3 Easy ways to cut out people or objects using Photoshop

• July 24th, 2023
• Photoshop

In this Photoshop tutorial, we will explore three easy techniques to remove objects or people from photos. These methods include using the Quick Selection Tool, Magic Eraser Tool, and Object Selection Tool. Removing unwanted objects or people from a photo can significantly enhance the overall look and feel of the image. It can help you focus on the critical elements and make the photo more appealing to the viewer.

Tutorial Details

• Program: Photoshop
• Time estimation: Under 2 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Preview

Welcome to Crave Nerds! In this Photoshop tutorial, we will explore three easy techniques to remove objects or people from photos. These methods include using the Quick Selection Tool, Magic Eraser Tool, and Object Selection Tool. Removing unwanted objects or people from a photo can significantly enhance the overall look and feel of the image. It can help you focus on the critical elements and make the photo more appealing to the viewer.

Method 1: Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool is perfect for removing objects with contrasting backgrounds. In this example, we will remove a dog from its background. You can use this tool to remove any object that has a distinct outline.

Step 1: Select the Quick Selection Tool

Head to the toolbar on the left and select the Quick Selection Tool. Ensure you have the “+” icon selected.

Step 2: Draw a Selection

Draw a selection around the object (in this case, the dog) you want to remove from the photo. The tool will automatically detect the object and create an outline around it. Make sure to include all the essential parts of the object within the selection. If the tool selects the background, you can switch to the minus icon to deselect those areas.

Step 3: Refine the Selection

Once satisfied with the selection, click “Select and Mask” from the top menu. This option will display a preview on a different colored background such as red, transparent, black, or white. We will stick with an “Overlay” view for this tutorial.

From here, you can further refine your selection by smoothing the edges or shifting them in or out. This refinement assists in creating a cleaner selection, particularly if the background is fuzzy.

Step 4: Create a Layer Mask and Test

After refining the selection, click “OK,” then create a new layer mask to extract the object from the background. To test the result, insert a new background image and check how the extracted object looks in context. This step is essential to ensure that the extracted object blends well with the new background.

Method 2: Magic Eraser Tool

The Magic Eraser Tool works best when you want to remove a solid-colored background. In this example, we will remove the background of a model image in Photoshop. This tool is perfect when you have a photo with a solid colored background that you want to remove.

Step 1: Create a Layer Mask

Select the model layer and create a new layer mask. Working non-destructively ensures you can revert your changes if necessary.

Step 2: Select the Magic Eraser Tool

Head to the Eraser Tool options and choose the Magic Eraser Tool. Adjust the tolerance to 32 and the opacity to 100%.

Step 3: Remove the Background

Click the solid colored background to remove it. Disable the layer background to see the selection. The Magic Eraser Tool should do an excellent job cutting out the background.

Method 3: Object Selection Tool

The Object Selection Tool in Photoshop is ideal for quickly removing objects or people from backgrounds. This tool is perfect to use when you want to remove an object that has a distinct shape and outline.

Step 1: Select the Object Selection Tool

Locate the Object Selection Tool in the toolbar and click on it.

Step 2: Highlight the Object

Hover your cursor over the object or person you want to remove. The tool will create a selection outline around the object.

Step 3: Create a Layer Mask and Test

After confirming the selection, create a layer mask to remove the object from the background. Insert a new background image to test the result in context. This step is essential to ensure that the extracted object blends well with the new background.

Summary

In conclusion, these three methods provide simple and fast ways to remove objects or people from their backgrounds in Photoshop. Each technique has its unique advantages, so experiment and find which one works best for the task at hand. By using these techniques, you can remove unwanted objects or people from your photos and give them a fresh new look.