Learn the fastest way to remove a background from any image in Adobe Photoshop. This guide covers the one-click Quick Action, perfect for creating transparent backgrounds for portraits, products, and more.
Launch Photoshop and open the image you want to edit by going to File > Open or by dragging the image file directly into the Photoshop workspace.
In the Layers panel (usually on the bottom right), click the small lock icon next to your image layer. This converts the 'Background' layer into a regular layer, which is necessary to allow for transparency.
If it's not already visible, navigate to the top menu and click Window > Properties. This panel provides context-sensitive options for your currently selected layer.
With your image layer selected, look for the Quick Actions section within the Properties panel. Click the Remove Background button. Photoshop's AI will automatically detect the subject and create a layer mask to hide the background.
Photoshop automatically adds a layer mask. You can click on the mask thumbnail in the Layers panel and use a black brush to hide more parts of the image, or a white brush to reveal them for a perfect cutout.
Tips for Cleaner Background Removal
For tricky selections like hair or fur, click the layer mask thumbnail and then click the Select and Mask... button in the Properties panel. Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool for superior results.
The Object Selection Tool or Quick Selection Tool can give you more initial control. Make a selection first, then click the 'Add layer mask' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
To keep your background transparent, save your file as a PNG, TIFF, or PSD. JPEGs do not support transparency and will add a white background.
Create a new layer below your subject and fill it with a bright, solid color. This makes it easy to spot any leftover background pixels or imperfections in your mask.
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