Clever Trick to Cut Out an Image in Photoshop

Introduction

Removing the background from an image can often lead to undesirable results, such as fringing or loss of detail around the edges. This article will guide you through a professional technique to achieve a clean cut-out of images in Photoshop. With this method, you can replace the sky seamlessly, enhancing the overall look of your composition.

Step-by-Step Guide to Image Cutting

Select the Quick Selection Tool: Start by selecting the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar. You will find the "Select Subject" button at the top—click on it. After a brief moment, Photoshop will generate a selection of your subject.
View the Selection: Press Q on your keyboard to better visualize your selection. However, it is essential to refine this selection further.
Refining the Selection:
- Click on “Select and Mask.”
- Under the “View” dropdown, select “Overlay” for ease of viewing.
- Use the Refine Edge Brush to brush over the edges of the leaves where the sky is still visible. Avoid areas where the sky isn't present to simplify the process and improve your mask quality.
Improving the Masking: After refining, switch your view to “Black and White.” If you spot any areas that need inclusion, use a soft brush to fill in with white to improve your selection.
Decontaminate Colors (Not Always Recommended): Although some beginners might check the option for "Decontaminate Colors," it can often lead to undesirable artifacts. Instead, uncheck this option, and then apply a feather setting of 1 and contrast of 10.
Apply a Layer Mask: Convert your selection into a layer mask by applying it.
Create a Check Layer: Duplicate the layer and rename the duplicate to “beginner”. Add a solid color adjustment layer beneath it, fill it with 50% gray to use as a check for edge artifacts.
Adjusting Color Artifacts: To fix color fringing around the leaves, add a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer clipped to the layer below. Use the targeting tool to select the cyan color causing the fringe, then adjust the hue and saturation sliders until it matches the leaves’ color.
Refining Edge Details: Next, hold Ctrl and click on the layer mask to reload the selection. This will slightly contract the selection. Create a new solid color adjustment layer (set to black) and apply a layer mask by inverting it (Ctrl + I). This step will enhance the edges of your cut-out.
Final Adjustments and Sky Replacement: Group your refined layers into a folder renamed "pro". Now you can see the huge difference in detail and realism. Test out various skies by easily changing the solid color adjustment layer to match the new background.
Conclusion: The above techniques provide a professional approach to cut out an image in Photoshop while offering control over the final look. With practice, your selection skills will improve, allowing for realistic and aesthetically pleasing results.

Keyword

Background removal
Photoshop
Selection
Refine Edge Brush
Layer Mask
Decontaminate Colors
Hue/Saturation
Cut Out
Image Editing

FAQ

Q1: What tools are used for background removal in Photoshop?
A1: The Quick Selection Tool and Refine Edge Brush are commonly used for selecting and refining edges in background removal.

Q2: Why should I avoid using the “Decontaminate Colors” option?
A2: This option can often introduce artifacts and undesirable colors in the selection, leading to an unnatural look.

Q3: How can I enhance the edges of a cut-out?
A3: You can enhance edges by refining the selection with additional solid color adjustment layers and masks to bring back detail.

Q4: Is it possible to change the color of the edges after the cut-out?
A4: Yes, by using solid color adjustment layers, you can easily modify the color of the edges to match the new background.

Q5: Where can I learn more about editing in Photoshop?
A5: There are various tutorials available that cover basic to advanced techniques for image editing in Photoshop, including background blurring and more intricate cut-out techniques.