Those involved in ecommerce and graphics design know that background removal and transformation is a regular task needed to focus viewers’ attention on the main subject. If you know how to make background transparent in Photoshop, you can instantly ditch distractions and make an object depicted stand out in the frame.
Method #1. Using the Remove Background Tool
You can get rid of the whole background or remove the background of a picture with the help of AI-based features in Photoshop. The most popular option, in this case, is Remove Background. Thanks to AI nature, it accurately scans the background and removes it without affecting subjects. Most processes are carried out in the Layers panel. You can use provided sliders to adjust contrast, obscurity, and jagged edges.
1. Open Your Photo in Photoshop
First off, open Photoshop and upload your file.
2. Duplicate the Image
Duplicate the image in a new layer. You need to press Ctrl+A (Win) or Cmd+A (Mac). Then, press Ctrl+C > Ctrl+V. This way, you will select a photo, copy it, and add it to a new layer. Once done, a new layer will appear in the Layers panel on the right.
3. Click the Eye Icon
Find the Background layer in the Layers panel, and click the eye icon to make it invisible. Such steps won’t cause changes to the source photo because the duplicate Layer 1 is on top of the Background layer.
4. Click Remove Background
Head to the Properties panel on the right, choose Quick Actions there, and click Remove Background.
Now you know how to make background transparent in Photoshop. To save an image with a transparent background, you need to export a file in PSD or PNG format.
Method #2. Manually
If you want to learn manual methods to make a background transparent in this photo editing software, keep reading.
To zap the background manually, you need to select an entire subject by outlining even its finest details so that it clearly stands against the background. Photoshop offers several tools for the task. The choice mainly depends on the photo you are working with and your personal preferences.
1. Open It
Import a photo or drag & drop it into the program. Next, click Window > Layers.
2. Unlock Your Background Layer
Click on the lock next to the background layer to make it accessible for work.
3. Use Magic Wand Tool
Go to the panel with tools and choose Magic Wand Tool there. Click Select Subject in the upper panel.
To adjust the sensitivity of the tool, go to the top of the window and use the Tolerance control.
4. Use Shift to Make Changes
You can customize the selection with the help of the Magic Wand Tool by holding Shift.
5. Choose Inverse
Once the entire subject in the photo is selected, choose “Inverse”. You can do it by pressing Shift+Ctrl+I/ Shift+Cmd+I depending on the OS. Or, you can head to the “Select” tab and choose “Inverse” there.
6. Press the Delete Key
With the inverse (background) selected, press Backspace / Delete. The subject must be surrounded by a checkerboard pattern, which is the transparent background Photoshop. Use the same formats for exporting the file as in the previous method.
Method #3. Using Select and Mask
Another popular method to make background transparent Photoshop is by using Select and Mask, which is sometimes called Refine Edge. It is one of the most powerful selection instruments in the software, which is indispensable if you need to get rid of different objects in a picture.
In fact, this tool works particularly great when it comes to removing objects with uneven edges and irregular shapes.
1. Open File
Upload the needed photo.
2. Duplicate the Layer
Press Ctrl/Cmd+A to select a whole image. Next, press Ctrl/Cmd+C > Ctrl/Cmd+V. This is identical to what we do in the first method and the purpose is the same.
3. Hide It
There will appear the Layers panel. Click the eye icon there to conceal the background layer.
4. Select Subject
Click Quick Actions > Select Subject on the Properties panel.
5. Select and Mask
Open Select > Select Subject.
Method #4. With the Help of Magnetic Lasso Tool
Use a mouse or a stylus to select a subject. Don’t worry about the accuracy of the selection, as you can easily adjust it in the process.
1. Open Image
Open your photo.
2. Unlock the Layer with the Image
Click on the lock icon next to the layer with a photo to make it active.
3. Use Quick Selection Tool
Choose the Quick Selection Tool and select your subject.
4. Use Magnetic Lasso Tool
Head to the Toolbar and select Magnetic Lasso Tool there. To select several areas in an image, hold down Shift while moving the tool across the photo.
5. Create Mask
Add a mask to this layer.