Photoshop: How To Cut Out an Image - Remove & Delete a Background

VerticDesigns
11 Mar 201810:38

TLDRVerticDesigns presents a tutorial on quickly and easily removing the background from an image in Photoshop. After importing the image and unlocking the layer, viewers are introduced to the Magnetic Lasso Tool, which automatically detects outlines for selection. The video explains the selection tool's options, including adding to selections, subtracting from them, and creating custom shapes. Feathering is discussed for soft edges, and the importance of tool settings like Width, Contrast, and Frequency is emphasized. The Polygonal Lasso Tool is then used for fine-tuning selections. To finalize, a mask is applied to hide the background, and the Select and Mask tool is introduced for smoothing and refining edges. The tutorial concludes with tips on converting the layer to a Smart Object and adjusting the image's edges for a clean finish.

Takeaways

  • 📌 Import your image into Photoshop by dragging it into the work area or using File > Open.
  • 🔓 Unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon to make it editable.
  • 🔍 Use the Alt key and scroll wheel or the Zoom tool to zoom into your image for precise selection.
  • ✂️ Utilize the Magnetic Lasso Tool (activated by pressing 'L' or right-clicking) for an easier and quicker background removal.
  • 🔄 Understand the Magnetic Lasso Tool's selection options: new selection, add to selection, subtract from selection, and intersect selection.
  • 🎨 Feathering softens the edges of your selection; set to 0 for sharp edges.
  • 📏 Adjust the Width, Contrast, and Frequency settings of the Magnetic Lasso Tool for better selection accuracy.
  • 📍 Start your selection from a corner or distinct area, preferably from the bottom and work your way around.
  • 🔄 Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool for refining and fixing areas of the selection that need adjustment.
  • 🖌️ Apply a mask to the layer to remove the background, and use the brush tool for fine-tuning, especially around complex areas like hair.
  • ⚙️ If the background needs to be completely removed, convert the layer into a Smart Object.
  • 📊 Use Select and Mask for smoothing and refining the edges of your selection with options like Smooth, Feather, and Contrast.

Q & A

  • What is the main focus of the tutorial provided by VerticDesigns?

    -The main focus of the tutorial is to demonstrate a quick and easy method for background removal in Photoshop, using the Magnetic Lasso Tool, which is an alternative to the Pen Tool.

  • How do you import an image into Photoshop for editing?

    -You can import an image into Photoshop by dragging it into the work area or by going to File and selecting Open.

  • What is the first step to take when working with the image layer in Photoshop?

    -The first step is to unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon next to the word 'background' in the Layers panel.

  • How can you zoom into an image in Photoshop?

    -You can zoom into an image by holding the Alt key and using the scroll wheel on your mouse, or by using the Zoom Tool which is accessible through the toolbar.

  • What is the tool that automatically detects the outline of an object and plots it for selection?

    -The Magnetic Lasso Tool is the one that automatically detects the outline of an object and plots it for selection.

  • How can you adjust the Magnetic Lasso Tool to make the selection more accurate?

    -You can adjust the settings such as Width, Contrast, and Frequency to make the selection more accurate. Width determines the number of points plotted between each one, Contrast helps in better color selection, and Frequency determines the total number of points plotted.

  • What are the three selection options available with the Magnetic Lasso Tool?

    -The three selection options are: 1) New Selection, which creates a separate selection, 2) Add to Selection, which allows adding to the existing selection, and 3) Subtract from Selection, which removes parts from the current selection.

  • What is the purpose of the Feathering option in the selection tools?

    -The Feathering option adds a soft effect around the selection, creating a smooth edge. It is useful when sharp edges are not desired.

  • How do you start creating a selection with the Magnetic Lasso Tool?

    -You start by clicking on a corner or an area to create the first point, and then guide the tool around the object you want to select, allowing the computer to plot the points automatically.

  • What is the Polygonal Lasso Tool used for in the context of this tutorial?

    -The Polygonal Lasso Tool is used to edit and fix parts of the selection that were not accurately selected by the Magnetic Lasso Tool, particularly in areas like the hair or other intricate details.

  • How can you create a mask to hide the background of an image in Photoshop?

    -After making the selection, you can create a mask by clicking on the 'Add layer mask' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. This hides the background while keeping the selected object visible.

  • What steps can you take to refine the edges of the image after removing the background?

    -You can refine the edges by selecting the image with CTRL and clicking on the layer thumbnail, then going to Select and Mask to adjust settings like Smooth, Feather, and Contrast for a cleaner edge.

Outlines

00:00

🖌️ Introduction to Background Removal with the Magnetic Lasso Tool

VerticDesigns introduces a tutorial on background removal, focusing on a quicker and easier method compared to the pen tool. The process involves importing an image, unlocking the background layer, and using the magnetic lasso tool to select and outline objects. The tool automatically detects outlines, but settings can be adjusted for greater accuracy. 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 in the magnetic lasso tool. The tutorial demonstrates starting selection from a corner and manually adding points for accuracy, with a focus on overcoming challenges in selecting certain colors.

