Remove a Background in Photoshop (Beginner-Friendly)
This method uses Photoshop’s Select and Mask workspace to create a precise, editable Layer Mask that removes the background. You’ll build a solid base selection, refine edges and hair separately, and then swap in a new background. Everything stays nondestructive for easy tweaks.
Step-by-step instructions
Open Select and Mask and create the base selection
Go to Select → Select and Mask.
Click Select Subject for AI selection, or use the Object Selection Tool (Lasso mode) to target a specific person/area.
Use the Quick Selection Tool to add and Alt/Option‑drag to subtract as needed.
Refine global edges for clean cutouts
In View, use Black & White or On Black to better see edges.
Under Global Refinements, increase Smooth to reduce jaggedness and increase Contrast to sharpen edges.
Use Shift Edge to push the mask inward to remove light halos/fringing.
Output a nondestructive Layer Mask
In Output Settings, choose Output To → Layer Mask → OK.
You now have the subject on its own masked layer.
Refine hair separately
With the layer mask selected, open Properties → Select and Mask.
Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to paint over hair; optionally try Refine Hair (Photoshop 2021+).
Click OK to apply refinements to the existing mask.
Add a replacement background or solid color
Create a new fill: Layer → New Fill Layer → Solid Color → pick any color; drag it below the subject layer.
Optionally place an image: File → Place Embedded → position and confirm to use as the new background.
Fix remaining edge issues on the mask
Select the mask and paint with Brush (B): white reveals, black conceals to clean details.
Use Properties → Density to temporarily lower mask density (onion‑skin style) to spot issues, then return to 100%.
Try the quick Remove Background option (optional)
Select the image layer and in Properties click Remove Background.
Then enter Select and Mask to fine‑tune as above.
