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

In this tutorial, Brendan from bewellcreative.com shares three straightforward methods for cutting out images and removing backgrounds in Photoshop. The first method involves using the 'Remove Background' button, which automatically creates a selection and layer mask. The second technique uses the 'Object Selection Tool' with the 'Rectangular' mode and 'Object Subtract' option to select subjects and refine edges, particularly hair, using the 'Refine Hair' and 'Refine Edge Brush Tool'. Lastly, the 'Quick Selection Tool' is demonstrated for painting a selection that snaps to edges, which can be refined by toggling the 'Alt/Option' key for adding or subtracting from the selection. The video also mentions the 'Select Subject' feature as an alternative to manual selection. These tools make the process of cutting out images in Photoshop remarkably simple and efficient.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Use the 'Remove Background' button in Photoshop for a one-click background removal.
• 🖌️ Select 'Subject' to create an active selection around the subject without removing the background.
• 🔍 Hold Alt/Option and click on the layer mask to view the selection and make adjustments.
• 🖌️ Use the Brush Tool to paint over gray areas in the layer mask to make them fully visible or transparent.
• 🔧 The Object Selection Tool can automatically snap to the edges of the subject within a marquee selection.
• 🧹 Refine hair details in the selection with the 'Refine Hair' button in the Select and Mask workspace.
• 🖍️ Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to manually fix areas that the automatic refine missed.
• 🌈 Decontaminate colors to remove any fringing or artifacts around the selection.
• ✅ Output the selection to a new layer with a layer mask for non-destructive editing.
• 🏙️ Quick Selection Tool allows painting on a selection that snaps to the edges of the subject.
• ➕/➖ Use the plus and minus options to include or exclude areas of the selection.
• 🔄 Select Subject is an automatic option available in various tools that detects and selects the subject's edges.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the tutorial?

The main topic of the tutorial is to show three easy ways to cut out images and remove backgrounds in Photoshop.

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 the background in Photoshop?

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

What is the difference between 'Remove Background' and 'Select Subject' in the properties panel?

'Remove Background' makes the selection, adds it onto a layer mask, and cuts out the image, while 'Select Subject' creates an active selection around the subject but does not remove the background.

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.

What tool does Brendan use to fix the transparency issue around the shoulder in the image?

Brendan uses the brush tool to paint over the gray areas and fix the transparency issue.

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

The second tool Brendan discusses is the Object Selection Tool.

How does the Object Selection Tool work?

The Object Selection Tool works by allowing you to draw a selection marquee, which then snaps to the edges of the subject within that marquee.

What feature in the Select and Mask workspace helps refine hair in a selection?

The 'Refine Hair' button in the Select and Mask workspace helps refine hair in a selection.

What is the third tool Brendan covers for cutting out images in Photoshop?

The third tool Brendan covers is the Quick Selection Tool.

How can you refine the selection made by the Quick Selection Tool?

You can refine the selection by holding the Alt or Option key to subtract from the selection or by painting over areas with the plus option to add to the selection.

What is the 'Select Subject' option available in all three tools for?

The 'Select Subject' option automatically snaps to the edges of the subject without having to manually paint or make selections.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Background Removal in Photoshop

This paragraph introduces the viewer to an easy method of cutting out images and removing backgrounds in Photoshop. Brendan, from bewellcreative.com, welcomes the audience and encourages them to subscribe for more photography and photo editing content. He reminisces about the initial challenges he faced with Photoshop's tools but highlights the simplicity of the 2020 version's one-click background removal feature. The tutorial promises to share three simple ways to cut out backgrounds in Photoshop, starting with the 'Remove Background' button, which automates the selection and masking process. Brendan demonstrates how to use the button, discusses potential issues like feathered edges, and shows how to fix them using the brush tool on the layer mask.

05:00

📐 Using the Object Selection Tool for Image Cutout

The second paragraph delves into using the Object Selection Tool for cutting out images in Photoshop. Brendan explains how to find and use the tool, emphasizing its ability to snap to the edges of the subject within a marquee selection. He demonstrates creating a selection, moving it while holding the space bar for adjustments, and refining the selection using the 'Select and Mask' workspace. The paragraph also covers the use of the 'Refine Hair' button for complex areas like hair, and the 'Refine Edge Brush Tool' for manual touch-ups. Brendan discusses decontaminating colors, outputting to a new layer with a layer mask for non-destructive editing, and a trick to clean up leftover background elements using the brush tool on the layer mask in overlay mode.

