How to Change Background color in Photoshop

Learn how to change the background color in Photoshop: Open your image, create and rasterize a layer, select the subject, pick a solid color, and apply.

Changing image backgrounds can help make the image visually more appealing. Whether it’s your own picture or product images, changing the background comes in handy for both.

You can remove the background using different tools. However, Photoshop offers precise control with multiple features, including “Quick Selection,” “Magic Wand,” and “Background Eraser.” After removing the background, you can use it to edit further.

With a few simple steps, you can change the color of the background. This will make your products stand out with a background that will complement them.

Step by Step Guide on Changing Image Background in Photoshop

Most ecommerce product images have a neutral background. It’s added through editing. You can also do it by following the below easy steps:

Method 1: Rasterize Background

It’s an easy and effective method that even beginners can follow, too. Here is how you can do it:

First, you need to choose the image you want to work on. To do this, you need to click on “File” and then click “Open.” Browse for the image file on your computer, select it, and click “Open again.”
Now, click on Layers.

A menu bar will appear with a number of options. From here, for an easy and convenient experience, select “Rasterize Layer.”

Now, select the quick selection tool and mark the foreground of the image that you want to keep unchanged.
Once the foreground is selected, look at the top bar. You will find the “Select Subject” button. Click on it. A pop-up notification may appear for the confirmation; click OK.

Now, click on the “Layers” panel again and click on the icon marked below

More options will appear, and you have to choose “solid color” from it. A color picker is about to appear on the screen from where you can choose the color. Pick the color you like and then click on “OK.”
Don’t close the “Layers” panel yet. Click on “Mask,” and then click “Properties.”

Another pop-up menu will appear with a few more options. Click on “Invert,” and the background color will be changed.

Your color-changing process is done. However, if you think the color does not suit the image, there is no need to go through the entire process again. All you have to do is click on “Layers” and then double-click the mask. Layer style menu will appear, and from here, you can change the color as you like.

Method 2: Remove the Background

You can also use this method to remove the existing background. This will let you put the image into any background. This is effective when you want to have a gradient background.

Step 1: Unlock the “Layer” and then select “Properties.”
Step 2: Find and click on the “Remove Background” option. In one click, the background will be erased.

Step 3: Now, you will get a transparent background that is ready to palace on any background you like. However, check the edges of the image carefully as sometimes there can be a little messed up result. It’s easy to resolve them using an eraser or restore option.
Step 4: Sometimes, adjusting contrast and smoothness can make the image more suitable to use on other images. Finally, check the decontaminate color button to remove any remaining unwanted background.
Step 5: Now follow these steps chronologically: Layers > New Fill Layer > Solid Color > OK. Now from the color picker, choose the color you like and then click “OK” again.

Tips for the Best Final Results

It’s quite easy to swap or change the background color in Photoshop. However, since most of the actions are done automatically, there can be slight faults. Follow these tips to refine the final result:

Choose the Right Selection Tool

You have multiple tools to do the task. Whether you should go for the magic wand, quick selection tool, or pen tool needs to be decided thoughtfully.

Magic Wand Tool: Ideal for selecting large, uniform areas with similar colors. It’s quick and efficient for simple backgrounds.
Quick Selection Tool: Best for selecting intricate areas with varying details. It allows for easy adjustments as you paint over the selection.
Pen Tool: Perfect for precise selections along complex edges. It offers great control for shapes and curves, making it suitable for detailed work.

Refine the Edges for a Natural Look

In some cases, once you remove the Background, some part of the previous Background may remain on the edges. It might not be easily visible, but to maintain professionalism, you have to remove that. It’s quite easy to do so.

Change the brush type for the Eraser to smooth the edges.
Select the Eraser tool, then click the circular shape with a downward arrow at the top-left.
Open the brush menu and choose the faded edges option under 'General Brushes.'
Use this to make edges smoother against contrasting backgrounds.
Adjust the hue and other settings for the foreground image to match the background.

Match the Lighting and Shadows

If the subject image has different light in different parts of it, it’s important to match the background lighting and shadows. It’s more important when you want to add shadows to the image.

Observe the light direction in the foreground image. Adjust the brightness and contrast of the background to match. Add shadows where necessary to create depth. This will give you a professional-looking product photo.

Benefits of Changing the Color

Make sure you are choosing the right color that complements the subject. Otherwise, the whole process will go in vain. First, decide what mood you want to set and familiarize yourself with consumer psychology and color theory. Try testing with different shades to see what works best.

Why Use Photoshop for Changing Background Color?

There are several tools you can use to change the image background color. However, using Photoshop has some advantages over others, such as:

Precise editing that allows for accurate selection of the subject
You can easily adjust layers with a single click without affecting the original image.
Photoshop offers advanced tools to match colors for a natural appearance.
There are multiple tools that help different options for a perfect finish.
You can save the image in high resolution, which makes the image perfect for uploading to your store.

Final Words

It’s quite easy to change the image background color in Photoshop. You have more than one option to do it. Following the above-mentioned methods, you can use them for any kind of image, even if you are a beginner. With the right background, your images will be more attractive and attention-grabbing.