Photoshop: How To Cut Out an Image - Remove & Delete a Background

VerticDesigns
11 Mar 201810:38

TLDRIn this tutorial by VerticDesigns, viewers are introduced to an efficient method for background removal in Photoshop, which is quicker and nearly as accurate as the pen tool. The process begins with importing and unlocking the image layer, followed by zooming in for precision. The Magnetic Lasso Tool is highlighted for its ability to automatically detect outlines, requiring only user guidance around the object. Customization options for the tool, such as adding to selections, subtracting from them, and creating custom shapes, are explained. The importance of settings like Width, Contrast, and Frequency for tool accuracy is emphasized. The Polygonal Lasso Tool is then used for fine-tuning selections, and a mask is applied to remove the background. Tips for fixing hair details and edge smoothness using the brush tool and Select and Mask options are provided. The video concludes with instructions on converting the layer into a Smart Object for a clean standalone image and adjusting the final image edges for a polished look. VerticDesigns encourages feedback and further learning through their Photoshop tutorial playlist.

Takeaways

  • 📌 Import your image by dragging it into the work area or using File > Open.
  • 🔓 Unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon to make it editable.
  • 🔍 Use Alt + scroll or the zoom tool to zoom into the image for precise selection.
  • ✂️ Utilize the Magnetic Lasso Tool (press L or right-click on the tool bar) for automatic outline detection.
  • 🔄 Understand the selection options: new selection, add to selection, subtract from selection, and intersect selection.
  • 🎨 Feathering softens the edges of the selection; set to 0 for sharp edges.
  • ⚙️ Adjust the Width, Contrast, and Frequency settings of the Magnetic Lasso Tool for better selection accuracy.
  • 📐 Start selection from a corner or the bottom for easier navigation around the object.
  • 🖌 Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool for refining and fixing parts of the selection.
  • 🖥️ Create a layer mask to remove the background, which can be toggled on and off.
  • 💡 For fine-tuning, use the brush tool with Feathering to clean up details like hair.
  • ✨ Convert the layer into a Smart Object to isolate the image without a background.
  • 🔧 Use Select and Mask for final edge smoothing, feathering, and contrast adjustments.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is a tutorial on how to remove the background from an image using Photoshop.

  • What is the alternative method to the pen tool for background removal mentioned in the video?

    -The alternative method mentioned in the video is the Magnetic Lasso Tool, which is said to be quicker and almost as accurate as the pen tool.

  • How do you unlock a background layer in Photoshop?

    -To unlock a background layer in Photoshop, you need to left click on the lock icon next to the word 'background' in the Layers panel.

  • What is the keyboard shortcut for the tool used in the tutorial?

    -The keyboard shortcut for the Magnetic Lasso Tool is 'L'.

  • How does the Magnetic Lasso Tool work?

    -The Magnetic Lasso Tool works by automatically detecting the outline of an object and plotting dots along it, with the user guiding it around the object to be selected.

  • What are the four selection options available with the Magnetic Lasso Tool?

    -The four selection options are: 1) Creating a new selection, 2) Adding to the current selection, 3) Subtracting from the current selection, and 4) Creating a custom shape within the current selection.

  • What is Feathering in the context of Photoshop?

    -Feathering in Photoshop adds a soft edge effect around a selection, which can be adjusted to create a more subtle transition between the selection and the background.

  • How can you adjust the accuracy of the Magnetic Lasso Tool?

    -You can adjust the accuracy of the Magnetic Lasso Tool by modifying the Width, Contrast, and Frequency settings, which control how many points are plotted, how well the tool can determine the line to be selected, and how many points are plotted in total, respectively.

  • What tool is used to fix smaller, more detailed areas of the selection?

    -The Polygonal Lasso Tool is used to fix smaller, more detailed areas of the selection, allowing for precise editing of the selection.

  • How can you create a mask from the selection in Photoshop?

    -After creating the selection, you can create a mask by clicking on the 'Add layer mask' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

  • What can be done to further refine the edges of the selection?

    -To refine the edges, you can use the 'Select and Mask' tool, which provides options to adjust Smooth, Feather, and Contrast, helping to create a cleaner and smoother selection.

  • How can you convert the image layer into a Smart Object?

    -To convert the image layer into a Smart Object, right-click on the layer and choose the 'Convert to Smart Object' option.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to Background Removal with Magnetic Lasso Tool

VerticDesigns introduces a new background removal tutorial, focusing on a quicker and easier method compared to the pen tool. The process begins with importing an image and unlocking the background layer. The viewer is guided on how to zoom in for precision and select the magnetic lasso tool. This tool automatically detects outlines, simplifying the selection process. The video explains the importance of selection options, feathering for soft edges, and the tool's settings such as Width, Contrast, and Frequency for accuracy. It concludes with starting the selection from a corner and manually adding points for precision, noting that the computer assists in plotting points between selections.

