Thanks to Adobe’s Sensei AI, removing a background in Photoshop is now faster and more intuitive than ever before. While a variety of tools can get the job done, the latest versions of Photoshop streamline the process with powerful, automated features.
The One-Click Method: “Remove Background”
For a majority of images, especially those with a clear subject and a high contrast between the subject and the background, the “Remove Background” quick action is your best friend. This AI-powered tool does most of the heavy lifting for you.
Unlock the Layer: Open your image and make sure the layer is not locked. You can do this by clicking the padlock icon in the Layers panel.
Access the Quick Action: Navigate to the Properties panel (if you don’t see it, go to Window > Properties). Under “Quick Actions,” you’ll find a Remove Background button.
Click and Wait: Click the button. Photoshop’s AI will automatically detect the subject, create a layer mask, and remove the background in a matter of seconds.
This method is non-destructive, meaning it creates a layer mask rather than permanently deleting pixels. This is a huge benefit, as you can easily refine the edges later.
The Refine-and-Perfect Method: “Select and Mask”
Sometimes, the one-click method may miss small details, like stray hairs or complex edges. When this happens, you need to refine the mask.
Enter “Select and Mask”: After using the “Remove Background” quick action, a layer mask is created. To edit it, double-click the layer mask thumbnail or click the “Select and Mask” button in the Properties panel.
Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool: In the “Select and Mask” workspace, select the Refine Edge Brush Tool from the toolbar on the left.
Brush the Edges: Gently brush along the challenging areas, especially around hair or fur. Photoshop’s AI will analyze the area and intelligently include the subtle details that were missed.
Feather and Shift Edge: Use the Feather slider to soften the edges of your selection for a more natural look. You can also use the Shift Edge slider to contract or expand the mask, which helps to remove any lingering “halos” around your subject.
Once you’re satisfied, click OK to apply the changes to your layer mask.
Other Useful Tools for Specific Cases
While the AI-powered tools are a huge time-saver, knowing the classic methods is still valuable for more complex situations.
Object Selection Tool: This tool allows you to click or draw a rectangle around an object, and Photoshop’s AI will automatically detect the subject. It’s perfect for isolating a single, well-defined subject.
Background Eraser Tool: This tool is great for manual, precise control. It samples the color you click on and erases all pixels of that color as you drag, making it ideal for backgrounds with a single, uniform color.
Pen Tool: For the ultimate precision, the Pen Tool allows you to create a vector path around your subject. While it’s the most time-consuming method, it gives you a perfectly clean, sharp cutout, which is essential for professional product photography.
Once you’ve removed the background, remember to save your image as a PNG file to preserve the transparency.
For a visual guide on the latest background removal features, check out this video: NEW 1-Click Background Removal in Photoshop 2025.
NEW 1-Click Background Removal in Photoshop 2025 | Huge Upgrade! – YouTube
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