How to Remove Background in Photoshop

If you’ve ever needed to remove the background from an image, Photoshop makes it pretty simple, even in CS6 and above versions. To get started, you’ll need Adobe Photoshop, and if you don’t have it yet, consider grabbing an Adobe Photoshop subscription to unlock its powerful features.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to quickly remove backgrounds using the Quick Selection Tool or Magic Wand Tool. These tools work best when paired with a precision device like the Wacom Intuos Pen Tablet, which allows for greater control over your selections, especially in tricky areas.

You don’t need to be a Photoshop expert to do this! Whether you’re cleaning up a product photo or creating a new design, having the right setup makes a big difference. If you’re working on a laptop or standard monitor, upgrading to a color-accurate display like the BenQ PD2700Q Monitor ensures your edits are precise and look professional.

For photographers who need top-notch image quality before editing, a great camera like the Sony Alpha ILCE-6400 can provide the high-resolution photos that Photoshop’s background removal tools handle beautifully.

Once you’ve removed the background, don’t forget to save your work on a reliable storage device. An external hard drive like the WD My Passport 4TB is perfect for storing your edited files safely.

I’ll show you how to make your image stand out by getting rid of the background, leaving you with a clean, transparent canvas. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Step 1: Open Your Image

1. Open Photoshop CS6 and load the image from which you want to remove the background.
2. Go to File > Open, then select your image file, and click Open.

Step 2: Unlock the Background Layer

1. In the Layers panel (usually on the right side of your screen), you’ll see your image as the “Background” layer.
2. To make changes, double-click on the Background layer. A dialog box will appear.
3. Rename the layer if you wish, then click OK. This converts the background into a regular, editable layer.

Step 3: Select the Background

Option 1: Use the Quick Selection Tool (recommended for most images)

1. In the Tools panel on the left, select the Quick Selection Tool (shortcut: W).
2. Click and drag over the background area to select it. Adjust the brush size at the top toolbar if needed to fine-tune the selection.
3. Continue to click and drag until the entire background is selected. If the tool selects parts of the subject, press Alt (Option on Mac) while dragging to deselect those areas.

Option 2: Use the Magic Wand Tool (best for solid-color backgrounds)

1. Select the Magic Wand Tool from the Tools panel.
2. Click on the background area. The Magic Wand will select areas of similar color.
3. If the selection isn’t perfect, you can adjust the Tolerance level in the top toolbar. A lower tolerance selects fewer colors, and a higher tolerance selects a wider range.
4. Press Shift while clicking to add more areas to your selection or Alt (Option on Mac) to remove areas from the selection.

Step 4: Refine Your Selection (Optional)

1. Once you have your initial selection, go to Select > Refine Edge (or Refine Mask).
2. In the Refine Edge dialog, adjust settings such as Smooth, Feather, and Shift Edge to refine the edges of the selection.
3. Check Smart Radius to help Photoshop detect edges more accurately, especially useful for hair or fur.
4. Preview your selection as you adjust these settings, then click OK.

Step 5: Delete the Background

1. Once your background is selected, simply press Delete on your keyboard.
2. The selected background area will be removed, revealing a transparent background (checkerboard pattern).
3. Deselect by pressing Ctrl + D (Command + D on Mac).
4. Or In refine edge select new Layer.

Step 6: Save Your Image with a Transparent Background

1. To save your image with transparency, go to File > Save As.
2. Choose PNG from the format options. PNG format supports transparent backgrounds, while JPEG does not.
3. Name your file, choose your desired location, and click Save.

Optional: Save Your Work in PSD Format

If you want to keep editing layers or refine the edges further later on, save the file in Photoshop’s PSD format by selecting File > Save As and choosing Photoshop (*.PSD).

And that’s it! You’ve removed the background from your image in Photoshop CS6. Let me know if you have any questions!

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Recommended Tools

Here’s a curated list of tools and accessories to enhance your Photoshop experience. These are perfect for beginners and professionals alike:

1. Software

• Adobe Photoshop Subscription
  Unlock all the features of Photoshop with the latest updates and tools.

2. Precision Tools for Editing

• Wacom Intuos Pen Tablet
  Achieve precise control while editing, making background removal easier.
• Logitech MX Master 3 Mouse
  A high-performance mouse designed for smooth and accurate editing tasks.

3. Monitors for Better Color Accuracy

• BenQ PD2700Q Monitor
  Designed for creators with true-to-life color calibration.
• Dell Ultrasharp U2723QE Monitor
  Perfect for photo editing with exceptional display clarity.

4. Photography Tools for Better Source Images

• Sony Alpha ILCE-6400 Mirrorless Camera
  Capture high-resolution images that are perfect for editing.
• HIFFIN 32″/80CM Photo Studio Light
  Great for product photography, ensuring your images look professional.

5. External Storage for Your Projects

• WD My Passport 4TB External Hard Drive
  Secure your files with ample storage space.
• Seagate Backup Plus Slim
  A compact and reliable option for storing high-resolution images.

6. Learning Resources

• Photoshop Classroom in a Book
  Master Photoshop with this comprehensive guide for beginners.
• Topaz Mask AI Plugin
  Enhance your background removal with this powerful Photoshop plugin.

Upgrade Your Setup Today!

Investing in the right tools can take your photo editing skills to the next level. Check out these products and elevate your Photoshop game!