Are you tired of having distracting elements in your photos that take away from the main focus? Photoshop has a powerful feature that allows you to easily cut out people or objects from your images and place them in a new background. Whether you want to remove an unwanted person from a group photo or create a composite image, cutting someone out in Photoshop is a skill that every photographer should have in their toolkit.
Step 1: Open your image in Photoshop
Begin by opening the image you want to edit in Photoshop. Go to File > Open, select the image from your computer, and click Open.
Pro tip: To work non-destructively and preserve the original image, make a duplicate of your background layer by right-clicking on it in the Layers panel and selecting Duplicate Layer.
Step 2: Select the Pen Tool
To cut out someone in Photoshop, you’ll need to use the Pen Tool. Select it from the toolbar on the left side of the screen or press ‘P’ on your keyboard.
Pro tip: If the Pen Tool is showing the Freeform Pen or the Curvature Pen, right-click on it and select the Pen Tool from the context menu.
Step 3: Start creating a path
Click on a point along the outline of the person or object you want to cut out and continue clicking to create a path. The Pen Tool uses Bézier curves, which allow you to create smooth and precise paths.
Pro tip: Use fewer points for straight or slightly curved edges and more points for complex curves and irregular shapes.
Step 4: Complete the path
When you reach the starting point of your path, click on the initial point to close it. To fine-tune your path, you can adjust the position of the points and handles. Use the Convert Point Tool (found by right-clicking on the Pen Tool) to modify the curve direction of a point.
Pro tip: Hold the spacebar while creating the path to temporarily access the Hand Tool and move around the image.
Step 5: Make the selection
Once you have a closed path, right-click on it and choose Make Selection from the context menu. Set the Feather Radius to 0 and click OK.
Pro tip: To refine the selection, you can use the Select and Mask workspace. Right-click on the selection and select Select and Mask. Here, you can adjust the edge refinement and view the result against different backgrounds.
Step 6: Cut out the person
With the selection active, press Ctrl/Command + X or go to Edit > Cut to remove the person from the image. You can now place them in a new background or paste the isolated person onto another image.
Pro tip: To create a realistic composite, pay attention to lighting and shadows. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and color of the person to match the new background.
Mastering how to cut someone out in Photoshop opens up a world of creative possibilities. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to seamlessly remove unwanted elements from your photos and create stunning composite images that tell the story you want to share.
How to Cut Someone Out in Photoshop: A Step-by-Step Guide
Photoshop is a powerful tool that allows you to manipulate images in various ways. One common task is cutting out a person or object from a photo to place them in a different background or remove unwanted elements. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to cut someone out in Photoshop.
Step 1: Open the Image in Photoshop
Start by opening the image you want to work with in Photoshop. Go to File > Open and select the file from your computer. It will open in a new document window.
Step 2: Select the Pen Tool
The Pen Tool is the best tool for precise selections. Select it from the toolbar on the left side of the screen or press the P key on your keyboard.
Step 3: Create a Path Around the Person
Zoom in on the image to get a closer view. Click on the edge of the person and start creating a path around them by adding anchor points. Be as precise as possible to achieve a clean cutout. Continue placing anchor points until you complete the path.
Step 4: Refine the Path with Bezier Handles
To refine the path, select the Direct Selection Tool (A) from the toolbar. You can now adjust the position of the anchor points and manipulate the bezier handles to make the path follow the curves and contours of the person more accurately.
Step 5: Convert the Path into a Selection
Once you are satisfied with the path, right-click on it and choose “Make Selection” from the drop-down menu. Adjust the Feather Radius if needed and click OK. The path will now be converted into a selection.
Step 6: Cut Out the Person
With the person selected, go to Edit > Cut or press Ctrl + X on your keyboard to remove them from the image. The person will disappear from the document window, leaving a transparent area in their place.
Step 7: Add a New Background
To place the cutout person on a new background, open the image you want to use as the background in Photoshop. Drag and drop the image onto your original document to create a new layer.
Step 8: Position and Resize the Cutout
Drag the cutout layer to the desired position on the new background. Resize it if needed by selecting Edit > Free Transform or pressing Ctrl + T. Use the handles to adjust the size and proportions as desired.
Step 9: Final Touches
After placing the cutout person on the new background, you can make further adjustments to blend them in seamlessly. Use tools like the Eraser Tool, Layer Masks, or the Brush Tool to remove or add elements and make fine-tuning adjustments.
By following these steps, you can easily cut someone out in Photoshop and manipulate the image to create stunning compositions or remove unwanted subjects. Remember to save your work as a PSD file to preserve the layers for future editing.
Choosing the Right Tools
When it comes to cutting someone out in Photoshop, using the right tools can make all the difference. With the wide range of available tools, it’s important to find the one that suits your specific needs and that will give you the best results. Here are some key tools to consider:
Pen Tool
The Pen tool is a precise and versatile tool that allows you to create smooth and accurate selections. It allows you to manually trace the outline of the subject you want to cut out, using anchor points and control handles. This tool gives you full control over your selection and is ideal for complex or detailed selections.
Quick Selection Tool
The Quick Selection tool is a more automated option that allows you to make selections based on the color and texture of the subject. It works by analyzing the pixels in the image and selecting similar areas. This tool is great for selecting subjects with well-defined edges or for making quick and simple selections.
When using these tools, it’s important to pay attention to the brush size and hardness settings. A smaller, harder brush will give you more precise results, while a larger, softer brush will make it easier to select larger areas or smooth out jagged edges.
Additionally, keep in mind that Photoshop also offers other selection tools like the Magic Wand tool, the Lasso tool, and the Select Subject feature. Experiment with these tools to find what works best for your specific needs.
| Tool | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pen Tool | – Precise and accurate selections – Ideal for complex or detailed selections |
– Requires more time and skill – Can be challenging for beginners |
| Quick Selection Tool | – Fast and easy to use – Works well with well-defined edges |
– May not be as precise – Can struggle with complex selections |
Ultimately, the right tool for you will depend on the specific image and selection you’re working with. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools and techniques to find the one that suits your needs and gives you the best results.
Q&A:
What is the purpose of cutting someone out in Photoshop?
The purpose of cutting someone out in Photoshop is to remove the person from the image or to place them in a different background.
Is cutting someone out in Photoshop a difficult process?
The difficulty of cutting someone out in Photoshop depends on the complexity of the image and the person’s outline. It can be a bit challenging for beginners, but with practice, it becomes easier.
Are there any alternative methods to cut someone out in Photoshop?
Yes, there are alternative methods to cut someone out in Photoshop. You can also use the “Magic Wand Tool” or the “Quick Selection Tool” to make the selection, or you can use a layer mask to hide the unwanted areas. The best method to use depends on the specific image and your preferences.
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