How to Remove Background in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Removing unwanted backgrounds from images is a common need, whether you're editing product photos, designing marketing assets, or just perfecting a profile picture. While Photoshop offers unmatched control, it can be a little intimidating for beginners. That's why in this guide, we'll not only walk you through how to remove background in Photoshop step by step, but also introduce you to a simpler, AI-based tool for faster results.

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Part 1: Prepare your image in Photoshop

Before you start using tools to remove the background in Photoshop, it's important to prepare your image properly. A high-resolution, clean image gives better results, especially when working with fine details like hair or transparent objects.

Steps:

Step 1: Open your image in Photoshop

• Launch Adobe Photoshop.

• Click on File > Open and select the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Check the resolution

• Go to Image > Image Size

Alt: How can I remove the background in Photoshop

• Look at the resolution (measured in DPI). For optimal editing, aim for at least 300 DPI.

• If your image is low-resolution, consider upscaling it slightly using Photoshop's Preserve Details 2.0 feature.

Step 3: Unlock the background layer

• In the Layers panel, double-click on theBackground layer to unlock it.

• Rename it if you'd like. This allows you to work freely on the image.

Tips:

• Avoid using blurry or pixelated images when trying to remove the background in Photoshop.

• Keep a backup of your original image in case you want to start over.

Once you've prepped your image, you're ready to dive into the actual background removal process using Photoshop's built-in tools.

Part 2: Use the Quick Selection Tool to remove the background

The Quick Selection Tool is one of the fastest ways to remove background in Photoshop, especially for images with good contrast between the subject and background. It works like a smart brush that detects edges automatically as you paint over the subject.

Steps:

Step 1: Select the Quick Selection Tool

• Find the Quick Selection Tool in theleft toolbar (it looks like a brush with a dotted circle).

• Or press W on your keyboard to activate it.

Step 2: Adjust your brush size

• Use the [ and ] keys to increase or decrease brush size.

• Zoom in on the image to work more precisely around edges.

Step 3: Paint over the subject

• Click and drag to paint over the part of the image you want to keep.

• Photoshop will automatically snap to the edges of the subject as you go.

Step 4: Use 'Select and Mask' for edge refinement

• Click Select and Mask in the top toolbar.

• In the new window, use tools like the Refine Edge Brush Tool to clean up hair or soft edges.

• Adjust sliders like Smooth,Feather, and Contrast to fine-tune your selection.

• Set Output to Layer Mask and clickOK.

Tips:

• Hold Alt (Option on Mac) while brushing to subtract from the selection.

• If your background is complex, zoom in and take your time on detailed areas.

If this method doesn't give clean results, especially on images with low contrast or fine details, don't worry. You can try the Pen Tool next for more precision.

Part 3: Remove background using the Pen Tool (advanced method)

If the Quick Selection Tool doesn't give you clean results, especially on complex images, the Pen Tool is your best option. It requires a bit more effort, but it offers precise control when you want to remove the background in Photoshop manually.

Steps:

Step 1: Select the Pen Tool

• Click the Pen Tool from the left toolbar, or press P on your keyboard.

• Make sure it's set to Path mode in the top menu.

Step 2: Zoom in and trace the subject

• Zoom in close to your subject.

• Start placing anchor points by clicking around the edges of the subject.

• To create curves, click and drag to adjust the curve handles.

Step 3: Complete the path

• Close the path by connecting the final anchor point to the first one.

• Right-click inside the path and choose Make Selection.

• Set Feather Radius to 0.5 – 1 pixel for a smooth transition.

Step 4: Remove the background

• With the selection active, press Shift + Ctrl + I (Windows) or Shift + Command + I (Mac) to invert the selection.

• Hit Delete to remove the background.

• Alternatively, add a Layer Mask for a non-destructive approach.

Tips:

• This method is perfect for product photos, logos, or clean-edged objects.

• Use fewer anchor points for straight lines and more for curves.

Using the Pen Tool takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes one of the most powerful ways to delete background in Photoshop with accuracy.

Part 4: Use Toolsmart's Background Remover for instant results

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If you're looking for a faster and easier way to remove background from an image, without installing Photoshop or learning advanced tools,Toolsmart's Background Remover is a smart choice. It's a free, online background remover powered by AI, designed for quick, hassle-free edits.

Why choose Toolsmart?

• No installation required - it works entirely online

• Beginner-friendly - no need to understand complex tools

• Instant results - AI does the heavy lifting in seconds

• Great for marketers, content creators, and personal use

How to use Toolsmart's Background Remover:

Step 1: Go to the official tool

• Visit Toolsmart's Background Remover

Step 2: Upload your image

• Click the Upload button

• Select the image from your device (JPG, PNG, etc.)

Step 3: Let the AI work its magic

• Toolsmart will automatically detect and remove the background

  

• You'll see the new version within a few seconds

Step 4: Download your image

• Click Download to save the image with the background removed

• Use it immediately in your design, ad, or social media post

As someone who has used both Photoshop and Toolsmart, I appreciate how effortless Toolsmart makes the whole process. It's perfect for quick edits and saves time when you don't need pixel-perfect precision.

Part 5: Photoshop vs Toolsmart's Background Remover - which one should you use?

Now that you've seen how both tools work, let's compare them directly to help you decide which is better suited for your needs, Photoshop or Toolsmart's Background Remover.

Which tool is right for you?

• If you need high precision, complex layer editing, or are already comfortable with graphic design tools, Photoshop gives you total control over background removal.

• If you're looking for speed, simplicity, and a free background remover, Toolsmart is ideal, especially for social media content, product photos, or casual projects.

In my workflow, I use Photoshop for advanced editing tasks but often turn to Toolsmart when I want to remove background online fast, especially when I'm on a deadline or working with simpler images.

FAQs

Q1: What is the easiest way to remove a background in Photoshop?

You can use the Quick Selection Tool along with the Select and Mask feature for a fast and effective way to remove backgrounds in most images.

Q2: How can beginners remove backgrounds without Photoshop?

Beginners can try Toolsmart's Background Remover, a free, online tool that removes backgrounds automatically with just one click. No editing skills needed.

Q3: Is Photoshop good for removing image backgrounds?

Yes. Photoshop is excellent for detailed background removal, especially using tools like the Pen Tool and layer masks, though it may require practice.

Q4: Which is better for social media content, Photoshop or Toolsmart's Background Remover?

For quick, hassle-free edits ideal for social media, Toolsmart's Background Remover is better. Photoshop is best when you need custom edits for professional visuals.

Q5: Is Toolsmart's Background Remover free to use?

Yes, Toolsmart is completely free and requires no installation. You can remove the background online without logging in or downloading any software.