How to Remove Background in Photoshop ?

Photoshop comes with various tools for removing the background from an image. If you want to use an image, a logo, or some graphics in your design, you can simply remove the background from an image in Photoshop cc 2020 and use it however you please.

In this tutorial, we will examine different ways to make the background of an image transparent in Photoshop. We will focus primarily on learning how to use the Pen Tool. This handy skill can help you become an expert designer. So, let’s get started on how to remove the background in Photoshop professionally!

Tools to Remove the Background from an Image in Photoshop

Photoshop has several built-in tools that are quick and simple to use. These include the Magic Eraser Tool, the Background Eraser Tool, the Magic Wand Tool, and the Quick Selection tool, among others.

Background and Magic Eraser Tools make background parts transparent as you click on them. However, they can sometimes make parts of the foreground image transparent as well. These tools are best suited to pictures with a plain background.

Similarly, you can use any of the selection tools. All you have to do is pick one of these tools and click on the background to select it. Then, hit Delete on the keyboard, and the selected portion will disappear.

Even though using built-in tools is quick and easy, they are not great for images with fine details. For instance, the Magic Eraser Tool can also remove parts of an image and make quite a mess.

Background Eraser tool / Magic Eraser tool

The best method for removing the background without damaging the image is to use the Pen Tool. It might take a little longer but can give you a great final product.

How do you remove the background in Photoshop with Pen Tool?

Expert Photoshop users worldwide prefer to use the Pen Tool to remove backgrounds from images. This is an excellent method for images with colorful backgrounds and details. If you want to learn how to remove background in Photoshop with the Pen Tool, then continue reading the post.

Step 1: Open Image File

If you want to use the Pen Tool on an image, you must first open the image file in Photoshop. Go to File-> Open ( Ctrl+O ) and browse the image. You can also read the tutorial here. Zoom the image 200-300% until you can see the edge clearly.

Step 2: Pick the Pen Tool

After opening the image file, you need to select the Pen Tool. It is available in the side toolbar, or you can press “P.” Select the top option in the Pen Tool menu, and you are ready to start drawing your path.

Step 3: Trace a Path

With the Pen Tool selected, add an anchor point on the boundary of the image. This will be your starting point. Keep adding anchor points around the boundary. You can zoom in to see all the details in the image. Draw a path all around the picture to select it.

Once you are done, join the path with the starting point to close it. Your path is now complete.

Step 4: Open Paths Panel

If you cannot see the Paths Panel on the right side of the window along with the Layers Panel, you can turn its visibility on from the top menu. Go to Windows->Paths. Click on it to see the Paths Panel with the path you drew. You can also right-click on it to rename it.

Step 5: Convert Path to Selection:

To remove the background from an image, you must select the background. You have already drawn the path around the image; you can convert this path into a selection.

Right-click on the path in the Paths Panel. This will open a menu. Find the option that says “Make Selection.” This will convert your path into a selection right away.

Step 6: Inverse Your Selection:

The image is now selected, but we must choose the background to remove it.

Go to Select ->Inverse to inverse your selection. With the background now selected, you can quickly delete it.

Step 7: Duplicate Background Layer:

If you open an image file, it will appear as the Background Layer. In Photoshop, you cannot change the locked Background Layer. You should duplicate the layer with the image to delete the background from an image.

Go to the Layers Panel. Right-click on the Background Layer and click on “Duplicate Layer.” Then, turn off the visibility ( eye icon ) of the original Background Layer.

Step 8: Hit Delete on Keyboard:

You can press Delete on the keyboard with the Duplicate Background Layer selected from the Layers Panel. This will instantly remove the background chosen from the image, leaving you with the part of the image you traced with the Pen Tool.

That’s all you need to do to make the background of an image transparent with the Pen Tool.

How do you Save an Image with a Transparent Background?

Now that you have successfully removed the background from an image, you can use it anywhere you want in Photoshop. However, you will need to save it first.

If you save the file as JPEG, a white background will be automatically added to the image, as this format does not support transparency.

The most suitable image file format for such images is PNG. When saving the image, select PNG from the options. Once you save it as PNG, you will no longer have to worry about the background of this image and use it in your posters, pamphlets, and other designs.

Final Verdict

Pen Tool might seem complicated for beginners and a little more time-consuming. But once you start using it, you can become pretty good at it. You need to have a good grip on the mouse and practice adding and removing anchor points along the path.

Despite being a bit difficult to use, the Pen Tool is still one of the most effective methods for removing the background from an image in Photoshop. If you want to keep all the details in the image, you should always use the Pen Tool.

Now that you know how to remove background in Photoshop, you can create wonderful designs like a pro designer. Remember to keep practicing.

If you don’t have sufficient time to create a clipping path, you can hire us. We have 50+ professional Photoshop experts who can complete your task very quickly and perfectly. Try our background remover services; we hope you will not be disappointed. Thanks for reading the post.

Clipping Path Explanation – What is clipping path and how does it work?