10:02

✅ Quick Selection Tool and Select Subject Option

The final paragraph focuses on the Quick Selection Tool, a long-standing feature in Photoshop, and the 'Select Subject' option available with various selection tools. Brendan unlocks the background layer and uses the Quick Selection Tool to paint a selection that automatically snaps to the edges of the subject. He 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. After achieving a satisfactory selection, he demonstrates adding a layer mask to the selected layer. Brendan also mentions the 'Select Subject' feature, which automatically detects and selects the subject's edges without manual painting, as an alternative starting point for those who prefer less manual selection work. The paragraph concludes with a call to action, encouraging viewers to like the video and subscribe for more tutorials.

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 and enhance digital images. In the video, it is the primary tool used to demonstrate how to cut out images and remove backgrounds, which is a fundamental skill in photo editing.

Remove Background

The term 'Remove Background' refers to the process of separating the subject of an image from its surrounding background. In the context of the video, it is one of the main techniques discussed, where the presenter uses various tools in Photoshop to achieve a clean separation of the subject from the background.

Layer Mask

A layer mask in Photoshop is a tool that allows for non-destructive editing by hiding or showing parts of a layer. It is used in the video to refine the selection around the subject after using the 'Remove Background' feature, ensuring that the edges are clean and precise without altering the original image.

Select Subject

The 'Select Subject' tool in Photoshop is designed to automatically detect and select the main subject of an image. It is mentioned in the video as an alternative method to manually painting a selection. This tool simplifies the process of cutting out a subject by intelligently identifying the subject's boundaries.

Object Selection Tool

The Object Selection Tool is a feature in Photoshop that enables users to make selections of objects within an image by outlining them. In the tutorial, it is used to select and cut out a subject by drawing a marquee around the subject, which then intelligently snaps to the edges of the object.

Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool is a painting-style selection tool in Photoshop that allows users to paint over the areas they want to select. It is highlighted in the video as a long-standing feature that can be used to make selections for cutting out images. The tool is praised for its ability to automatically snap to the edges of the subject.

Refine Edge

Refine Edge is a feature within the Select and Mask workspace in Photoshop that helps users fine-tune their selections, particularly useful for complex areas like hair. In the video, it is used to improve the selection around the subject's hair, ensuring that the strands are cleanly separated from the background.

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. It is used in the video to check the selection's accuracy by showing where the subject is fully visible or transparent. This helps in making corrections to the selection before finalizing the cutout.

Brush Tool

The Brush Tool in Photoshop is a versatile tool used for painting and editing. In the context of the video, it is employed to manually paint over areas of the layer mask to correct the selection, making parts of the image fully visible or transparent as needed.

Active Selection

An active selection in Photoshop refers to a highlighted area of an image that has been selected for editing. The video demonstrates how to create an active selection around the subject using various tools, which is a crucial step before applying a layer mask to remove the background.

Non-Destructive Editing

Non-destructive editing is a technique that allows for changes to be made to an image without permanently altering the original pixels. In the video, using layer masks for cutting out images is an example of non-destructive editing, as it enables the user to hide or show parts of the image without losing the original data.

Highlights

Photoshop's 2020 version and newer offer one-click methods to remove backgrounds, simplifying a previously complex task.

The 'Remove Background' button in the properties panel can automatically create a selection and remove the background with a single click.

The 'Select Subject' option creates an active selection around the subject without removing the background, allowing for further customization.

Photoshop's automatic selection can be fine-tuned by viewing the layer mask and painting with a brush tool to adjust visibility.

The Object Selection Tool is a powerful feature for quickly selecting and cutting out subjects from their background.

The 'Refine Hair' button within the Select and Mask workspace can automatically refine the edges of hair for a more natural look.

The 'Refine Edge Brush Tool' can be used to manually correct areas that the automatic selection missed.

Decontaminate Colors option helps to clean up any fringes or discolorations around the selection's edge.

The Quick Selection Tool allows for painting on a selection, with Photoshop automatically snapping to the edges of the subject.

Alt/Option clicking on a layer mask allows for a clear view of the selection and transparency levels for precise adjustments.

The 'Select Subject' feature in various tools can automatically detect and select the subject, reducing manual selection efforts.

Using the Overlay mode with a brush tool can help to clean up semi-transparent areas left from the background.

All three methods demonstrated provide efficient ways to cut out images and remove backgrounds without needing complex tools or techniques.

The tutorial emphasizes the ease of use and speed at which one can achieve professional-looking results with the latest Photoshop updates.

Subscribing to the channel ensures viewers stay updated with the latest tutorials on photography and photo editing.

Brendan from bewellcreative.com provides clear guidance on using new Photoshop features for beginners and experienced users alike.

The video concludes with a reminder to like the video and subscribe for more easy-to-follow tutorials.