How To Remove a Difficult Background in Photoshop (Tutorial)

VerticDesigns
4 Apr 202203:35

TLDRIn this Photoshop tutorial, the host guides viewers through the process of removing complex backgrounds from images. The first step involves unlocking the image layer and using the 'Threshold' adjustment to separate the subject from the background. By adjusting the threshold level, most of the image area is covered, making it easier to distinguish between the subject and the background. The next steps include copying the threshold layer, converting it into a smart object for reference, and using the 'Color Range' tool to select and separate the white and black areas. The 'Polygonal Lasso Tool' is then used to refine the selection by adding or subtracting from it. After refining the selection, the reference and threshold layers are hidden, and the selection is inverted to remove the unwanted background. The final step is to select the main image and click on the mask button to complete the background removal. This tutorial provides a clear and concise method for tackling the challenging task of background removal in Photoshop.

Takeaways

  • 🔓 Unlock the image layer by clicking on the lock icon to begin editing.
  • 🎨 Use the 'Threshold' adjustment to separate the subject from the background by maximizing contrast.
  • 👉 Adjust the threshold slider to find the optimal level for your image, which in the example was around 144.
  • 📋 Minimize the adjustment panel after setting the threshold level.
  • ✅ Duplicate the threshold layer and convert it into a smart object for reference.
  • 🖍 Select 'Color Range' from the 'Select' menu to isolate the white and black areas of the image.
  • 🔍 Click on the '+ E' (add) and '-' (subtract) buttons to fine-tune the selection around the subject.
  • 🧑‍🎤 Set the 'Fuzziness' to 200 for a more precise selection.
  • ⏹ Press 'OK' to finalize the selection.
  • ✂️ Use the 'Polygonal Lasso Tool' to manually remove any unwanted selections.
  • 🔄 Hide the reference and threshold layers once the selection is complete.
  • 🔲 Invert the selection by pressing Ctrl or Command + I to isolate the subject.
  • 🎭 Click the 'Mask' button to apply the selection as a layer mask, effectively removing the background.

Q & A

  • What is the first step in removing a complex background in Photoshop according to the tutorial?

    -The first step is to unlock the background layer by left-clicking on the lock icon.

  • Which adjustment tool is suggested for separating the tree and leaves from the background?

    -The Threshold adjustment tool is suggested for this purpose.

  • What is the goal when adjusting the Threshold level?

    -The goal is to make the areas you want to keep as dark as possible by moving the slider to the left or right.

  • How do you create a copy of the Threshold layer?

    -You hold Shift and click on the Threshold layer, then press Ctrl or Command + J to create a copy.

  • What is the purpose of converting the copied layer into a smart object?

    -Converting the layer into a smart object allows you to use it as a reference for further editing.

  • How does the Color Range tool help in separating the subject from the background?

    -The Color Range tool helps by allowing you to select and separate the white and black areas from each other.

  • What is the Fuzziness setting typically set to for this process?

    -The Fuzziness is typically set to 200.

  • How do you fix unwanted selections made by the Color Range tool?

    -You use the Polygonal Lasso tool in its second mode to add or subtract from the selection.

  • What should you do after refining the selection with the Polygonal Lasso tool?

    -You should hide the reference and threshold layers, then continue refining the selection around the edge of the subject.

  • How do you apply the final mask to the subject?

    -After refining the selection, you select the main image and click on the mask button at the bottom.

  • What keyboard shortcut can be used to invert the selection after applying the mask?

    -Press Ctrl or Command + I to invert the selection.

  • What is the final step in removing the complex background from the image?

    -The final step is inverting the selection to properly remove the background and leaving only the desired subject visible.

