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How Do I Cut Out a Subject in Photoshop?

Last updated on September 24, 2022 @ 1:28 pm

There are a few different ways that you can cut out a subject in Photoshop, and the method you choose will depend on the image you are working with and the level of precision you need.

If you have an image with a simple background, you can use the Quick Selection tool to quickly select the subject and then delete the background. For more complex images, or if you need more control over the selection, you can use the Pen tool to create a precise path around the subject. Once you have made your selection, you can use the Refine Edge tool to fine-tune the selection edge.

To cut out a subject using the Quick Selection tool:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.

2. Select the Quick Selection tool from the Toolbar.

3. Position the cursor over the area you want to select, and then click and drag to draw a selection around the subject. As you drag, the selection will expand to include adjacent pixels that are similar in color to those on the edge of your initial selection.

4. To add to an existing selection, position the cursor outside of the selection area, and then click and drag to draw another selection. To remove pixels from an existing selection, position the cursor inside of the selection area, and then click and drag to draw a new selection.

5. When you are satisfied with your selection, press Delete (Mac) or Backspace (Windows) to delete the selected pixels and create a transparent background.

To cut out a subject using the Pen tool:

2. Select the Pen tool from the Toolbar. Position the cursor over the area you want to select, and then click and drag to draw a path around the subject. As you drag, anchor points will be placed along your path at each point where there is a change in direction or curvature. To close your path, position your cursor over the first anchor point, and then click once while holding down Shift. Alternatively, you can click on the “Close Path” icon in your options bar. When your path is complete, right-click (Windows) or Control-click (Mac) inside of it, and then select “Make Selection” from the menu that appears. In your options bar, make sure that “Feather” is set to 0 pixels so that there is no soft edges on your selection border.

6. Press Delete (Mac) or Backspace (Windows) to delete the selected pixels and create a transparent background

PRO TIP: If you are not familiar with Photoshop, or if you are new to using the software, you may want to avoid using the “How Do I Cut Out a Subject in Photoshop?” feature. This feature can be found under the “Edit” menu, and it allows you to cut out a subject from a photo. However, if you are not careful, you may end up cutting out part of the photo that you did not intend to.
Morgan Bash

Morgan Bash

Technology enthusiast and Co-Founder of Women Coders SF.