How to Isolate Images in Photoshop

Before we begin, it’s important to clarify one crucial rule: never use the Eraser tool in Photoshop to isolate objects in an image.

Layer Masks for Isolating Images in Photoshop

In the lesson below, we’ll show that Layer Masks can do everything that the Eraser tool can — and even more. Layer Masks create a channel in your layer that allows you to “paint over” parts of an image as desired.

Unlike the Eraser tool, Layer Masks also allow you to recover information you deleted earlier.

Step 1: Set the Artboard Size

Before importing your image, ensure that the canvas size is what you want, or check that your image resolution is correct (to check the image size, go to the Image > Image Size menu).

Step 2: Duplicate the Layer

Although the Layer Mask tool is very useful, it’s always a good idea to have a backup path.

Step 3: Create a New Layer and Fill it with Color

Use the Paint Bucket tool (G) to fill the new layer with one color. If your image has a white or light background, fill the bottom layer with a dark color to ensure you don’t miss any spots.

Conversely, if your image has a dark background, choose a lighter color for the bottom layer.

Step 4: Add a Layer Mask to the Layer You Want to Edit

At this point, you’re ready to start removing parts of your image. Select the Brush tool (B) and ensure that the brush color is black.

Note: You must click on the Layer Mask icon, which will appear on your layer, or else you’ll just be drawing on the layer itself. See below:

Step 5: Paint Over the Image

Now, you can paint over the background, and you can also restore it by changing the brush color from black to white.

Remember: Black erases the image, white brings it back.

Step 6: Final Touches

At this stage, it’s advisable to save your working file in PSD format. This way, you can always return to the project and continue editing.

If you’re sure you’re finished, you can move the Layer Mask icon to the trash, and Photoshop will ask if you want to apply the changes to the image. Click “Yes.”

Once you confirm the changes, all previous steps will be finalized (just like using the Eraser tool). That’s why saving the project before this step is a great idea.

And that’s it! Now you have everything you need to successfully isolate or remove parts of images.

Going forward, you won’t be erased with the Eraser tool, because after just a few hours, you may realize that you can’t recover what’s been erased.

Note: This tutorial is only suitable for raster images. Although you can use Layer Masks with vector images, the changes cannot be applied until you convert the image to raster.

Original: www.shutterstock.com/blog/how-to-isolate-images-using-layer-masks-in-photoshop