Outlines

00:00

🖼️ Removing Complex Backgrounds in Photoshop

This tutorial demonstrates how to remove complex backgrounds from an image using Adobe Photoshop. The process begins by unlocking the image layer and applying a threshold adjustment to separate the subject from the background. The threshold level is adjusted to make the subject as dark as possible, which in this case is around 144. After setting the threshold, a copy of the layer is made and converted into a smart object for reference. The next step involves using the color range selection tool to isolate the white and black areas of the image, with a fuzziness setting of 200. Any unwanted selections are refined using the polygonal lasso tool. The reference and threshold layers are then hidden, and the selection is refined further by holding alt and using the minus sign to deselect unwanted areas. Finally, the background is removed by selecting the main image and clicking the mask button, followed by inverting the selection with Ctrl or Command + I.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Photoshop

Photoshop is a widely used image and photo editing software developed by Adobe Inc. It is known for its powerful tools that allow users to manipulate and enhance digital images. In the context of the video, Photoshop is the platform where the tutorial takes place, and it is used to demonstrate how to remove complex backgrounds from images.

💡Layer

In Photoshop, a layer is a single component of an image that can be edited independently from other layers. The video script mentions unlocking a layer to edit it, which is a common step in photo editing to allow for non-destructive editing.

💡Threshold

Threshold is an adjustment in Photoshop that converts an image to high-contrast, black-and-white by setting pixels above a certain level to white and the rest to black. The script describes using the Threshold adjustment to separate elements of an image, such as a tree from its background.

💡Smart Object

A smart object in Photoshop is a container that allows users to store complex data in a non-destructive manner. The script mentions converting a selection into a smart object, which can be used for reference and allows for non-destructive scaling and transformations.

💡Color Range

Color Range is a selection tool in Photoshop that allows users to select a range of colors in an image. The video script uses the Color Range tool to select white areas of the image, which helps in separating the subject from the background.

💡Fuzziness

Fuzziness in the context of the Color Range tool refers to the tolerance level for selecting colors that are similar to the clicked color. A higher fuzziness value includes a broader range of colors in the selection. The script sets fuzziness to 200 to ensure a more comprehensive selection.

💡Polygonal Lasso Tool

The Polygonal Lasso Tool is a selection tool in Photoshop used for making straight-edged selections. It is mentioned in the script for refining the selection around the subject, allowing for precise removal of unwanted areas.

💡Mask

A mask in Photoshop is a layer element that hides or reveals parts of the layer beneath it. The script describes using a mask to hide the background of the image, which is a common technique for removing backgrounds without affecting the main subject.

💡Invert Selection

Inverting a selection in Photoshop means to select the opposite of the current selection. The script uses the invert selection command (Ctrl or Command + I) to switch between selecting the background and the main image for the purpose of applying a mask.

💡Non-Destructive Editing

Non-destructive editing is a technique where original image data is preserved even after editing, allowing for flexible and reversible changes. The use of layers, smart objects, and masks as described in the script are all part of non-destructive editing workflows in Photoshop.

💡Complex Background Removal

Complex background removal refers to the process of separating a subject from a detailed or intricate background in an image. The video's main theme is teaching this process using various tools and techniques within Photoshop, such as Threshold, Color Range, and layer masks.

Highlights

Unlock the layer by clicking on the lock to begin removing the background.

Navigate to the 'Adjustments' panel and select 'Threshold' to assist in separating the subject from the background.

Adjust the Threshold slider to maximize the contrast between the subject and the background.

Set the Threshold level to a suitable value (e.g., 144) to cover most of the subject area.

Minimize the 'Threshold' adjustment layer and duplicate the layer using Ctrl+J or Cmd+J.

Convert the duplicated layer into a smart object for reference purposes.

Use 'Select' > 'Color Range' to isolate the subject from the background by selecting the white areas.

Set the 'Fuzziness' to 200 for a more accurate selection.

Remove unwanted selections using the Polygonal Lasso Tool in 'subtract from selection' mode.

Hide the reference and threshold layers before proceeding to the next step.

Use the Alt key to switch between adding and subtracting from the selection while using the Polygonal Lasso Tool.

Complete the selection by connecting the starting point to the endpoint.

Select the main image and click on the 'Mask' button to apply the selection.

Invert the selection to properly isolate the subject from the background.

The background is now removed, showcasing the subject against a transparent background.

This method is effective for removing complex backgrounds in Photoshop.

The tutorial provides a step-by-step guide for beginners to advanced users.

Smart objects and layer masks are key features utilized in this Photoshop technique.

The final result is a cleanly separated subject with a removed background, ready for further editing or composition.

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