How to take the background colour out of the main picture?

coolio

Hey everyone I am new to these forums and to photoshop so go easy on me:)

I'm wanting to make a signature for myself so I can use it on forums. I got a few renders from planetrenders. I use the magic eraser tool on them to get rid of the background but it gets rid of the background plus it takes like half the main picture away too... I don't know if I am doing something wrong but does anyone know how I can make it just get rid of the background and not the main picture too Confused

If someone has another method or has a solution please could you post the answer:)

Once again, I am noob at this stuff so any answer will be helpful.

Thanks Heaps Big Grin

iDad · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:12 am Post subject:

to remove background go to layers palette right click> remove background, but it sounds like you need to select an area that you want to keep. first. you need to show us what your trying to do or an example of it al least

hawkeye · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 10:35 am Post subject:

The best tool to use in Photoshop will depend on the image itself, and the quickest method is seldom the best. Frankly, I don't remember ever using the magic eraser tool, it's just too random. You'll have more control with the Background Eraser Tool, but chances are it will still require some additional work.

Consider making a loose selection around the objects you wish to retain, reverse the selection and delete. Then use the eraser around the edges of the parts you are retaining.

coolio · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject:

I could not find Palete under Layers?

iDad · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:34 pm Post subject:

post your full picture

rogermota · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:28 am Post subject:

coolio,

I'd suggest using the Extract tool. It's perfect for the job. Here's some youtube videos on how to use it: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=remove+anyone+from+a+photo&aq=f

moondog · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:08 am Post subject:

I've done this a hundred times for various signatures for myself and others. I use Quick Mask to accomplish this.

to me it's easier and cleaner ... let me know if you want to give this method a try and need help.

dog

MyWurl · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 4:03 pm Post subject:

Hi moondog,

Can you post the process you use. I find removing backgrounds a tedious task but then again I'm new to photoshop and probably not aware of the ins and outs as yet.

moondog · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 4:24 pm Post subject:

MyWurl,
My way is tedious as well, but works the best I've found, but there are others who use other ways.
I always start making sure I have 2 layers of the same image.

Then select the quick mask tool

Then select a paint brush and what you do is paint. It is like painting on a separate layer with a low opacity. You will either paint what you want to keep or what you want to get rid of. What is really cool about this is that you can also use the eraser on parts that you have painted too far.

As long as you stay in Quick Mask mode, you can continue to paint/erase until you get it just right.

Once you get it the way you want, go back to normal mode (the button to the left of quick mask) and hit delete. (this may delete the part you want to keep, just go back one step CTRL+ALT+Z and then go to SELECT/INVERSE and delete).

You might need to go in tight with the regular eraser just to clean up a bit, but not usually.

Let me know if you need more help.

salvadore · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 5:37 pm Post subject:

Hi guys, so I have this old tutorial I did, that I just re uploaded for the sake of helping my fellow photoshoper,

If you want to check it here is a link,
http://www.cc6582.hostcentric.com/Mask_Tutorial.html

SORRY!! There are no images with the tut anymore, if you have any questions let me know via P.M. or something

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