Photoshop: How To Cut Out an Image - Remove & Delete a Background
TLDRVerticDesigns presents a tutorial on a quicker and easier method for background removal in Photoshop, an alternative to the pen tool. The process involves importing the image, unlocking the background layer, and using the magnetic lasso tool to automatically detect and select the object's outline. The video explains the selection tool's options, including adding to selections, subtracting from them, and creating custom shapes. It also covers feathering for soft edges and the importance of width, contrast, and frequency settings for the magnetic lasso tool. After creating the initial selection, the polygonal lasso tool is introduced for refining edges and fixing areas. The tutorial concludes with creating a mask to remove the background, using the brush tool for fine-tuning, converting the layer into a Smart Object for a standalone image, and using Select and Mask for edge smoothing. The video is aimed at Photoshop users looking for efficient ways to cut out images and remove backgrounds.
Takeaways
- ๐ผ๏ธ Import your image into Photoshop by dragging it into the workspace or using File > Open.
- ๐ Unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon to make it editable.
- ๐ Use the zoom tool or Alt + scroll wheel to zoom into your image for precise selection.
- โ๏ธ Utilize the Magnetic Lasso Tool (press L or right-click on the tool bar) for quick and easy background removal.
- ๐ Understand the Magnetic Lasso Tool's selection options: new selection, add to selection, subtract from selection, and intersect selection.
- ๐งฝ Feathering adds a soft edge to your selection; set to 0 for sharp edges.
- ๐ Adjust the Width, Contrast, and Frequency settings of the Magnetic Lasso Tool for better selection accuracy.
- ๐ต Start the selection from a corner or distinct area and work your way around the image.
- ๐ Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool for fine-tuning and fixing any imperfections in the selection.
- ๐ญ Create a layer mask to remove the background, which can be toggled on and off for review.
- ๐๏ธ Employ the Brush Tool with Feathering to clean up areas like hair for a more natural look.
- โ๏ธ If the background needs to be completely removed, convert the layer into a Smart Object.
- ๐ Use Select and Mask for refining edges if the image isn't smooth, adjusting settings like Smooth, Feather, and Contrast.
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 of an image using Photoshop, specifically using the Magnetic Lasso Tool.
What is the first step to import an image into Photoshop according to the tutorial?
-The first step is to import your image by dragging it into the work area or by going to File and then Open.
How do you unlock a background layer in Photoshop?
-You unlock a background layer by going to the Layers panel, left-clicking on the lock icon next to 'background' to convert it into a regular layer.
What keyboard shortcut can be used to zoom into an image in Photoshop?
-You can hold the Alt key on your keyboard and use the scroll wheel to zoom into your image.
Which tool is used to remove the background in this tutorial?
-The Magnetic Lasso Tool is used to remove the background in this tutorial.
How does the Magnetic Lasso Tool work?
-The Magnetic Lasso Tool works by automatically detecting the outline of an object and plotting dots around it, with the user guiding it around the object for selection.
What are the three selection options available with the Magnetic Lasso Tool?
-The three selection options are: 1) Creating a new, separate selection, 2) Adding to the current selection, and 3) Subtracting from the current selection.
What is the purpose of Feathering in the selection process?
-Feathering adds a soft edge effect around the selection, which can be useful for creating smooth transitions between the selected area and the rest of the image.
How can you adjust the accuracy of the Magnetic Lasso Tool?
-You can adjust the settings such as Width, Contrast, and Frequency to make the Magnetic Lasso Tool more accurate in selecting the desired object.
What tool is used to fix the hair or other intricate details after using the Magnetic Lasso Tool?
-The Brush Tool is used to fix up the hair or other intricate details, with the option to adjust the brush size using the square bracket keys.
How do you create a mask to hide the background after making the selection with the Magnetic Lasso Tool?
-After making the selection, you go to the Layers panel and click on the 'Add layer mask' icon to create a mask that hides the background.
What can be done if the background needs to be completely removed and not just hidden with a mask?
-You can right-click on the layer, convert it into a Smart Object, which will leave you with just the image without the background.
Outlines
๐จ Introduction to Background Removal with the Magnetic Lasso Tool
VerticDesigns introduces a tutorial on background removal, focusing on a quicker and easier method than the pen tool. The process involves importing an image, unlocking the background layer, and using the magnetic lasso tool to select and remove the background. The tool automatically detects outlines, but settings can be adjusted for accuracy. The video explains the selection tool's options, including adding to selections, cutting, and creating custom shapes. It also covers feathering for soft edges and the importance of width, contrast, and frequency settings in the magnetic lasso tool. The tutorial demonstrates starting the selection from a corner and manually adding points for accuracy, with a focus on overcoming challenges in selecting certain colors.
๐ Editing and Perfecting the Selection with Polygonal Lasso and Masking
After creating the initial selection, the video moves on to refining and fixing areas that need improvement using the polygonal lasso tool. This tool allows for the removal of unwanted areas and addition of missing parts by toggling between adding and subtracting from the selection with the Alt key. The process includes connecting the last point to the first to complete the selection. To remove the background, a mask is created, which can be disabled to view the original image. If the selection is inverted, it can be corrected with CTRL + I. The video also addresses fixing hair details using the brush tool with feathering and converting the layer into a Smart Object for a standalone image. Finally, the edges can be refined using Select and Mask for a smoother and more polished result.
๐ Closing and Final Thoughts
The video concludes with a sign-off from VerticDesigns, set to outro music. The presenter encourages viewers to comment and give a thumbs up if they found the tutorial helpful. They also invite viewers to check out more tutorials in the provided playlist in the video description for further Photoshop and editing lessons.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กBackground Removal
๐กPen Tool
๐กMagnetic Lasso Tool
๐กLayer
๐กZoom Tool
๐กSelection Options
๐กFeathering
๐กWidth, Contrast, and Frequency
๐กPolygonal Lasso Tool
๐กMask
๐กSmart Object
๐กSelect and Mask
Highlights
VerticDesigns offers a tutorial on a quicker and easier way to remove the background of an image in Photoshop, almost as accurate as the pen tool.
Import your image by dragging it into the work area or using File and Open.
Unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon to convert it into a layer.
Use Alt + scroll wheel or the zoom tool to zoom into your image for precise selection.
The Magnetic Lasso Tool (activated by pressing 'L' or right-clicking the tool bar) is used for automatic outline detection.
The tool works similarly to the pen tool but plots the outline for you as you guide it around the object.
Adjust the Magnetic Lasso Tool's settings for greater accuracy.
Understand the three selection options: new selection, add to selection, and subtract from selection.
Feathering adds a soft edge to your selection; set to 0 for sharp edges.
Options like Width, Contrast, and Frequency affect the Magnetic Lasso Tool's performance.
Start the selection at a corner or an area that's easy to define.
Manually add points for more accuracy, especially in corners and edges.
Complete the selection by connecting the first and last point.
Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool for refining the selection without points.
Edit the selection by adding or subtracting areas with the Alt key and mouse clicks.
Hold CTRL and click to connect the selection from any point, not just the first dot.
Create a layer mask by clicking on the icon at the bottom to remove the background.
Invert the selection if needed by pressing CTRL + I.
Fix hair and other intricate details using the Brush Tool with Feathering.
Convert the layer into a Smart Object for a standalone image without a background.
Use Select and Mask for smoothing and refining the edges of the image.
Adjust Smooth, Feather, and Contrast sliders in Select and Mask for the best edge results.
Apply the settings to a new layer by pressing OK.
VerticDesigns concludes the tutorial, inviting feedback and further engagement.