal.

The 'remove background' button is available in the properties panel once a layer is unlocked.

Actions can be recorded in Photoshop to automate the background removal process.

The 'Select Subject' feature is a powerful tool for background removal when the subject is well-defined.

Select and Mask with smart radius can refine edges for a more natural look.

Refine Hair function in Select and Mask can significantly improve the accuracy of hair or fur masking.

Decontaminate Colors feature can help clean up halos around the subject.

Select Color Range can be used to remove backgrounds of a specific color, like green screens.

Create a clipping mask to limit Hue/Saturation adjustments to a single layer.

Batch processing can be utilized to remove backgrounds from a large number of images efficiently.

Pixel Perfect Compositing is a plugin that simplifies the masking and compositing process in Photoshop.

Blend modes like Multiply and Screen can be used to address contrast issues between subject and background.

Droplets in Photoshop can be created for automated processing of images without opening the software.

Variables in Photoshop can be used for batch processing of designs with different text or elements.

Understanding the concepts of Photoshop is more important than memorizing steps for effective use.