Removing Backgrounds Quickly in Photoshop

1. Load up your photo. Here is the original test photo that I will use:

2. Filter-& Extract… or Alt+Ctrl+X
3. Using the highlighter tool trace the edges of what you want to crop. Use a smaller brush size (around 5) for well defined areas and a larger brush size (around 20) for areas that are less defined like the hair. Use the zoom tool at least once to get a better view. If you have a shaky hand, you may want to use the Smart Highlighting feature.

4. Use the fill tool to specify what areas of the photo you want to extract and click ok.


5. Duplicate and merge the two layers. Cntrl-J then select both layers and then Cntrl-E.
6. Paint in missing drop outs using the History Brush Tool.
7. Use the eraser tool to get rid of any extra stray smudges around the edges.
8. Choose a background and drop it into the photo behind the layer.


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There is one thing that I don’t really like about this solution for removing the background. Unless you copy the original layer, you’re altering the image in a destructive way. I.E. If you ever wanted the background back next week, you’re out of luck. I usually start by adding another layer under my image (just fill it white or black). Then select a rough shape of the person using the “Magnetic Lasso” tool which snaps to the edges of shapes fairly well. I’ll add a layer mask. Then you can use a soft brush to clean up the edges of the mask. The best thing about using a mask is that you can alter the mask later on if you decide it needs tweaking. It’s non-destructive.
One other thing that helps, before you add a layer mask, is to “Feather” your selection by 1 or 2 pixels, depending on how big the original photo is. This gives a softer edge to your mask.

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you can even use the background eraser tool.Protect foreground color should be on.With pick tool select the color of the object which you want to be retained.