In today’s tutorial, you’ll learn how to remove the background from an image using the Background Eraser Tool.
Creating a transparent cutout is one of the most useful tools in Photoshop. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t have to be a complicated skill to master. You can quickly and easily remove your background in Photoshop, whether you’re changing a scene on a portrait or placing your subject onto a sun-drenched beach vacation.
Today, learn how to remove a background using the Background Eraser Tool. If you’re new to Photoshop, stick with an image with a less complex background and one that contrasts well between the subject.
To begin, get your image ready and let’s head into Photoshop.
Set up Your Layers
To get started, we’ll be setting up our image file to get it ready to delete the background. These first steps are important to follow as the layer order will allow you to easily see what you’re deleting in your image as you go along.
Create a Copy of Your Image
The first step is duplicating your background layer. Start by selecting it in your Layers Panel and pressing Command + J on your keyboard. If you ever need the original image, you’ll have this underneath all of your layers so you can go back to it, as needed.
Set up a Fill Color Layer
Next, we’ll add a new layer by clicking the second to last icon at the bottom of our Layers Panel. From there, sandwich that new layer between your background layer and the copy of the background you just created. Your new layer should now be second in your panel.
To add a fill color, go to Layer > New Fill Layer > Solid Color. Click Ok in the pop-up window. Choose your color by either entering the color code or using the Color Picker. Then, press Ok and your layers are all set.
This step is important, not only if you want to replace your background with a solid color, but also to have a color come through when you’re deleting your background. This will make it easier for you to judge whether or not you’re deleting the right parts of your image.
Background Eraser Tool
Now, let’s select our Background Eraser Tool, which is in our Toolbar underneath our Eraser Tool. This tool will erase the pixels to a transparency, allowing you to add whatever you want behind it.
Once you have your Background Eraser Tool selected, you’ll see the various settings on the top of your Photoshop workspace. Feel free to explore each of these as every image will have its own unique needs. For this example, I’m setting this to Sampling: Once and Limits to Contiguous, as this will work best for my image.
The Tolerance will adjust as you go. If you have an area that has a less contrasting background to your subject, you’ll want to turn the Tolerance up. Or, you’ll turn it down if you have a high contrast.
Start by working your way through your image and adjusting the different settings as you go. You’ll constantly need to adjust your Tolerance. If you have set your settings to Sample: Once, every time you click-and-drag, you’re sampling that one spot you first clicked. Every time you pick up your brush, you’re sampling a new area.
Take your time with this tool as you go around the edges of your subject. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but be sure to include the main area you want deleted. You only need to go around your subject, not to the edges of your entire image just yet.
Create a Layer Mask
Creating a Layer Mask is important because if you’re simply deleting pixels on your file, you’re editing in a destructive manner. This means that if you made a mistake, you can’t go back and get what you deleted. By creating a Layer Mask, you can non-destructively edit instead.
Create this Layer Mask by duplicating the background layer (once again) by selecting that layer in your Layers Panel and pressing Command + J on your keyboard. Next, bring that layer underneath the first layer so it becomes the second layer in your panel.
Select the first layer that you’ve made the cutout and, while hovering over the layer thumbnail, press Command. Then click on that thumbnail. This will create a marquee around your cutout. From here, go back and select your second layer (the copy of your background), then click the third icon on the bottom of your Layers Panel to create a Vector Mask.
Now that you have your Layer Mask created, you can go ahead and delete the first layer we’ve been working on. Our Layer Mask is ready to go.
Delete the Background Edges
Once we have our Layer Mask done, we’ll need to delete the remaining background of the image. Since we already put all of the effort into the edges around the model, this step will be quick and easy.
Before you start, be sure you’re working on your Layer Mask and not your layer thumbnail. You can select your Layer Mask by going to your Layers Panel and making sure your second thumbnail—which is black and white—is selected. When selected, it’ll have an outline around the thumbnail’s corners.
Now, use your Paintbrush Tool, set it to black, and start painting out the remaining edges. You can increase or decrease the size of your brush by using the brackets “[]” on your keyboard. Once you have all of the background deleted, it’s time for the finishing touches.
Refine Your Edges
To refine the edges of your cutout, use the Paintbrush Tool and set it to black. Be sure you’re still working on the Layer Mask and not the layer thumbnail.
Once you have your Paintbrush selected, set the Mode to Overlay in the upper-left corner of your workspace. You can also change the Opacity of your Paintbrush. I set mine to 70%. Feel free to lower the Hardness on your brush so you also have smooth edges with your brush.
Use a black brush to take away from your Layer Mask and a white brush to add to your Layer Mask. When going over your edges, you’ll want to switch between both colors to find the perfect balance. The more time and effort you put into the detail here, the more realistic and professional your cutout will look.
Set up a New Background
The possibilities are endless with your new cutout as you can keep this a solid color, or add whatever texture or image behind your transparent cutout. Follow the steps below for each.
Change the Fill Color
Change the color of your fill layer by double-clicking the color box in your Layers Panel. This will get you to the Color Picker where you can either enter your color code or use the Color Picker to choose a new swatch.
Import a New Background Image
To import your new background image, head to File > Place Embedded and select the image file. Once your image is set in place, drag the new image layer just underneath your transparent cutout layer, and you’re all set.
There are numerous ways to delete a background in Photoshop. Feel free to take what you learned today and alter this to fit your exact image. Every image will be different, so take your time and see what works for you.
New to Photoshop and feeling intimidated? Create’s simple one-click tool easily removes photo backgrounds for striking banners, product images, and more.
License this cover image via Rawpixel.com.
