Photoshop 2021 : How to Remove Background (Fast Tutorial)

Introduction

Removing a background from an image in Photoshop can seem daunting, but with the right steps, it's a quick and efficient task. This tutorial will guide you through the process in Adobe Photoshop 2021.

Step 1: Unlock the Layer

Before you begin, ensure that the layer you want to edit is unlocked. To do this:

Go to the Layers panel.
Locate the layer you wish to remove the background from.
Click the lock toggle to unlock the layer.

Step 2: Access Properties and Remove Background

Once your layer is unlocked:

Navigate to the Properties window. If you don't see it, you can find it by going to the top menu and selecting Window > Properties.
Within the Properties window, locate the "Quick Actions" section.
Click on the Remove Background button.

At this point, Photoshop will attempt to remove the background automatically based on its algorithms. The result might be satisfactory, but it's not uncommon for some areas to be overlooked.

Step 3: Fine-tune Your Selection

If you notice that Photoshop missed some parts of the background, such as a white light near your subject, you can refine your selection:

Go to Select in the top menu and choose Select and Mask.
In the Select and Mask window, set Transparency to 100% to clearly see the areas that will remain and those that will be removed.
Select the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar.
Use the plus (+) option to bring back areas of your background if needed, or the minus (-) option to remove extra background that was missed.

After making your adjustments, hit OK to confirm your changes.

Conclusion

After following these steps, your image's background should be effectively removed, leaving you with the desired focus on your subject. This easy method in Photoshop allows you to handle background removal quickly and efficiently.

Thank you for reading, and happy editing!

Keywords

Photoshop
Remove Background
Layers
Properties Window
Select and Mask
Quick Selection Tool

FAQ

Q: How do I unlock a layer in Photoshop?
A: In the Layers panel, click the lock toggle next to the layer you want to unlock.

Q: What should I do if the automatic background removal missed some areas?
A: Use the "Select and Mask" feature to manually adjust the selection using the Quick Selection Tool.

Q: Can I reuse the removed background image?
A: Yes, if you keep a copy of the original image layer, you can always revert back or modify your changes.

Q: Is there a way to bring back parts of the background?
A: Yes, when using the Quick Selection Tool in the Select and Mask feature, select the plus (+) option to add back any areas you want to retain.