How to Remove Backgrounds from images in Adobe Photoshop Using the New AI Tools

Removing backgrounds used to take a lot of careful selection work in Adobe Photoshop. With the new AI-powered features in Adobe Photoshop, the process is faster and more accurate than ever. Whether you’re preparing a product photo, a social media post, or just want to isolate a subject, you can achieve a clean cutout in just a few clicks.

In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through the steps.

Step 1: Open Your Image in Photoshop

Launch Adobe Photoshop.

Go to File > Open and select the image you want to edit.

Step 2: Unlock the Background Layer

In the Layers panel, your image might appear as “Background” with a lock icon.

Click the lock icon or right-click and choose Convert to Smart Object.

Step 3: Use the “Remove Background” AI Button

• Select the Properties panel (Window > Properties if you don’t see it).
• With your image layer selected, scroll down to the Quick Actions section.
• Click Remove Background.
• Photoshop will instantly use Adobe Sensei AI to detect the subject and remove the background.

Refine the Edges (Optional)

Depending on the complexity of your image, you may have to do some clean up on the edges.

• Go to the Select > Select and Mask… menu.
• Use tools like Refine Edge Brush Tool to clean up hair, fur, or tricky details.
• Adjust Feather and Contrast sliders for a natural cutout.

Add a New Background (Optional)

• To replace the background, create a new layer under your subject.
• Fill it with a color, gradient, or drag in a new photo.