When it comes to editing photos, one of the most essential skills to master is cutting out an object or person from its background. This technique, also known as “masking” or “extracting,” can be a game-changer for photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists alike. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Photoshop and explore the various methods to cut a photo, covering the basics, intermediate techniques, and expert-level tricks to help you achieve professional results.
Preparation is Key: Before You Start Cutting
Before we dive into the cutting process, it’s crucial to prepare your image for optimal results. Here are a few essential steps to follow:
Choose the Right Image
Select an image with a clear distinction between the subject and the background. A high-contrast image with a simple background is ideal for beginners. Avoid images with intricate details, such as hair or fur, as they can be challenging to cut out accurately.
Open Your Image in Photoshop
Launch Adobe Photoshop and open your chosen image. Make sure it’s in RGB mode and has a reasonable resolution (at least 72 dpi).
Make a Copy of the Original Layer
Duplicate the original layer by going to Layer > Duplicate Layer or using the shortcut Ctrl + J (Windows) or Command + J (Mac). This will ensure you have a backup of the original image in case you need it later.
Basic Cutting Techniques
Now that we’ve prepared our image, let’s explore the basic cutting techniques in Photoshop.
The Magic Wand Tool
The Magic Wand Tool is a popular choice for beginners, as it’s relatively easy to use and can produce decent results.
Step 1: Select the Magic Wand Tool (W) and adjust the settings in the Options bar.
Step 2: Click on the background area to select it. The Magic Wand Tool will automatically detect the edges of the subject and create a selection.
Step 3: Refine the selection by going to Select > Refine Edge or using the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) or Command + Shift + R (Mac).
Step 4: Invert the selection by going to Select > Inverse or using the shortcut Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac).
Step 5: Cut out the selected area by going to Edit > Cut or using the shortcut Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac).
The Lasso Tool
The Lasso Tool offers more precision than the Magic Wand Tool and is suitable for subjects with complex edges.
Step 1: Select the Lasso Tool (L) and adjust the settings in the Options bar.
Step 2: Draw a rough outline around the subject, using gentle strokes to follow the edges.
Step 3: Refine the selection by going to Select > Refine Edge or using the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) or Command + Shift + R (Mac).
Step 4: Invert the selection by going to Select > Inverse or using the shortcut Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac).
Step 5: Cut out the selected area by going to Edit > Cut or using the shortcut Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac).
Intermediate Cutting Techniques
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some intermediate techniques to improve our cutting skills.
The Pen Tool
The Pen Tool is a powerful and precise method for cutting out complex subjects.
Step 1: Select the Pen Tool (P) and adjust the settings in the Options bar.
Step 2: Create a path around the subject by clicking and dragging the Pen Tool to create anchor points.
Step 3: Refine the path by adjusting the anchor points and handles.
Step 4: Convert the path to a selection by going to Path > Make Selection or using the shortcut Ctrl + Enter (Windows) or Command + Enter (Mac).
Step 5: Invert the selection by going to Select > Inverse or using the shortcut Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac).
Step 6: Cut out the selected area by going to Edit > Cut or using the shortcut Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac).
Layer Masks
Layer Masks allow for precise control over the transparency of a layer.
Step 1: Create a new layer by going to Layer > New > Layer or using the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac).
Step 2: Use the Brush Tool (B) to paint a mask around the subject, adjusting the brush size and hardness as needed.
Step 3: Refine the mask by going to Image > Adjustments > Invert or using the shortcut Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac).
Step 4: Cut out the selected area by going to Edit > Cut or using the shortcut Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac).
Expert-Level Cutting Techniques
Now that we’ve covered the basics and intermediate techniques, let’s explore some expert-level methods to take your cutting skills to the next level.
Select and Mask Workspace
The Select and Mask Workspace is a powerful tool for cutting out complex subjects.
Step 1: Go to Select > Select and Mask or use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + R (Windows) or Command + Shift + R (Mac).
Step 2: Use the tools in the Select and Mask Workspace to refine the selection, adjusting the settings and options as needed.
Step 3: Click “OK” to apply the selection.
Step 4: Invert the selection by going to Select > Inverse or using the shortcut Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac).
Step 5: Cut out the selected area by going to Edit > Cut or using the shortcut Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac).
