3 Ways to Change Image Background in Photoshop

By Caroline Wilson Aug 14, 2024 Edit Image

Changing a photo's background can dramatically alter its appearance, making it more engaging or suitable for your intended use. Photoshop, a powerful image editing tool, can help you change your image background with color or replace the image. In this article, we'll share the full guide to changing photo backgrounds in Photoshop.

GUIDE LIST: Part 1. How to Change Photo Background in Photoshop in 3 Ways; Part 2. Easier Way to Change Photo Background in Seconds Without Photoshop; Part 3. Which Way is Better; Part 4. FAQs

Part 1. How to Change Photo Background in Photoshop in 3 Ways

Photoshop stands as a premier tool for changing image backgrounds, offering unparalleled precision and flexibility. With its array of advanced selection tools, such as the Magic Wand, the Pen tool, and the Quick Selection tool, users can seamlessly isolate subjects from their original backgrounds. Additionally, Photoshop's powerful layer masks and blending options enable smooth integration of new backgrounds, making it a priceless tool for photographers, novice or expert, striving for perfect edits.

Method 1. Using the Quick Selection Tool

Step 1

Launch Photoshop and open the image whose background you want to change.

Step 2

Choose the Quick Selection Tool (shortcut: W) from the toolbar. It may be nested under the Magic Wand Tool if you are unable to view it.

Step 3

To make a selection, click and drag the subject. Photoshop's AI will assist by automatically identifying the subject's edges. If necessary, you can change the brush size using the top menu.

Once the initial selection is made, go to Select > Select and Mask. Use the tools available to refine the edges. Adjust the Radius and use the Refine Edge Brush Tool for finer adjustments.

Step 4

To close the Select and Mask workspace, click OK. Now, click the Add Layer Mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will hide the background.

Step 5

Open the new background image in Photoshop and drag it into your main document. In the Layers panel, place this layer below the subject layer.

Resize and position the new background as needed using the Transform tool (shortcut: Ctrl+T or Cmd+T).

After that, you can export the edited image to your computer.

Method 2. Using the Pen Tool

Step 1

Launch Photoshop and open the image whose background you want to change.

Step 2

From the toolbar, select the Pen Tool (shortcut: P).

Carefully click to create anchor points around the edges of the subject. For curves, click and drag to adjust the handles.

Click on the first anchor point to terminate the path after tracing the entire subject.

Step 3

Choose Make Selection by performing a right-click inside the path. Set the Feather Radius to 0 pixels for a sharp edge.

Step 4

If you want to remove the image background in Photoshop to get a transparent one, then click Delete here. If you want to add a new background, just follow the above steps to mask the selection, add the new background, and change your image background.

Method 3. Using the Magic Wand Tool

Step 1

Launch Photoshop. Open the image you want to edit.

Step 2

In the toolbar on the left, select the Magic Wand Tool. If you don't see it, it might be nested under the Quick Selection Tool. You can access it by right-clicking the Quick Selection Tool and then selecting the Magic Wand Tool.

Step 3

At the top of the screen, adjust the Tolerance setting. A lower tolerance (e.g., 10-30) selects colors very similar to the pixel you click on, while a higher tolerance (e.g., 50-100) selects a broader range of colors.

Ensure the Contiguous option is checked if you want to select only adjacent areas of similar color.

Step 4

Click on the background area of your image. The Magic Wand Tool will select the area based on the color range you specified.

To add more areas to your selection, hold down the Shift key and click on the additional areas you want to include.

Step ”5″

”Choose

Step 6

Press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Command + J (Mac) to make a copy of the selection on a different layer. This will isolate your subject from the background.

Step 7

Please create a new layer and move it below your subject layer. Fill this layer with the color or image you want as your new background.

To fill with color, use the Paint Bucket Tool or go to Edit > Fill. To use an image, open the image, drag it into your project, and position it under the subject layer.

Step 8

Once you're happy with the outcome, select File > Save As to save your work. Choose the desired file format and location.

Tips

1.For regions with uniform color, the Magic Wand Tool is appropriate as it picks areas with just one click based on color similarity.

2.The Pen Tool allows for precise, editable paths and shapes, perfect for complex and detailed selections.

3.The Quick Selection Tool rapidly selects areas based on texture and color as you paint over the desired region, making it great for quick, less precise selections.

Photoshop offers versatile tools for changing backgrounds, each suitable for different levels of detail and user proficiency. However, it is a little complicated for beginners. Moreover, the subscription is not cost-effective for anyone.

Part 2. Easier Way to Change Photo Background in Seconds Without Photoshop

If you're looking for a quick and straightforward way to add a white background to your photos without installing software, ArkThinker Background Remover is an excellent choice. This intuitive software simplifies the process of isolating the subject from its original background and replacing it with a clean, white backdrop, perfect for professional presentations, e-commerce, and personal projects. By using advanced AI technology, ArkThinker ensures precise cutouts and seamless background integration, making it an ideal choice for both novices and experts seeking high-quality results.

Step 1

Visit ArkThinker Background Remover in your browser on your device.

Step 2

Click the Add Files to Start button to upload the photo from your device that you wish to change the background of.

Step 3

Let the AI work its magic with the automatic background removal feature. For a personal touch, use the manual tool to fine-tune the edges by erasing or restoring specific areas.

Step 4

After the background is removed, select the Edit option. Pick the color or another image for the background and set it as your new background.

Step 5

Finally, click the Download button to export your photo with a changed background to your device.

Part 3. Which Way is Better

Measurement	Photoshop	ArkThinker Background Remover
Ease of Use	Moderate to difficult	Easy
Precision	High	Moderate
Time Required	Longer	Shorter
Learning Curve	Steep	Flat
Customization	Extensive	Limited
AI Support	No	Yes
Cost	High	Free
System Requirements	Windows, Mac	Web for computer and mobile
User Interface	Complex	Simple
Support for Advanced Editing	Extensive	Minimal

Part 4. FAQs

What tool is used for changing the background of your image in Photoshop?

In Photoshop, tools like the Quick Selection Tool, Pen Tool, and Magic Wand Tool are commonly used to change the background of an image.

What is the difference between background and layer in Photoshop?

In Photoshop, the background is the initial image layer that typically cannot be moved or altered without converting it to a regular layer. A layer, on the other hand, is a separate image or adjustment that can be stacked and edited independently.

What is the shortcut for background in Photoshop?

There isn't a specific shortcut to directly select the background in Photoshop, but pressing Ctrl + J (Windows) or Cmd + J (Mac) duplicates the selected layer, allowing you to work on a copy while preserving the original background.

Conclusion

Changing the background of a photo can be achieved through 3 methods in Photoshop, each offering varying levels of control and precision. For those seeking an easier alternative, tools like ArkThinker Background Remover provide a quick and user-friendly solution. Whether you choose the power of Photoshop or the simplicity of ArkThinker, the right tool depends on your specific needs and expertise.

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