Using Cutout Tools in Photoshop: Detailed Tutorial (With Online Alternative)

Photoshop provides multiple professional cutout tools

Using cutout tools in Photoshop allows you to separate a specific element or object from the background in an image, creating a transparent background or placing it on a different background. This article will detail the usage of various cutout tools in PS, as well as simpler online alternatives.

Complete Guide to Photoshop Cutout Tools

Photoshop provides multiple cutout tools for different scenarios:

1. Magic Eraser Tool

This is the simplest cutout method, suitable for images with solid color backgrounds:

Operation Steps:

1. Open Photoshop and import the image for cutout
2. Select the Magic Eraser Tool from the toolbar (in the Eraser tool group)
3. Set parameters in the options bar:
   • Tolerance: Controls color similarity range, higher values select wider ranges
   • Opacity: Usually set to 100%
4. Click on the background area, similar colored background will be automatically deleted
5. If background remains, click multiple times or adjust tolerance

Best For: Images with solid color backgrounds and clear contrast with the subject

Magic Eraser is suitable for quick cutout of simple backgrounds

2. Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand Tool can select areas with similar colors:

Operation Steps:

1. Select the Magic Wand Tool (shortcut W)
2. Set tolerance in the options bar (recommended 20-40)
3. Click on the background area to select similar colors
4. Hold Shift to add more areas
5. Press Delete to remove the selected background

Best For: Images with relatively uniform background colors

3. Quick Selection Tool

The Quick Selection Tool is suitable for images with clear distinction between subject and background:

Operation Steps:

1. Select the Quick Selection Tool (shortcut W, same group as Magic Wand)
2. Drag on the subject, the tool will automatically identify edges
3. Hold Alt to subtract excess selection
4. After selection, click “Select and Mask” to optimize edges
5. Output as a new layer with layer mask

Best For: Subjects with clear boundaries like portraits and products

4. Lasso Tool Group

Lasso tools are suitable for situations requiring precise selection:

Polygonal Lasso: Suitable for straight edges, click to set nodes, double-click to close selection Magnetic Lasso: Automatically snaps to edges, suitable for objects with clear contours Standard Lasso: Free draw selection, suitable for irregular shapes

5. Pen Tool

The Pen Tool is the most precise cutout method, suitable for professional needs:

Operation Steps:

1. Select the Pen Tool (shortcut P)
2. Click along the subject edge to create anchor points
3. Drag the mouse to adjust curves to fit the edge
4. After closing the path, press Ctrl+Enter to convert to selection
5. Add layer mask or invert selection to delete background

Best For: Professional cutouts requiring high precision, such as commercial ads and magazine layouts

Pen Tool achieves the most precise cutout results

A Simpler Choice: Online Cutout Tools

If you find Photoshop too complex, or only need cutouts occasionally, online cutout tools are a better choice:

Advantages of Online Tools

• No download required: Open browser and use, doesn’t take disk space
• Simple operation: Upload image, one-click automatic cutout
• AI smart recognition: Automatically identifies people and products, no manual operation needed
• Completely free: Basic features are free to use
• Cross-platform: Works on computers, phones, and tablets

Recommended: 99ue Online PS

99ue Online PS provides professional online cutout features:

Core Features:

• AI one-click smart cutout
• Supports identification of various subjects like portraits, products, and animals
• Fine edge processing, even hair strands are cleanly cut
• Multiple background replacement options
• HD export, no quality loss

Online cutout tools make professional cutout simple

Online Cutout Tutorial

Quick Cutout Steps

1. Open 99ue Online PS
2. Upload the image to be processed
3. The system automatically identifies the subject and removes the background
4. Preview the result, click download when satisfied
5. Select PNG format to save the transparent background image

Manual Fine Adjustment

If AI automatic cutout has small flaws, use tools for fine-tuning:

Eraser Tool: Erase remaining background Brush Tool: Restore accidentally deleted subject parts Magic Wand Tool: Quickly select similar color areas

Cutout Method Comparison for Different Scenarios

Practical Cutout Tips

Tips to Improve Cutout Quality

1. Choose appropriate original image: Images with simple backgrounds are easier to cut
2. Pay attention to edge handling: Zoom in to carefully adjust details like hair and feathers
3. Use layer masks: More flexible than direct deletion, can modify anytime
4. Check contrast: Place on different backgrounds after cutting to check results
5. Save as transparent PNG: Convenient for future use

Solving Common Cutout Problems

White Edge Issue: Use “Select and Mask” feature to adjust edges Hair Strand Handling: Use Refine Edge Brush Tool Semi-transparent Objects: Adjust opacity or use channel cutout Color Spill: Use “Decontaminate Colors” feature to remove background color

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which cutout method is best?

A: There’s no absolute best method, it depends on the image. Simple backgrounds work with Magic Eraser, complex backgrounds with Quick Selection, professional needs with Pen Tool. Beginners are recommended to use online AI cutout tools.

Q: Is online cutout effect the same as PS cutout?

A: 99ue online cutout uses AI smart recognition technology, with excellent results for common subjects like portraits and products. For particularly complex images, PS manual cutout may be more precise.

Q: How to change background after cutout?

A: After cutout, drag the cut subject onto a new background, or directly select background color/image in the online tool.

Q: How to cut hair strands?

A: In Photoshop, use “Select and Mask” feature to adjust edge detection radius; online tools automatically handle hair strand edges.

Q: What format to save after cutout?

A: For transparent background, save as PNG format; for direct use, save as JPG format.

Q: Does online cutout require downloading software?

A: No. 99ue online cutout tool is completely web-based, just open browser and visit 99ue.com to use.

→ Try the Online Cutout Tool Now — No download or installation required, open your browser for professional cutout. Easy enough for beginners!

99ue provides professional-grade online cutout tools with AI smart recognition and one-click background removal, completely free. Supports portrait, product and other scenarios with HD export without quality loss.