How to Delete a Background in Photoshop
There are numerous tools in Photoshop that allow you to delete a background from an object. Some are very precise and some are less so, but each tool creates a selection a different way. These include the Pen tool, the Polygonal Lasso tool, the Magic Wand tool and the Extract tool, among others. One of the most precise tools to use is the Pen tool, which can be used for the most complicated shapes.
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Instructions
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Open your Photoshop document.
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Double-click on your background layer to unlock it. Otherwise, you will not be able to make a pixel selection. It's also a good idea to make a copy of your original layer so you can go back to it if needed. To do this, click on the Layer menu and select "Duplicate Layer."
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3
Select the Pen tool in the toolbar.
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Zoom in the object you want to select. You want it to be very precise, so zoom in closely so you can see each and every curve of the object.
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Click with your pen tool where you want to begin creating your path. This will later become your selection.
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Hold and drag to make a curve. You will see a small square where you started the path. Drag the cursor until you make a small line or curve that follows the outline of your object. In many cases, you will make hundreds of small curves before completing the path. Continue making these small paths until you go all the way around your object.
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Click on the Paths palette. Once your path is complete, you will see an outlined shape surrounding your object. Double-click on the path in the palette. Click "Save palette" in the dialogue box that appears. At the bottom of the palette, click the dotted circle, which is the "Load as Selection" button. This will create your selection.
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Under the Selection menu, click "Inverse." This will select your background. Press Delete if you have a Mac or Backspace if you have Windows.
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Tips & Warnings
The Pen tool can be tricky to learn at first. While using the pen tool, click the same tool to access the Convert Point tool. This will allow you to modify your path.
Other tools, such as the Polygonal Lasso, work similarly. The Extract tool can be an easy way to quickly erase a background. For more information, see the Resources section.
