3 Easy Ways To Cut Out Images In Photoshop - Remove & Delete Backgrounds Fast

Brendan Williams
25 Dec 202011:42

TLDRIn this tutorial, Brendan from bewellcreative.com demonstrates three simple methods to cut out images and remove backgrounds in Photoshop. First, he introduces the 'Remove Background' button, which can automatically create a selection and layer mask to remove the background with a single click. Next, he explains how to refine selections, particularly hair, using the 'Object Selection Tool' and the 'Refine Edge Brush Tool'. Lastly, he covers the 'Quick Selection Tool', which allows users to paint on a selection that Photoshop will automatically refine. The tutorial also touches on the 'Select Subject' feature, which can automatically detect and select the subject of an image. Brendan emphasizes the ease and speed of these methods, making complex selections accessible to beginners.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 **One-Click Background Removal**: Photoshop's 2020 update and newer versions offer a one-click method to remove backgrounds, making the process much simpler.
  • 🖼️ **Remove Background Button**: There's a specific button in Photoshop for removing backgrounds which automatically adds a layer mask and cuts out the image.
  • 🔍 **Layer Mask Inspection**: Holding Alt/Option and clicking on the layer mask allows you to view and edit the selection to ensure it's perfect.
  • 🖌️ **Brush Tool for Refinement**: You can use the brush tool to paint over semi-transparent areas (grays in the layer mask view) to make them fully visible or transparent.
  • 🧑 **Object Selection Tool**: This tool can automatically select the edges of your subject within a rectangular marquee selection, making it easier to cut out images.
  • 💡 **Refine Hair Button**: Photoshop has a 'Refine Hair' feature that can automatically refine the edges of hair in a selection.
  • 🔧 **Refine Edge Brush Tool**: For manual refinement, the refine edge brush tool allows you to paint over areas that need more precision.
  • 📐 **Quick Selection Tool**: This classic tool lets you paint on a selection, and Photoshop will snap to the edges of the subject you want to cut out.
  • ➕/➖ **Adding and Subtracting from Selections**: Use the plus and minus options in the quick selection tool to add or subtract from your selection as needed.
  • ⚪ **Inverting Layer Masks**: If the mask appears inverted on the canvas, use Command/Ctrl + I to invert it and reveal the cutout.
  • 📱 **Select Subject Option**: Available with various selection tools, 'Select Subject' automatically detects and selects the subject's edges without manual painting.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the tutorial?

    -The main topic of the tutorial is how to easily cut out images and remove backgrounds in Photoshop using three simple methods.

  • Who is the presenter of the tutorial?

    -The presenter of the tutorial is Brendan from bewellcreative.com.

  • What is the first method Brendan introduces for removing backgrounds in Photoshop?

    -The first method Brendan introduces is using the 'Remove Background' button in the Properties panel.

  • What does the 'Select Subject' option do in the Properties panel?

    -The 'Select Subject' option creates an active selection around the subject but does not remove the background. It requires additional steps to add the selection to a layer mask or further manipulate the selection.

  • How can you view the layer mask to check the selection?

    -You can view the layer mask by holding the Alt or Option key and clicking on the layer mask, which switches to a layer mask view.

  • What tool can be used to fix areas of transparency in the layer mask?

    -The Brush Tool can be used to paint over areas of transparency in the layer mask to make them fully visible or to remove unwanted areas by painting with black.

  • What is the second tool Brendan discusses for cutting out images in Photoshop?

    -The second tool discussed is the Object Selection Tool, which can be found in the toolbar alongside the Quick Selection Tool.

  • How does the Object Selection Tool work?

    -The Object Selection Tool works by allowing you to draw a rectangular marquee selection that snaps to the edges of the subject within the marquee selection area.

  • What feature in the 'Select and Mask' workspace can help refine hair details?

    -The 'Refine Hair' button in the 'Select and Mask' workspace can help refine hair details and improve the selection around the hair.

  • What is the third tool Brendan mentions for cutting out images?

    -The third tool mentioned is the Quick Selection Tool, which allows you to paint on a selection and have Photoshop automatically snap to the edges of the subject.

  • How can you refine the selection with the Quick Selection Tool?

    -You can refine the selection by holding the Alt or Option key to subtract from the selection or by ensuring the plus option is checked to add to the selection. You can also use the 'Select Subject' feature to automatically snap to the edges without painting.

  • What is the final step to complete the cutout process with a layer mask?

    -The final step is to select the layer you want to cut out and click the layer mask icon. If the mask appears inverted, you can press Command or Ctrl+I to invert it, revealing the cutout.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to Cutting Out Images in Photoshop

Brendan from bewellcreative.com introduces the topic of the tutorial, which is about the easiest ways to cut out images and remove backgrounds in Photoshop. He shares his experience with the process in older versions of Photoshop and highlights the simplicity of the new one-click methods introduced in the 2020 version and newer. The video promises to cover three simple ways to achieve this task efficiently.

05:00

🔍 Using the Remove Background Feature

The first method demonstrated is using the 'Remove Background' button in Photoshop. After unlocking the image layer, the process involves going to the properties panel, selecting 'Remove Background' under quick actions, and letting Photoshop automatically create a selection, add it to a layer mask, and cut out the image. The video shows how to fix minor issues with transparency around the subject's shoulder by painting with a brush tool on the layer mask. It also explains how to view the layer mask to check the selection and how to adjust visibility and transparency using white and black colors on the mask.

