How To Add Photos In Photoshop

How to replace a background in Photoshop Tutorial

Learn the quickest and best way to cut out a photo and put it on a different background in Photoshop. This Photoshop tutorial uses Select and mask in Photoshop CC.

In this case, I shot the model, Callan against a seamless background made of gray Savage paper. I recommend using a simple background if you know you are going to cut out the photo. If you have a complex background, use this tutorial, on cutting out difficult images.

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Step 1

Choose the quick selection tool

Step 2

Click on Select Subject in the top (if CC 2019 or newer), otherwise select with the quick selection tool

Select subject in Photoshop

Step 3, refine the selection

Use the quick select brush to add to the selection by using a small brush and clicking on areas to add to the selection. To deselect areas, hold down the alt/option key and use the quick select brush.

refining selection with Quick selection tool

Step 4

Click on Select and Mask

Select and mask

Note the view and Opacity settings I have chosen to show the cutout on a white background.

Select and Mask in Photoshop CC

Step 5

Turn on Show edges

show edges in refine edge

Adjust the radius until you see a thin outline.

making selection in Photoshop

Turn off "Show Edges"

hide the selection edges

Step 6

Use the refine brush around the hair

refining long wavy hair in photoshop cut out tutorial

Step 7

Choose New Layer with Layer Mask from the options

Click OK

output settings for select and mask

the photoshop cutout

Step 8

Open the image with the new background

new background Airforce Academy — @ Colin Smith Photography

Step 9

Go back to your cutout image

Make sure you have the layer selected and not the mask.

Drag into the menu tab for the new background (don't let go yet) wait for the window to open

combining images in Photoshop

Drop the photo on the new background. (If you are stuck on this step, see this tutorial)

person on new background

Step 10

Press Ctrl/Cmd+T for free transform

Photoshop free transform

Position, Scale and rotate the layer to fit the background.

The final image on a new background showing layers in Photoshop

Try it against some other backgrounds if you like.

Alternative background #2

Xtra Credit

Check out these tutorials to help you get a good match on your 2 images, this is called a composite. (Hit the search magnifying glass at the top of the site to search for more free Photoshop tutorials on Compositing.)

How to Match colors in Photoshop Layers
How to add cast shadows

Thanks for checking out this simple tutorial.

Leave a comment and let me know what you'd like to learn next.

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Great to see you here at the CAFE!

Colin

Here are some more tutorials on Cutting out images in Photoshop

► 3 best ways to cut out a photo in Photoshop
► Using the Pen tool in depth
► How to cut our transparent objects
► How to cut out trees in Photoshop
► How to extract impossible images
► How to cut out hair in Photoshop