How to Easily Remove Background in Photoshop in 5 Simple Steps

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 5 min read

Removing backgrounds in Photoshop can be a game-changer for your design projects, and it's much easier than you might think. In this guide, we'll walk you through a simple, step-by-step process on how to remove background in Photoshop, making your images look professionally edited in no time.

Step 1: Select the Right Image

Before diving into how to remove background in Photoshop, it's important to start with the right image. Choosing a high-resolution image with a simple background will make your editing process smoother and yield better results.

Choosing High-Resolution Images

High-resolution images provide more detail, allowing you to make more precise selections and edits.
Look for images with a minimum resolution of 300 DPI (dots per inch) to ensure optimal quality.
Remember that scaling up a low-resolution image will result in a loss of quality, so always start with the highest resolution available.

Selecting Simple Backgrounds

A simple background consists of a single color or a minimal pattern, making it easier for Photoshop to distinguish between the subject and the background.
Avoid images with busy or complex backgrounds, as they can make the process of removing the background more time-consuming and less accurate.
When possible, opt for images with a solid or contrasting background color to help the subject stand out.

Now that you've selected the right image, it's time to learn how to remove background in Photoshop using the Magic Wand tool.

Step 2: Use the Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand tool is a powerful and easy-to-use feature in Photoshop that helps you quickly select and remove backgrounds. It works by detecting similar colors within a specified tolerance range. Let's dive into how to use this tool effectively.

Adjusting Tolerance Levels

Tolerance determines how sensitive the Magic Wand tool is to color variations in your image. A lower tolerance level selects fewer colors, while a higher tolerance level selects more colors.
Start with a tolerance level of around 20-30, and adjust it based on your image's complexity. For example, if you're working with a simple background, a lower tolerance level might be enough.
Adjust the tolerance by clicking on the Magic Wand tool in the toolbar, and then changing the "Tolerance" field in the options bar at the top of the screen.

Adding to the Selection

After setting your tolerance level, click on the background area you want to remove. If the Magic Wand tool doesn't select the entire background, hold down the Shift key and click on the unselected areas to add them to your selection.
Make sure to zoom in and carefully inspect the edges of your subject to ensure that the Magic Wand tool hasn't accidentally selected any parts you want to keep.
If you need to deselect an area, hold down the Alt (or Option on Mac) key and click on the unwanted selection.

With your background selected, it's time to refine the edges for a smoother and more natural look.

Step 3: Refine Edge Tool

Once you've selected the background using the Magic Wand tool, the next step is to refine the edges around your subject. This will help you achieve a more professional and clean result when you remove the background. Photoshop's Refine Edge tool is perfect for this task.

Smoothing Edges

With your background selected, go to the "Select" menu at the top of the screen and choose "Select and Mask" (or "Refine Edge" in older Photoshop versions).
In the Select and Mask workspace, use the "Smooth" slider to refine the edges of your selection. This will help eliminate jagged edges and make your subject blend more naturally with the new background.
Adjust the slider until you achieve the desired smoothness, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can result in losing important details in your subject.

Feathering the Selection

Feathering softens the edges of your selection, making the transition between your subject and the new background more seamless.
In the Select and Mask workspace, find the "Feather" slider and adjust it to your liking. A higher feather value will create a softer edge, while a lower value will maintain a sharper edge.
Keep in mind that the ideal feather value might vary depending on the image you're working with, so experiment until you find the perfect balance.

Now that you've refined the edges of your selection, it's time to remove the background and reveal your new masterpiece.

Step 4: Remove Background

With your background selected and edges refined, you're almost there. It's time to remove the background and let your subject shine. There are a couple of methods you can use in Photoshop to achieve this, so let's take a look at them.

Using the Eraser Tool

One option to remove the background is by using the Eraser tool. First, make sure your background is still selected.
Select the Eraser tool from the toolbar on the left side of the screen or press "E" on your keyboard.
Adjust the size and hardness of the eraser according to your needs. You can find these settings in the options bar at the top of the screen.
Now, simply click and drag your mouse over the selected background to erase it. Be careful not to erase parts of your subject by mistake.

Creating a Layer Mask

A more non-destructive method to remove the background is by using a layer mask. This allows you to hide the background without permanently deleting it, giving you more flexibility to make adjustments later.
With your background selected, click on the "Add Layer Mask" button at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will create a mask that hides the selected background.
If you need to make any adjustments to the mask, select the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel, and use the Brush tool (press "B") with black or white as your foreground color to add or remove areas of the mask.

With the background removed, you're almost ready to show off your work. But first, let's make sure we save it properly.

Step 5: Save Your Work

Now that you've successfully removed the background in Photoshop, it's important to save your work in the right formats. This will ensure that you can easily edit your project in the future and also share or use the final image in various applications.

Saving as a PSD File

First, you should save your work as a PSD (Photoshop Document) file. This format will preserve all your layers, masks, and adjustments, allowing you to come back and make changes later if needed.
To save as a PSD file, go to File > Save As, and choose "Photoshop (*.PSD;*.PDD)" from the Format dropdown menu.
Give your file a descriptive name, and choose a location to save it. Click "Save" to complete the process.

Exporting the Final Image

After saving your project as a PSD file, you might also want to export the final image for use in other applications or sharing online. Popular formats for this purpose include JPEG, PNG, and GIF, depending on your needs.
To export your image, go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy) or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S" (or "Cmd + Shift + Opt + S" on a Mac).
Choose the desired file format from the dropdown menu in the Save for Web dialog box. Adjust the quality settings as needed, and click "Save" to complete the export process.

Congratulations! You've mastered how to remove background in Photoshop in just five simple steps. With these techniques in your toolbox, you can now create professional-looking images for your projects, presentations, or social media posts. Keep practicing and experimenting with different images to become even more proficient at using Photoshop to its full potential.

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