Photoshop has several tools that can be used for retouching and making a picture better. As a retoucher, you should keep in mind that each tool works differently. You need to have proper knowledge and understanding about all the tools before you begin to retouch an image.
One of the common tasks carried out in Photoshop is removing an unwanted background from a picture. As said earlier, you can choose from a variety of tools to carry out this task as well. Some of the tools are pen tool, background eraser tool, magic wand tool and many more. Let us look at each of these tools and see which one is the best.
Background Removal Tools in Photoshop
Whether you are selling stuffs online, making collages, creating presentations or simply want to use the picture without its background, the first thing you will have to do is remove the background. You may choose from the following tools and start editing your image background.
- Background Eraser Tool–This tool may be hidden below the Eraser Tool. You only have to click, hold the eraser and rub it across the background. It is used to delete pixels of the same color and is similar to what you would do using the Paint feature.
- Pen Tool – Pen tool also known as the Quick Mask Tool is used to protect the edges of your object in the image. You would not want to remove the sharp borders that are an important part of your picture. Pen tool is used for selecting an area and deleting the unwanted background.
- Magic Wand Tool – This is a selection tool with the help of which you will be able to remove unwanted background from a picture. It is advised that before erasing the background, you should copy the background layer, so that you can still recover the image in case of any error. Select Magic Wand Tool using ‘W’ and click the background that has to be erased.
- Extract Filter –Re-touchers will have to manually install this tool on Photoshop. It easy to use and does a great job when you have to work on a person’s hair. It is ideal for simple backgrounds.
- Quick Selection and Refine Edge –It is a good tool used to paint a selection around an object. As you start making a selection, the tool will automatically identify edges and help you to extract only the required portion. It saves a lot of time and suits photos that have defined edges.
- Magneto Lasso Tool –This tool is used while working on simple backgrounds that have only one color. It can also be used on images that have high-contrast backgrounds. You can set feathering and anti-aliasing properties that make extraction look better.
Most Preferred Tool for Background Removal
As you have seen, there are multiple tools in Photoshop that can be used to remove a background. Out of all the tools, the Pen Tool seems to be the best choice of service providers and the favorite among majority of photo retouchers. A photo retouching service provider which name is picsretouch.com also in favor of Pen Tool.
The Pen Tool does not promise any magic, instead gives you the liberty to make a selection on your own. You can create a path around the object and extract the same, thus removing excess background. Although, it is time consuming, it gives you a crisp output.
In order to attain mastery with the Pen Tool, it is important that you practice this tool every day. You can outline your work and delete everything around the object. The more you practice, the better will be your background extraction skills.
The best way to excel in photo retouching is to apply whatever you learn while you begin to edit images. Pick up a new tool each day and work one the same till you become proficient. Photoshop tools are easy to learn provided you work with dedication and interest.