Channels and Masks
Working with channels and masks allows for advanced control over the cutting process.
Step 1: Go to Window > Channels to open the Channels panel.
Step 2: Create a new channel by going to Channel > New Channel or using the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac).
Step 3: Use the Brush Tool (B) to paint a mask in the new channel, adjusting the brush size and hardness as needed.
Step 4: Refine the mask by going to Image > Adjustments > Invert or using the shortcut Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac).
Step 5: Cut out the selected area by going to Edit > Cut or using the shortcut Ctrl + X (Windows) or Command + X (Mac).
Conclusion
Cutting a photo in Photoshop requires patience, practice, and a willingness to learn. By mastering the basic, intermediate, and expert-level techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating stunning, professional-grade images that will take your photography and design skills to the next level. Remember to always work on a copy of the original layer, experiment with different tools and techniques, and refine your selections meticulously to achieve the best results. Happy cutting!
How do I select the right tool for cutting out a photo in Photoshop?
The right tool for cutting out a photo in Photoshop depends on the complexity of the selection and the desired level of precision. For simple selections, the Rectangular Marquee Tool or the Elliptical Marquee Tool may suffice. However, for more complex selections, the Pen Tool or the Magic Wand Tool may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the choice of tool will depend on the specific needs of the project and the photographer’s personal preference. It’s a good idea to experiment with different tools to find the one that works best for a particular image.
What is the best way to make a selection in Photoshop?
The best way to make a selection in Photoshop is to use the tool that best suits the shape and complexity of the object being selected. For example, the Pen Tool is ideal for making precise selections around curved or irregular shapes, while the Rectangular Marquee Tool is better suited for selecting rectangular areas.
Additionally, using the “Add to selection” and “Subtract from selection” options can help to refine the selection and remove any unwanted areas. It’s also important to use the “Refine Edge” tool to smooth out the edges of the selection and remove any rough or jagged lines.
How do I remove the background of a photo in Photoshop?
To remove the background of a photo in Photoshop, you can use the “Select and Mask” workspace or the “Refine Edge” tool to make a selection around the object. Once you have made your selection, you can invert the selection by going to “Select” > “Inverse” and then delete the background by pressing the “Delete” key.
Alternatively, you can use the “Layer” > “New” > “Layer via Copy” option to create a new layer with the selected object, and then delete the original layer. This will leave you with a transparent background and the object on a new layer.
Can I use the Magic Wand Tool to cut out a photo in Photoshop?
The Magic Wand Tool can be used to cut out a photo in Photoshop, but it’s not always the most reliable option. The Magic Wand Tool is best suited for selecting large areas of uniform color, but it can struggle with complex or irregular shapes.
However, if you’re working with an image that has a high-contrast background, the Magic Wand Tool can be effective. Simply set the tolerance to a low value and click on the background area to select it, then invert the selection to select the object.
How do I smooth out the edges of a selection in Photoshop?
To smooth out the edges of a selection in Photoshop, you can use the “Refine Edge” tool. This tool allows you to adjust the edge detection, hair thickness, and other settings to refine the selection and remove any rough or jagged lines.
Additionally, you can use the “Select and Mask” workspace to make adjustments to the selection, including feathering the edges and adjusting the mask. This can help to create a more natural-looking selection with smooth edges.
Can I use Photoshop Elements to cut out a photo?
Yes, you can use Photoshop Elements to cut out a photo, but it may not have all the advanced features and tools that are available in the full version of Photoshop. Photoshop Elements does offer a range of selection tools, including the Magic Wand Tool and the Selection Brush Tool, which can be used to make selections and cut out objects.
However, if you need more advanced features, such as the Pen Tool or the “Select and Mask” workspace, you may need to upgrade to the full version of Photoshop. Additionally, Photoshop Elements may not have the same level of precision and control as the full version of Photoshop.
How do I save a cut-out photo in Photoshop?
Once you have cut out a photo in Photoshop, you can save it as a PSD file, a JPEG file, or a TIFF file, depending on your needs. If you want to preserve the transparent background, you should save the file as a PSD or a TIFF file with a transparent background.
Alternatively, you can save the file as a JPEG file, but you will need to add a background color or layer first. You can also save the file as a PNG file, which supports transparency and is ideal for web use.