How-to guide / Photoshop
How to remove a background in Photoshop
Photoshop has a one-click AI remover plus manual tools for when the result needs to be exact.
You’ll need: Adobe Photoshop 2021 (v22) or later for the one-click option.
Open the image and unlock it
If the layer is called Background with a lock icon, click the lock to turn it into a normal layer.
Click Remove Background
In the Properties panel under Quick Actions (or the Contextual Task Bar in newer versions), click Remove Background. Photoshop adds a layer mask that hides the background.
Refine the edge
Double-click the mask or choose Select → Select and Mask. Brush along hair with the Refine Edge Brush; paint the mask black or white to hide or reveal areas.
Export as PNG
File → Export → Export As, choose PNG and keep Transparency ticked.
For hard-edged products
Trace the outline with the Pen tool, then right-click the path → Make Selection, and add a layer mask. Slower, but perfectly clean edges.
What Photoshop can’t do well
Requires a paid Creative Cloud subscription. The quick action is an AI guess, like any one-click tool, and often needs mask refinement around hair.
Questions people ask
Why is Remove Background greyed out?
It only works on a normal pixel layer. Unlock the Background layer and make sure a single image layer is selected, not a group or smart object.
Why does my PNG export with a white background?
Either a Background layer is still visible below, or the export was a JPG. Hide filled layers and export as PNG with Transparency on.
Is there a faster way than Photoshop?
If you just need the cutout, drop the picture into QuickCut’s free background remover: no signup, a transparent PNG in seconds, with edge controls and erase/restore brushes. Then open the PNG in Photoshop.