Transform Your Images: 4 Easy Photoshop Tricks for Background Color Change

Transform Your Images: 4 Easy Photoshop Tricks for Background Color Change

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Method 1: Changing the Background Color of an Image with a Normal Background
3. Method 2: Changing the Background Color of an Image with a Studio Background
4. Method 3: Creating a Gradient Background
5. Method 4: Changing White Backgrounds to Color Using a Color Fill Layer
6. Conclusion

Method 1: Changing the Background Color of an Image with a Normal Background

In this method, we will explore how to change the background color of an image that has a normal background. This method is ideal for giving images a simple product photo kind of look. We will start by selecting our subject and cutting out the background. Then, we will add a white background using a color fill layer. The steps involved in this method include:

1. Selecting the image layer and unlocking it.
2. Using the "Select Subject" option in the Properties panel to Create an active selection around the subject.
3. Refining the selection using the Quick Selection tool.
4. Opening the "Select and Mask" option to further refine the selection and remove any fringing.
5. Adjusting the global refinement options to enhance the cutout.
6. Setting the output to "New Layer with Layer Mask" to create a layer with a transparent background.
7. Adding a color fill layer and setting it to white.
8. Rearranging the layers to place the white background behind the subject.

By following these steps, You can easily change the background color of an image with a normal background and achieve a professional-looking result.

Method 2: Changing the Background Color of an Image with a Studio Background

If your image has a studio background with a solid color, you can use this method to change the background color. We will Apply a layer mask to an adjustment layer and use colorize to change the background color. The steps involved in this method include:

1. Unlocking the background layer and selecting it.
2. Using the "Select Subject" option in the Properties panel to create an active selection around the subject.
3. Refining the selection using the Quick Selection tool.
4. Opening the "Select and Mask" option to further refine the selection and remove any fringing.
5. Adjusting the global refinement options to enhance the cutout.
6. Setting the output to "Selection" to keep the subject selected.
7. Adding a hue saturation adjustment layer and applying the selection to the layer mask.
8. Clicking on the "Colorize" option to change the background color.
9. Adjusting the hue, saturation, and lightness to achieve the desired background color.
10. Comparing the before and after to see the difference.

Using this method, you can easily change the background color of an image with a studio background and create a more visually appealing result.

Method 3: Creating a Gradient Background

In this method, we will explore how to create a gradient background behind our subject. This method is great for adding visual interest to your images. We will start by selecting the background, refining the selection, and adding a color fill layer. Then, we will use the gradient tool to create a gradient on a separate layer. The steps involved in this method include:

1. Unlocking the background layer and selecting it.
2. Using the "Remove Background" option in the Properties panel to create an active selection around the subject and apply it to a layer mask.
3. Refining the selection using the Quick Selection tool and the Select and Mask option.
4. Adjusting the global refinement options to enhance the cutout.
5. Setting the output to "Selection" to keep the subject selected.
6. Adding a color fill layer and setting it to a middle gray color.
7. Creating a new layer above the color fill layer and selecting the gradient tool.
8. Opening the gradient editor and choosing the foreground to transparent gradient.
9. Setting the foreground color to the desired color for the gradient.
10. Clicking and dragging on the canvas to create the gradient.
11. Adjusting the intensity of the gradient by repeating the previous step as needed.

By following these steps, you can easily create a gradient background behind your subject and enhance the overall visual appeal of your images.

Method 4: Changing White Backgrounds to Color Using a Color Fill Layer

If you want to change a white background to a color, this method is for you. We will use a color fill layer with a special blending mode to achieve the desired effect. Please note that this method only works with images that have a white background. The steps involved in this method include:

1. Selecting the subject and cutting out the background using the "Select Subject" and "Select and Mask" options.
2. Adding a color fill layer and setting it to the desired color.
3. Inverting the layer mask of the color fill layer to apply the color only to the background.
4. Changing the blending mode of the color fill layer to "Multiply" to incorporate the original background exposure values.
5. Adjusting the color of the color fill layer as needed.

By using this method, you can easily change white backgrounds to color and achieve a more vibrant and visually appealing result.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed four easy methods for changing the background color of an image in Photoshop. Each method is suitable for different types of backgrounds and allows you to achieve professional-looking results. Whether you have a normal background, a studio background, or a white background, these methods will enable you to change the background color and enhance the visual appeal of your images. Experiment with each method to find the one that works best for your specific image and creative vision. So go ahead and give these methods a try in your next photo editing project!

Highlights

• Learn four easy methods to change the background color of an image in Photoshop
• Transform a normal background into a simple product photo look using a color fill layer
• Change the background color of an image with a studio background using colorize and a layer mask
• Create a gradient background to add visual interest to your images
• Change white backgrounds to color using a color fill layer with a special blending mode
• Enhance the visual appeal of your images with these simple and effective techniques in Photoshop

FAQ

Q: Can I use these methods on images with complex backgrounds? A: These methods work best on images with simple backgrounds or studio backgrounds with single colors. If the background is complex or has multiple colors, the results may not be as desirable.

Q: How can I make the background color more realistic in Method 2? A: To make the background color more realistic, you can adjust the saturation and lightness in the hue saturation adjustment layer. Experiment with different settings until you achieve the desired result.

Q: Can I change the color of the gradient in Method 3? A: Yes, you can change the color of the gradient by double-clicking on the color fill layer and selecting a new color. This allows you to customize the gradient to your preference.

Q: Can I use Method 4 to change backgrounds other than white? A: No, Method 4 is specifically designed for changing white backgrounds to color. It may not work effectively on backgrounds of other colors.

Q: Are these methods reversible? A: Yes, all of these methods are non-destructive, meaning you can always go back and make changes or revert to the original image if needed.