05:06

✂️ Editing and Perfecting the Selection with Polygonal Lasso and Masking

After creating an initial selection with the magnetic lasso tool, the video moves on to refining the selection using the polygonal lasso tool, which allows for adding or subtracting from the selection without the need for points. The presenter shows how to correct areas that were not properly selected and how to connect the selection back to the starting point. The use of a mask to remove the background is demonstrated, with the option to switch between the masked and unmasked image. The video also addresses how to fix hair details using the brush tool with feathering and how to convert the layer into a Smart Object for a standalone image. Edge refinement is covered using the Select and Mask tool, emphasizing the smooth, feather, and contrast options for final touch-ups. The presenter concludes with instructions on saving the project and adding a new background if desired.

10:13

👋 Closing and Engagement Invitation

The video concludes with a farewell message from VerticDesigns, accompanied by outro music. The presenter encourages viewers to comment and give the video a thumbs up if they found it helpful, and to check out more tutorials in the provided playlist for further learning in Photoshop or editing.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Background Removal

Background removal is the process of separating the subject of an image from its background. In the video, it is the primary task where the host demonstrates how to efficiently remove the background of an image using Photoshop tools. It's essential for various purposes such as isolating an object or person for further editing or placing it against a different background.

💡Pen Tool

The Pen Tool in Photoshop is used for making precise selections by creating a path with anchor points. It was mentioned in the previous tutorial by the host as the best way to remove the background. It's a more manual and accurate method but can be time-consuming.

💡Magnetic Lasso Tool

The Magnetic Lasso Tool is an automated selection tool that detects the edges of objects and creates a selection based on those edges. It is showcased in the video as a quicker and easier alternative to the Pen Tool for background removal. It automatically plots points along the edge, which the user can guide and adjust for accuracy.

💡Layer

In Photoshop, a layer is a transparent surface that houses an element of an image. The host instructs viewers to unlock the background layer to make it editable. Layers are crucial for non-destructive editing, allowing multiple adjustments without altering the original image.

💡Zoom Tool

The Zoom Tool in Photoshop allows users to magnify or reduce the view of their image for detailed work. In the script, it's used to zoom into the image for precise selection and editing, which is vital when working on intricate details like cutting out an image.

💡Selection Options

Selection options refer to the different ways users can manipulate selections in Photoshop. The host explains three options: new selection, addition to selection, and subtraction from selection. These are important for refining the selection of the object to be isolated from the background.

💡Feathering

Feathering is a technique that softens the edges of a selection, creating a gradual transition between the selected area and the surrounding pixels. The host discusses feathering as an option that can be adjusted for a sharp or soft edge around the selection, which is significant for natural-looking edits.

💡Width, Contrast, and Frequency

These are settings for the Magnetic Lasso Tool that determine its performance. Width dictates the spacing of the points plotted, Contrast affects the tool's ability to distinguish the selection line, and Frequency determines the total number of points plotted. The host explains these settings as crucial for the tool's accuracy.

💡Polygonal Lasso Tool

The Polygonal Lasso Tool is used for making straight-edged selections. It is mentioned in the video as a tool to fix areas that the Magnetic Lasso Tool might have missed or to manually add or subtract from the selection. It provides more control over the selection process.

💡Mask

In Photoshop, a mask is a layer element that hides or reveals parts of the layer it is applied to without affecting the layer's original content. The host uses a mask to remove the background, and viewers can toggle the mask on and off to compare the edited and original images.

💡Smart Object

A Smart Object is a technology in Photoshop that allows users to perform non-destructive editing. The host suggests converting the layer into a Smart Object after background removal, which means any further edits to the image will not degrade its quality.

💡Select and Mask

Select and Mask is a feature in Photoshop used for refining selections. The host uses it to fix the edges of the image after the initial selection. It provides options like Smooth, Feather, and Contrast to fine-tune the selection, ensuring a clean and professional result.

Highlights

VerticDesigns presents a tutorial on a quicker and easier method for background removal in Photoshop, almost as accurate as the pen tool.

Import your image into Photoshop by dragging it into the work area or using File > Open.

Unlock the background layer by clicking on the lock icon to convert it into a layer that can be edited.

Use the Alt key and scroll wheel or the zoom tool to zoom into your image for precision.

The Magnetic Lasso Tool, accessible by pressing 'L' or right-clicking, is introduced for automatic outline detection.

The Magnetic Lasso Tool guides the user around the object to be selected with automatic dot placement.

Adjusting the tool's settings can increase accuracy, compensating for any initial lack of precision.

Understanding the selection tool's options is crucial for adding to, subtracting from, or creating custom selections.

Feathering adds a soft edge to selections, which can be adjusted for sharpness.

The Width, Contrast, and Frequency settings of the Magnetic Lasso Tool determine its effectiveness in selection.

Starting the selection at a corner or bottom of the image can simplify the process.

Manually adding points can help with accuracy, especially in areas where the tool struggles.

Once the selection is created, use the Polygonal Lasso Tool for further refinement and to remove unwanted areas.

The Polygonal Lasso Tool allows for addition and subtraction of selection areas with the Alt key and plus/minus icons.

Fixing areas that extend out can be done by holding CTRL and clicking to connect and select the desired parts.

Creating a mask after selection removes the background, which can be toggled on and off.

Inverting the selection with CTRL + I corrects cases where the background remains and the subject is removed.

The Brush Tool with Feathering can be used to fix finer details like hair.

Converting the layer into a Smart Object allows for a standalone image without the background.

Edges can be smoothed and refined using the Select and Mask tool with options like Smooth, Feather, and Contrast.

Once satisfied with the adjustments, applying the settings creates a new layer with the refined image.

The final image can be moved, saved, or have a new background added as desired.

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