[ Photoshop Tutorial ] REMOVE COMPLEX BACKGROUND - EASY TO FOLLOW

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to effectively remove complex backgrounds in Adobe Photoshop CC 2018. This skill is essential for creating clean and professional-looking images, whether for graphic design, marketing materials, or personal projects. The techniques covered here will help you master the basics of background removal, making your workflow more efficient.

Step 1: Open Your Image

• Launch Adobe Photoshop CC 2018.
• Go to File > Open and select the image from which you want to remove the background.

Step 2: Select the Subject

• Use the Quick Selection Tool or the Magic Wand Tool from the toolbar.
• Click and drag over the subject to create a selection. Adjust the brush size for more precision.
• For fine-tuning, hold down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) to remove areas from your selection.

Step 3: Refine the Selection

• With the selection active, go to Select > Modify > Feather and set a value (usually 1-2 pixels) to soften the edges.
• Then, go to Select > Select and Mask.
• Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to improve the selection around hair or complex edges.
• Adjust the settings in the right panel for a smoother selection:
  • Smooth: Reduces jagged edges.
  • Feather: Softens the edges.
  • Contrast: Sharpens the selection.
  • Shift Edge: Moves the selection in or out.

Step 4: Create a Layer Mask

• Once satisfied with the selection, click OK to apply the changes.
• With the selection still active, click on the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will hide the background and keep only your subject visible.

Step 5: Clean Up Edges

• Select the Layer Mask thumbnail in the Layers panel.
• Use the Brush Tool with a soft brush to paint with black (to hide) or white (to reveal) on the mask for additional adjustments.
• Zoom in to ensure clean edges, especially around delicate areas like hair.

Step 6: Add a New Background

• To add a new background, go to File > Place Embedded and select the new image you want as the background.
• Position this layer below your subject layer in the Layers panel.
• Resize and adjust the background as needed using the Transform tool (Ctrl + T on Windows or Command + T on Mac).

Conclusion

Now you have successfully removed a complex background in Photoshop and replaced it with a new one. This technique is beneficial for creating engaging visuals for various applications. Practice these steps with different images to enhance your skills further. Explore creative ways to utilize your cut-out subjects in design projects!