Make a Background Transparent in Photoshop (Select Subject + Mask)
You can quickly remove a background and make it transparent by selecting the subject and applying a layer mask. This walkthrough uses Photoshop 2024’s Contextual Task Bar for one-click subject selection and a mask for a clean, non-destructive result.
Step-by-step instructions
1
Open the image and show the Contextual Task Bar
Drag and drop your image into Photoshop.
Go to Window → Contextual Task Bar to display the task bar.
2
Select the subject
On the Contextual Task Bar, click Select Subject.
Wait for the selection to generate and review the marching ants around the subject.
3
Mask to remove the background
Go to Layer → Layer Mask → Reveal Selection (or click Add Layer Mask in the Layers panel).
The subject remains and the background becomes transparent.
