You want to erase the background from your image so that you can clear its clutter or simply replace it with something better? Don’t worry. I’ll walk through four easy ways to remove backgrounds in Photoshop. I’ll also show you a smart tool that erases backgrounds in seconds while retaining every detail in your image - no matter how complex. Photoshop offers several tools for background removal, and I’ll be using Photoshop’s web app for this tutorial. Become a Photoshop master with three efficient background removal methods, from Quick Selection for swift selections to the precise edits of the Eraser tool. Photoroom's AI-powered tool simplifies background removal for high-quality images without complex software. Here’s everything you’ll learn about how to remove backgrounds in Photoshop:
Quick overview of methods
The Quick Selection tool uses Adobe’s Sensei AI technology to detect edges in your image after you’ve painted a selection, making it easier to separate your subject from the background. Best for: Making quick selections, images with more complex details, and when there’s a high contrast between your subject and background.
Using the Quick Selection tool for background removal: Sign in to Photoshop and upload your image by clicking Create + on the menubar to the left or select Upload file in the welcome screen. Click on Select in the toolbar to open some options and choose Quick Selection. Toggle the Detect objects switch on and choose the image subject (which is the chair, in the image below). Photoshop will place a pink highlight on it with wiggly lines so you know that you have selected the right thing. Press Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C) on your keyboard to make a copy of the selected area. Navigate to the Layers menu on the right and select the + sign to make a new layer. In the new layer, press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V) to paste the selected area. Click on the previous layer that has the whole image and click the eye icon next to it to hide it. Now, you are left with the layer that has only the image subject on a transparent background.
The Remove Background tool is easy to use but isn't ideal for detailed background removal, so you might have to use other tools to refine your selection. Best for: Images with a single subject against a simple background, and when you need to quickly erase backgrounds without worrying about smooth edges.
How to erase backgrounds in Photoshop with the Remove Background tool: Sign in to Photoshop and upload your image by clicking Create + on the menubar to the left or select Upload file in the welcome screen. Click the Remove background option at the bottom of the image in the editing screen. Photoshop scans the image, identifies the subject, and erases the background. You might also be interested: Add a green background to your pictures.
The Eraser tool gives you the most control over your edits, but requires patience and practice. It allows you to manually erase the background around your subject, but you have to be careful to not erase your image subject as well. Best for: When you need to erase specific parts of your background, or are working on images with irregular shapes.
How to delete backgrounds in Photoshop with the Eraser tool: Sign in to Photoshop and upload your image by clicking Create + on the menubar to the left or select Upload file in the welcome screen. Click on Paint in the left menu and select the Eraser option. Your eraser will appear as a black dot on the editing area. Adjust the brush size and hardness as you wish and glide the circle over the areas you want to erase.
Saving and additional tips: Whichever way you choose to go, you can easily save your background-free image by clicking the blue Download button at the top menu bar.
Photoroom: a faster AI-based background removal
Erase backgrounds faster with Photoroom. If you have zero editing skills or don’t have the time to figure out several tools, you can use Photoroom’s background remover. The tool uses image recognition and segmentation algorithms to automatically remove image backgrounds and help you seamlessly create higher-quality images. It’s a complex process, but you can rest knowing that you don’t have to do any of the labor. All you have to do is go to sign up to use our Web editor or - if you prefer working on your phone - install the app for free on your iOS device or Android device. Then, upload your picture, and you’re good to go. Read more: How to remove backgrounds with your phone in Photoroom.
After deleting your background, you can resize your picture, adjust its lighting and shadows, or use AI to create gorgeous, custom backgrounds that match your picture’s subject. You can save even more time by using the Batch Mode feature to quickly delete backgrounds from hundreds of images at once - especially useful if you’re a business owner. “I use Photoroom to edit my photos. It is great because it has the option to bulk edit,” Ashley Peek, a top seller on Poshmark said after using the Batch Mode feature to create high-quality images that boosted revenue by 45x.
Choosing the right method for your image
For quick edits with strong subject-background contrast, Quick Selection offers speed and decent precision. For simple backgrounds and fast results, Remove Background is convenient. For irregular shapes or meticulous edge control around delicate subjects, the Eraser tool provides manual finesse. Photoroom serves as an excellent backup when time is critical or when you need batch processing across many images.
Practical steps recap
- Open Photoshop on the web app and upload your image.
- Choose a method: Quick Selection, Remove Background, or Eraser depending on detail level and time.
- Refine edges if needed and create a new layer with the subject on transparency.
- Save or export your background-free image.
- Quick Selection for fast, edge-detecting selections using Sensei AI.
- Remove Background for quick erasing with automatic subject detection.
- Eraser tool for manual cleanup and precise edge control.
- Photoroom for AI-driven, fast background removal and batch processing.