10:02

🖼️ Object Selection Tool for Cutting Out Images

The second method involves using the 'Object Selection Tool'. The tool is found in the toolbar and is used to make a rectangular selection that snaps to the edges of the subject. After making the selection, the video guides on how to use 'Select and Mask' for further refinement, particularly for complex areas like hair. The 'Refine Hair' button is introduced as a quick way to improve the hair selection. If the automatic selection misses areas, the 'Refine Edge Brush Tool' is used to manually paint over areas that need refinement. Finally, decontaminate colors is checked to clean up the selection, and the output is set to a new layer with a layer mask for non-destructive editing.

✅ Quick Selection Tool and Select Subject Option

The third and final method is using the 'Quick Selection Tool', which allows for painting on a selection that automatically snaps to the edges of the subject. The video shows how to refine the selection by holding the Alt/Option key to subtract from the selection or painting over areas to add back into the selection. Once a good selection is made, a layer mask is applied. The video also mentions the 'Select Subject' option available with the Quick Selection Tool and the Object Selection Tool, which automatically detects and selects the subject for easier masking. The tutorial concludes with a reminder to like the video and subscribe for more Photoshop tutorials.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Photoshop

Photoshop is a widely used image editing software developed by Adobe Inc. It is known for its powerful tools that allow users to manipulate digital images, including cutting out images and removing backgrounds. In the video, Brendan uses Photoshop to demonstrate various techniques for removing image backgrounds, which is central to the video's theme.

💡Remove Background

The term 'remove background' refers to the process of eliminating the backdrop of an image, leaving only the subject or object of interest. In the context of the video, Brendan shows viewers how to use different tools in Photoshop to remove the background from an image quickly and efficiently, which is a key part of the video's content.

💡Layer Mask

A layer mask in Photoshop is a tool that allows for non-destructive editing by hiding or revealing parts of a layer. It is used to refine selections and control the visibility of different parts of an image. In the video, Brendan explains how to apply a layer mask after making a selection to cut out an image, which is a crucial step in the process.

💡Select Subject

The 'Select Subject' feature in Photoshop is an automated tool that quickly identifies and selects the main subject of an image. It is used to create a selection around the subject without manually tracing the edges. Brendan uses this feature to demonstrate a one-click method of selecting the subject and removing the background, which simplifies the process for beginners.

💡Object Selection Tool

The Object Selection Tool in Photoshop is used to make selections of objects within an image by recognizing edges and boundaries. It simplifies the selection process, especially for complex images. In the video, Brendan uses this tool to select and cut out a subject from a background, showcasing its utility in the image editing process.

💡Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool in Photoshop is an interactive tool that allows users to paint over an area they want to select, with the tool automatically detecting and following edges. It is useful for making quick and easy selections. Brendan demonstrates the use of this tool to select and remove the background of an image, which is one of the methods discussed in the video.

💡Refine Edge Brush Tool

The Refine Edge Brush Tool is a feature within the Select and Mask workspace in Photoshop that allows for manual refinement of selections, particularly useful for complex areas like hair. Brendan uses this tool to improve the selection around the subject's hair, which is a detail-oriented step in the image editing process.

💡null

💡Layer Mask View

Layer Mask View is a mode in Photoshop that allows users to view and edit the layer mask of an image separately, which is useful for fine-tuning selections. Brendan instructs viewers to use the Layer Mask View to check the selection's accuracy and make necessary adjustments, which is an important aspect of ensuring a clean cutout.

💡Decontaminate Colors

The 'Decontaminate Colors' option in Photoshop helps to remove color fringes or unwanted colors from the edges of a selection, which can occur when cutting out images. Brendan uses this feature to clean up the edges of the selection, ensuring a more professional and polished final image.

💡Non-Destructive Editing

Non-destructive editing refers to making changes to an image without altering the original pixels, allowing for flexibility and the ability to revert changes. In the video, Brendan emphasizes the importance of using layer masks and other non-destructive techniques when cutting out images in Photoshop, which helps maintain the original image data.

💡Overlay Mode

In Photoshop, 'Overlay Mode' is a blending mode that affects the visibility of layers based on their color values, with lighter colors being more visible on top of darker ones. Brendan uses Overlay Mode with the brush tool to clean up the selection without affecting the hair, demonstrating a nuanced use of blending modes in image editing.

Highlights

Photoshop has made it easier than ever to cut out images and remove backgrounds with its 2020 update.

One-click methods are available to remove a background in Photoshop, simplifying the process.

Brendan from bewellcreative.com introduces three simple ways to cut out images in Photoshop.

The 'Remove Background' button in the Properties panel offers a quick selection and mask application.

The 'Select Subject' option creates an active selection around the subject without removing the background.

Photoshop's automatic selection can be refined by painting over gray areas in the layer mask view.

The Object Selection Tool can snap to the edges of a subject within a general marquee selection.

Refine Hair feature in the Select and Mask workspace can automatically cut out hair strands.

The Refine Edge Brush Tool can be used to manually fix areas missed by the automatic refine feature.

Decontaminate Colors option helps remove fringing or artifacts around the selection.

Quick Selection Tool allows for painting on a selection that automatically snaps to the edges of the subject.

Alt/Option key can be used to subtract from or add to the selection while using the Quick Selection Tool.

Select Subject option in the Object and Quick Selection Tools automatically selects the subject without manual painting.

Layer masks can be inverted using Command or Ctrl+I for a different selection outcome.

The Overlay mode with the Brush Tool can be used to clean up semi-transparent areas in the selection.

Brendan demonstrates how to make a perfectly cut out image without using complicated tools.

These methods are suitable for both beginners and experienced users looking to streamline their Photoshop workflow.

The tutorial provides a practical guide to efficiently remove backgrounds and cut out images in Photoshop.