05:06

🔍 Editing and Perfecting the Selection with Polygonal Lasso Tool

After creating the initial selection with the magnetic lasso tool, the tutorial moves on to refining the selection using the polygonal lasso tool, which allows for adding or subtracting from the selection. The process involves switching between addition and subtraction modes, navigating around unwanted areas, and connecting the final point to complete the selection. The video also covers creating a mask to hide the background and inverting the selection if needed. For fine-tuning, the brush tool is used to address areas like hair, with feathering adjusted for a natural look. The final steps include converting the layer into a Smart Object for a standalone image and using Select and Mask for smoothing and refining the edges of the selection.

10:13

👋 Conclusion and Closing

VerticDesigns concludes the tutorial with a brief recap and an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts and appreciation through comments and likes. The presenter also encourages further learning by directing viewers to a Photoshop tutorial playlist in the video description. The video ends with a sign-off and outro music, marking the end of the session.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Background Removal

Background removal refers to the process of isolating the subject of an image by deleting the surrounding area or 'background'. This technique is essential in graphic design and photo editing for emphasizing the subject, creating composite images, or simply cleaning up the visuals. In the script, the video tutorial describes various tools like the pen tool and the magnetic lasso tool, which are used to achieve precise background removal.

💡Magnetic Lasso Tool

The Magnetic Lasso Tool is a selection tool in Photoshop designed to make the selection of objects against contrasting backgrounds easier by automatically clinging to edges as the user traces around them. In the tutorial, this tool is highlighted as a quicker alternative to the pen tool, with adjustments available to enhance its accuracy, thereby simplifying the background removal process.

💡Feathering

Feathering in Photoshop is used to soften the edges of an image selection. By applying a feather effect, the edges of the selection blend into the background more smoothly, which can be crucial when creating realistic composites or soft transitions in editing. The video explains that setting feathering to zero is preferred for sharp, clean edges around selections.

💡Selection Options

Selection options in Photoshop allow users to modify their selection method based on the task at hand. The script details three modes: creating new selections, adding to existing selections, and subtracting from selections. These modes are essential for refining the selection area to ensure accuracy in the edit, such as when removing or adjusting backgrounds.

💡Polygonal Lasso Tool

The Polygonal Lasso Tool is another selection tool in Photoshop, which allows for the creation of selections using straight lines, unlike the freeform edges of the regular Lasso Tool. This tool is particularly useful for selecting geometric subjects or areas with clear, straight boundaries. The script mentions using this tool to refine areas of a selection after using the Magnetic Lasso Tool.

💡Mask

A mask in Photoshop is a non-destructive editing feature that allows users to hide and reveal parts of a layer. This enables selective editing and adjustments without permanently altering the original image. In the video, creating a mask is the final step after selecting the subject, effectively hiding the background and revealing only the selected object.

💡Smart Object

Smart Objects in Photoshop are layers that preserve an image's source content with all its original characteristics, allowing non-destructive editing. The script explains how converting a layer to a Smart Object after background removal helps maintain the quality and editability of the image.

💡Select and Mask

The 'Select and Mask' workspace in Photoshop offers advanced tools for refining selections and masks, making it easier to adjust the edge properties like smoothness, feathering, and contrast. This is crucial for fine-tuning the selection around tricky areas such as hair or fuzzy edges, as detailed in the script.

💡Contrast

Contrast in the context of the Magnetic Lasso Tool refers to the tool's ability to discern between edges based on the color and brightness differences of pixels. Adjusting the contrast setting helps the tool better detect edges in more complex images. This setting is crucial for achieving precise selections, as discussed in the video.

💡Layer

In Photoshop, layers are the individual sheets of imagery that are stacked to create a final image. Each layer can be edited independently, allowing for complex compositions and edits. The video tutorial instructs viewers on unlocking the background layer to enable editing, which is a common first step in many Photoshop projects.

Highlights

VerticDesigns introduces a quick and easy method for background removal in Photoshop, nearly as accurate as using the pen tool.

Import your image into Photoshop by dragging it into the workspace or using the File > Open command.

Unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon to convert it into a regular layer.

Use Alt + scroll wheel or the zoom tool to zoom into the image for precise selection.

The Magnetic Lasso tool, accessible by pressing 'L' or right-clicking, automatically detects outlines for object selection.

Adjusting the Magnetic Lasso tool's settings can increase accuracy for difficult-to-select images.

Learn about the three selection options: adding to selection, subtracting from selection, and creating custom shapes.

Feathering adds a soft edge to selections; set to 0 for sharp edges.

Options like Width, Contrast, and Frequency determine the Magnetic Lasso tool's performance in selection.

Starting at a corner or the bottom makes it easier to work around the image.

Manually add points to the selection for increased accuracy, especially in corners.

After creating a selection, use the Polygonal Lasso tool to edit and fix any imperfections.

Use a mask to remove the background, which can be toggled on and off to review the selection.

Invert the selection with CTRL + I if the background is mistakenly selected instead of the subject.

Fix hair and other intricate details using the Brush tool with Feathering set to improve the selection.

Convert the layer into a Smart Object for a standalone image without a background.

Use Select and Mask with options like Smooth, Feather, and Contrast to refine the edges of the selection.

Preview the selection on different backgrounds to ensure clean edges before finalizing.

Save the project and add a new background if desired for further use.

VerticDesigns encourages viewers to leave comments and give a thumbs up if the tutorial was helpful.

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