How Do I Cut Part of an Image Out in Photoshop?

September 8, 2023 photoshop

Are you wondering how to cut out a specific part of an image in Photoshop? Whether you want to remove a distracting element or extract an object for further editing, Photoshop offers powerful tools to help you achieve this. In this tutorial, we will explore different techniques to cut out parts of an image using Photoshop's selection tools and masks.

Selecting the Right Tool

Before we dive into the process, it's important to choose the appropriate selection tool based on the complexity of the image and the object you want to cut out. Here are some commonly used tools:

Rectangular Marquee Tool: This tool allows you to make rectangular selections. Press 'M' on your keyboard or select it from the toolbar.
Lasso Tool: The lasso tool lets you make freehand selections. You can find it by pressing 'L' or locating it in the toolbar.
Magnetic Lasso Tool: If you're working with an object that has well-defined edges, this tool can automatically snap to those edges as you trace them. It is available by clicking and holding on the lasso tool icon in the toolbar.
Polygonal Lasso Tool: This tool is useful for selecting objects with straight edges. Press 'L' and click on the lasso tool icon to reveal it.

Cutting Out a Part of Image

Now that we have our selection tools at hand let's go through the process of cutting out part of an image step by step:

Step 1: Open your Image

To begin, open your desired image in Photoshop by going to File > Open (Ctrl+O) and navigating to the location of your image file. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the image file directly into the Photoshop workspace.

Step 2: Choose your Selection Tool

Select the appropriate selection tool based on the shape of the object you want to cut out. For this tutorial, let's say we're using the Polygonal Lasso Tool. Click on 'L' to activate it.

Step 3: Make your Selection

Now, carefully click to set anchor points around the object you want to cut out. Continue clicking until you have created a closed path around the entire object. To close the loop, click on the starting point or press 'Enter'.

Step 4: Refine your Selection

After making your initial selection, it's essential to refine it for more accurate results. You can go to Select > Refine Edge or use keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+R (Cmd+Option+R on Mac) to access additional options for fine-tuning your selection. Use tools like Smooth, Feather, Contrast, and Shift Edge to adjust accordingly.

Step 5: Cut Out the Selection

Once you are satisfied with your selection and refinements, it's time to remove the selected part from the image. Press Ctrl+X (Cmd+X on Mac) or go to Edit > Cut.

Making Use of Masks

If you prefer a non-destructive approach where you can easily revert any changes made, using masks is highly recommended. Masks allow you to hide or reveal certain parts of an image without permanently deleting any pixels.

Step 1: Duplicate your Background Layer

To start using masks, duplicate the background layer of your image by right-clicking on the layer and selecting 'Duplicate Layer' or by dragging the layer onto the 'New Layer' icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

Step 2: Add a Layer Mask

With the duplicated layer selected, click on the 'Add Layer Mask' button located at the bottom of the Layers panel. A white layer mask thumbnail will appear next to your duplicated layer.

Step 3: Paint on the Layer Mask

Select a brush tool from the toolbar and set your desired brush size, opacity, and hardness. Ensure that your foreground color is set to black. Start painting over the areas you want to hide or cut out. You can switch between black and white colors to refine your mask further.

Step 4: Fine-tune your Mask

To make precise adjustments, use tools like Brush, Gradient, or Eraser with different opacities and sizes. Experiment with these tools to achieve a seamless integration of your cut-out object into its new background.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to cut out parts of an image using Photoshop's selection tools and masks. Remember to choose the appropriate selection tool based on your specific needs and experiment with masks for non-destructive editing. With practice, you'll be able to master these techniques and achieve professional-looking results in no time!