How to Delete Background in Photoshop

Introduction

Adobe Photoshop is a powerful tool for image editing, and one of its most commonly used features is removing backgrounds from photos. Whether you’re looking to create product images for an e-commerce site, design marketing materials, or simply enhance your photography, understanding how to delete backgrounds in Photoshop is a valuable skill. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps that help you how to remove background from image by using Photoshop.

Step 1: Open Your Image in Photoshop

1. Launch Adobe Photoshop on your computer.
2. Click on “File” in the top menu and select “Open” to browse and select the image you want to work on.

Step 2: Select the Background Eraser Tool

1. In the Photoshop toolbox, locate the Eraser Tool (it looks like an eraser icon).
2. Click and hold the Eraser Tool icon to reveal additional eraser options.
3. Select the “Background Eraser Tool” from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Configure the Tool Settings

1. In the top toolbar, you’ll see a set of options for the Background Eraser Tool. Adjust these settings according to your image and preferences:
   • Brush Size: Choose an appropriate brush size. A larger brush is suitable for removing large areas, while a smaller brush is more precise.
   • Hardness: Select a hardness level that suits your image. A harder brush has a well-defined edge, while a softer brush has a smoother transition.
   • Sampling: Set the sampling to “Continuous” for most cases. This allows the tool to continuously sample colors while you erase.
   • Limits: Choose “Discontiguous” if you want to erase all similar colors, even if they are not connected.

Step 4: Start Deleting the Background

1. Click and drag the Background Eraser Tool over the areas of the background you want to remove.
2. The tool will erase the selected background while preserving the subject of your image.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Edges

1. After you’ve removed most of the background, you may need to fine-tune the edges around the subject.
2. Select the standard Eraser Tool (not the Background Eraser Tool) from the toolbox.
3. Adjust the brush size and hardness as needed.
4. Carefully erase any remaining background close to the subject, ensuring a clean and smooth transition.

Step 6: Check Your Work

1. To better evaluate your progress, you can place a new background layer below your edited image. This will help you see any imperfections or leftover background.
2. Create a new layer by clicking on the “New Layer” icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
3. Drag this new layer below your edited image layer.
4. Fill the new layer with a solid color or add a new background image.

Step 7: Save Your Image

1. Once you’re satisfied with the result, save your edited image by clicking on “File” and then “Save As.”
2. Choose your preferred image format (e.g., JPEG or PNG), give your file a name, and select a location to save it.

Conclusion

Deleting backgrounds in Photoshop is a valuable skill for various creative projects. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can effectively remove backgrounds from images, allowing you to create visually striking compositions, product photos, or marketing materials with ease. Practice and experimentation will further refine your skills in background removal.