3 Easy Ways To Cut Out Images In Photoshop - Remove & Delete Backgrounds Fast

Brendan Williams
25 Dec 202011:42

TLDRIn this tutorial, Brendan from bewellcreative.com demonstrates three simple methods to cut out images and remove backgrounds in Photoshop. The first method involves using the 'Remove Background' button, which automatically creates a selection and layer mask. The second method is the 'Object Selection Tool', which snaps to the edges of the subject within a marquee selection and can be refined using the 'Refine Hair' feature and the 'Refine Edge Brush Tool'. The third method is the 'Quick Selection Tool', which allows for painting on a selection that automatically snaps to the edges of the subject. All methods can be further refined with the 'Select Subject' option for automated edge detection. The tutorial emphasizes the ease and speed of these techniques, making complex selections accessible to users of all skill levels.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 **One-Click Background Removal**: Photoshop's 2020 version and newer offer a one-click method to remove backgrounds, simplifying the process.
  • 🖼️ **Unlocking Image Layers**: Before using the remove background feature, unlock the image layer to make modifications.
  • 🔍 **Properties Panel**: Utilize the Properties panel to access quick actions like 'Remove Background' or 'Select Subject' for easy selection and background removal.
  • 👤 **Select Subject Feature**: This feature creates an active selection around the subject but doesn't remove the background, requiring manual layer mask application.
  • 🎭 **Layer Mask Adjustments**: After using 'Remove Background', use the layer mask to refine the selection, painting with white to make areas fully visible and black to remove unwanted parts.
  • 🔧 **Object Selection Tool**: This tool, found in the toolbar, allows for easy selection of objects by snapping to edges within a defined marquee selection.
  • 🧹 **Refine Hair**: Photoshop has a 'Refine Hair' feature that automatically cuts out hair strands, but manual adjustments may be needed for areas it misses.
  • 🖌️ **Refine Edge Brush Tool**: Use this tool to manually refine edges that the automatic feature didn't perfect, painting over areas to be removed or fixed.
  • 📐 **Quick Selection Tool**: An older tool in Photoshop that paints a selection onto the image, snapping to edges, which can be refined by holding the Alt/Option key for subtraction or adding back.
  • ➕ **Select Subject Option**: Available with both the Object Selection and Quick Selection tools, 'Select Subject' automatically detects and selects the subject's edges without manual painting.
  • 🌟 **Final Touches**: After cutting out an image, ensure to remove any leftover background elements, like using the brush tool on layer mask in Overlay mode to clean up edges.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the tutorial?

    -The main topic of the tutorial is to demonstrate three easy ways to cut out images and remove backgrounds in Photoshop.

  • Who is the presenter of the tutorial?

    -The presenter of the tutorial is Brendan from bewellcreative.com.

  • What is the 'Remove Background' button in Photoshop?

    -The 'Remove Background' button in Photoshop is a feature that allows for the automatic selection and removal of a background from an image with a single click.

  • What is the difference between 'Remove Background' and 'Select Subject' in Photoshop?

    -'Remove Background' creates an active selection, adds it to a layer mask, and cuts out the image, while 'Select Subject' creates an active selection around the subject without removing the background.

  • How can you view the layer mask to check the selection in Photoshop?

    -You can view the layer mask by holding the Alt or Option key and clicking on the layer mask thumbnail.

  • What tool can be used to fix transparency issues in the selection?

    -The Brush Tool can be used to paint over gray areas in the layer mask view to make them fully visible or transparent as needed.

  • What is the Object Selection Tool in Photoshop?

    -The Object Selection Tool in Photoshop is a tool that allows for the easy selection of objects within an image by snapping to the edges of the subject within a general marquee selection.

  • How does the 'Refine Hair' feature in Photoshop work?

    -The 'Refine Hair' feature in Photoshop automatically refines the hair strands in a selection, making them look more natural and well-defined.

  • What is the 'Quick Selection Tool' in Photoshop?

    -The 'Quick Selection Tool' in Photoshop is a tool that allows users to paint on a selection, with Photoshop automatically snapping to the edges of the subject to be cut out.

  • How can you refine a selection with the Quick Selection Tool?

    -You can refine a selection with the Quick Selection Tool by holding the Alt or Option key to subtract from the selection or by painting over areas to add to the selection.

  • What is the 'Select Subject' option in Photoshop?

    -The 'Select Subject' option in Photoshop is a feature that automatically snaps to the edges of the subject in an image without the need for manual painting or selection.

  • How can you remove a leftover background or fringe from a selection in Photoshop?

    -You can remove a leftover background or fringe by using the Brush Tool in Overlay mode with a black foreground color to paint over the gray areas in the layer mask view.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Background Removal in Photoshop

The video begins with Brendan from bewellcreative.com introducing the topic of the tutorial, which is an easier way to cut out images and remove backgrounds in Photoshop. He shares his initial experience with the task and how the process has become simpler with the 2020 version and newer of Photoshop. Brendan outlines three simple methods to cut out a background in Photoshop, emphasizing the one-click background removal feature.

