How to cut out an object from a photo in Photoshop

Cutting out an object or a person in a picture is not difficult - it can be done in one click. The main difficulty is to clearly distinguish the boundaries of the object and thereby ensure accurate separation from the background. Then it's up to the small: place the cut out element on a new layer and save.

There are different techniques for selecting and cutting out objects in Photoshop. Consider several popular options that even beginners will be able to do. The methods can be used both individually and in combination with each other.

How to cut a simple object in Photoshop

A quick way using the Object Selection, Magic Wand and Quick Selection tools. Suitable for objects of simple shape with relatively clear contours on a plain contrasting background.

1. Open the desired image in Photoshop.

2. Select the Object Selection tool by right-clicking on its icon.

3. Select the area around the object, and in a second the program will automatically determine its boundaries. If everything is correct, go to step 4.

If the object is monochromatic and there were inaccuracies in the previous step, try using the Magic Wand. Select it in the same tool menu and click on the item.

If even with this tool it’s not possible to accurately mark the boundaries, try “Quick Selection”. Tap on the object, and then move the cursor, working with it like a brush. To add an uncaptured fragment, click while holding down the Shift key, and to remove an extra selection, also click, but with Alt (Option) pressed.

4. Now that the object is selected, all that remains is to cut it. To do this, press Shift + Ctrl + J (Shift + Cmd + J). The item will be placed on a new transparent layer, where you can work with it further or save it by turning off the background and choosing the menu "File" → "Export" → "Export as ...".

How to cut out a more complex object in Photoshop

If the subject in the photo has jagged edges and merges with the background, then the previous method is unlikely to help. In this case, the easiest way to draw a selection outline is with the Pen tool. It will take more time, but the result will be much better.

1. Load the image into Photoshop and select the Pen Tool. Click on the edge of the object to add the first anchor point. It will then become the last one when the circuit closes.

2. Continue shaping the subject's outline by adding anchor points at key points where the curve of the line should start and end. Don't try to put as many of them as possible. Special accuracy of the borders is not needed now - we will work on it a little later.

3. Walk around the perimeter of the object and form a rough outline. Close it by clicking on the first point.

4. Now switch to the Pen+ tool. Add more points by clicking on the path where the edges are angular.

5. Move the new points (the cursor will change to an arrow) to achieve the most correct contour.

6. When done, right click mice, select Select Area, press OK. If you wish, you can experiment with the value of the feather radius and the anti-aliasing option to remove inaccuracies in the selection.

7. After that, Shift + Ctrl + J (Shift + Cmd + J) cut out the selected area and place it on a new layer. You can work with it further or export to a file by turning off the previous layer.

How to cut out an object with fine details in Photoshop

This option is suitable for the most difficult cases, when the photo has a lot of small details like hair, blades of grass or wool, and also when the background is not contrasting. The way is to use RGB channels to create contrast and simplify the selection process.

1. open a photo in Photoshop, go to the Channels tab and Ctrl + 3, 4, 5 (Cmd + 3, 4, 5) alternately switch between red, green and blue. Find one that has the highest contrast between the subject and background.

2. Duplicate the selected channel by dragging it to the plus icon.

3. Using the Ctrl + L (Cmd + L) combination, call up the "Levels" menu and, by moving the extreme sliders under the histogram, make the object become as dark as possible, and the background - light. Ideally black and white. As the contrast increases, fine details will be lost, so find a balance for yourself.

4. Press O to select the Burn tool and work it through all the highlights on the object.

5. Now switch to Dodge and go over the dark areas in the background.

6. Hold down Ctrl (Cmd), click on the layer thumbnail to select the object, and then switch to the RGB channel by pressing Ctrl + 2 (Cmd + 2).

7. Go to the "Layers" tab and click on the lock icon to unlock the layer.

8. Using the combination Shift + Ctrl + J (Shift + Cmd + J) cut the selected object and place it on a new layer. Turn off the background and continue working or save image, by selecting the menu "File" → "Export" → "Export as ...".