Remove Backgrounds Like a Pro in Adobe Photoshop Elements 2026 (Beginner Tutorial), by HTG Photo on YouTube. 9 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Open Photoshop Elements and load your photo. Switch to Expert mode so the Layers panel and selection tools are visible.
Choose Select > Subject. Photoshop Elements places a selection around the main person or object.
Click Add Layer Mask at the bottom of the Layers panel. The background disappears and stays editable.
Zoom in to the edges and inspect the mask. Paint with a black brush on the mask to hide any leftover background.
Paint with white on the mask to bring back parts of the subject you hid by mistake. Use a soft brush at low opacity.
For hair and fine details, use the Refine Edge brush, then check the result at 100 percent zoom.
To preview a new backdrop, add a Solid Color fill layer below the subject layer. Pick a colour that contrasts with the edges.
Add a Brightness/Contrast or Levels adjustment layer above the subject and clip it to the subject layer.
Hide the colour fill layer, then choose File > Save As and select PNG. Keep transparency on and save a copy.
Tips and common mistakes
Always work on a duplicate layer or use a mask so you can undo mistakes without damaging the original.
Check the cutout against a bright and dark background before saving.
Use PNG for transparency because JPEG will fill the transparent area with white.
A slight feather can help hair look natural, but too much feather makes edges glow.
Questions
Does Photoshop Elements have a Select Subject tool?
Yes. In Expert mode, open the Select menu and choose Subject to select the main person or object automatically.
How do I keep the background transparent?
Save the file as a PNG and keep the transparency option enabled. JPEG does not support transparent areas.
Can I change the background instead of deleting it?
Yes. Add a Solid Color fill layer or place another image below the masked subject layer.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