05:00

🖼️ Using the Remove Background Button

Brendan demonstrates the first method using the 'Remove Background' button in Photoshop. He explains the process of unlocking the image layer, accessing the properties panel, and selecting the 'Remove Background' option. The software automatically creates an active selection, adds it to a layer mask, and cuts out the image. He shows how to refine the selection by painting with a brush tool on the layer mask to fix transparency issues and achieve a perfect cutout.

10:02

🖌️ Refining Edges with the Object Selection Tool

The second method involves using the 'Object Selection Tool'. Brendan guides viewers on how to find and select this tool, then use it to create a selection that snaps to the edges of the subject. He discusses the 'Refine Hair' button for improving hair selections and the 'Refine Edge Brush Tool' for manual adjustments. Brendan also covers the 'Decontaminate Colors' option and how to output the selection as a new layer with a layer mask for non-destructive editing. He concludes with a trick to clean up any remaining background artifacts using the brush tool on the layer mask in overlay mode.

✅ Quick Selection Tool and Select Subject Option

The third method showcased is the 'Quick Selection Tool', which allows users to paint on a selection that automatically snaps to the edges of the subject. Brendan explains how to refine the selection by holding the alt/option key to subtract from the selection or painting over areas to add to the selection. He also mentions the 'Select Subject' option as an alternative that automatically selects the subject's edges without manual painting. Once the selection is satisfactory, applying a layer mask is demonstrated, along with inverting the mask if needed. Brendan concludes the tutorial by encouraging viewers to like and subscribe for more tutorials.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Photoshop

Photoshop is a widely used image editing software developed by Adobe Inc. It is known for its powerful tools that allow users to manipulate and enhance digital images. In the context of the video, it is the primary tool used for cutting out images and removing backgrounds, showcasing its capabilities in photo editing.

💡Remove Background

The term 'Remove Background' refers to the process of isolating a subject from its original background in an image. In the video, this is achieved using various tools within Photoshop, which simplifies the task of separating the subject from the background for uses such as composite images or changing the background entirely.

💡Layer Mask

A layer mask in Photoshop is a tool that allows for non-destructive editing by hiding or revealing parts of a layer. It is used in the video to refine the edges of the selected subject after the background has been removed, ensuring a clean and precise cutout.

💡Select Subject

Select Subject is a feature in Photoshop that automatically detects and selects the subject of an image. It is highlighted in the video as a quick and easy way to initiate the process of cutting out an image, as it simplifies the selection process without needing manual precision.

💡Object Selection Tool

The Object Selection Tool is a feature within Photoshop that aids in selecting complex shapes and objects within an image. It is demonstrated in the video as a method to select and cut out subjects with more intricate details, such as hair, by snapping to the edges of the subject.

💡Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool is used for making quick, easy selections based on color, texture, or other visual cues in an image. In the video, it is shown as a painting-based selection tool that automatically adheres to the edges of the subject being painted over.

💡Refine Edge

Refine Edge is a function in Photoshop that allows users to fine-tune the edges of a selection. It is crucial in the video for improving the quality of selections, especially around complex areas like hair, to ensure a natural and clean look in the final cutout.

💡Layer Mask View

Layer Mask View is a mode in Photoshop that allows users to view and edit the layer mask of an image separately. It is used in the video to check the selection's transparency and make adjustments to ensure the subject is cleanly separated from the background.

💡Brush Tool

The Brush Tool in Photoshop is a versatile tool used for painting and editing with various brush presets. In the context of the video, it is employed to manually paint over areas of the layer mask to correct transparency issues and refine the edges of the selection.

💡Active Selection

An active selection in Photoshop refers to a highlighted area of an image that is currently selected and ready for manipulation. The video demonstrates creating an active selection around a subject using different tools, which is a fundamental step in the process of cutting out an image.

💡Non-Destructive Editing

Non-destructive editing is a technique that allows for changes to be made to an image without permanently altering the original pixels. In the video, using layer masks for cutting out images is an example of non-destructive editing, preserving the original image data while allowing for flexible adjustments.

Highlights

Photoshop 2020 and newer versions offer one-click methods to remove backgrounds.

The 'Remove Background' button in the properties panel simplifies the selection and masking process.

Selecting 'Subject' creates an active selection around the subject without removing the background.

The layer mask view allows for precise editing of selection edges.

Painting with white on a layer mask makes partially transparent areas fully visible.

The Object Selection Tool can intelligently select and cut out subjects with a marquee-like approach.

The 'Refine Hair' button in the Select and Mask workspace can automatically refine hair strands.

The 'Refine Edge Brush Tool' can be used to manually fix areas missed by the automatic refine.

Decontaminate colors feature removes fringing and unwanted artifacts around the selection.

Quick Selection Tool allows for painting on a selection that automatically snaps to edges.

Alt/Option clicking while using the Quick Selection Tool switches between adding and subtracting from the selection.

The 'Select Subject' feature automatically detects and selects the subject for easier background removal.

Inverting a layer mask using Ctrl+I or Cmd+I can correct selections that are the opposite of what's desired.

Using the Overlay mode with a brush tool can help clean up semi-transparent edges.

Non-destructive editing is achieved by outputting selections to a new layer with a layer mask.

Brendan from bewellcreative.com provides photography and photo editing tutorials.

Subscribing to the channel ensures viewers never miss a tutorial on photo editing techniques.

The tutorial demonstrates three simple ways to cut out images in Photoshop.