How to cut out objects cleanly

Quick Selection Tool (W) – Best for Objects with Defined Edges

Select the Quick Selection Tool (W) from the toolbar.

Click and drag over the object to let Photoshop automatically detect edges.

Use Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) to subtract from the selection if needed.

Select Subject – Best for Simple Backgrounds

Go to Select > Subject and let Photoshop automatically detect the main object.

Refine the edges using Select and Mask (explained later in the tutorial).

 Pen Tool (P) – Best for Complex Shapes and Precise Selections

Select the Pen Tool (P) and create anchor points around the object.

Complete the path and right-click > Make Selection.

Feather the selection by 1-2 pixels for smoother edges.

Magic Wand Tool (W) – Best for Solid Color Backgrounds

Select the Magic Wand Tool (W).

Click on the background to select similar colors.

Adjust Tolerance in the top menu (20-30 for best results).

Press Delete to remove the background.

Refining Edges with Select and Mask

Once you have a selection, refining the edges will help make the cutout look more natural.

With your selection active, go to Select > Modify > Expand/Contract to adjust the selection size.

Open Select > Modify > Feather (1-2px) for smoother edges.

Click Select and Mask in the top menu.

Adjust the Radius slider under Edge Detection to refine details like hair.

Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to clean up tricky areas.

Output as a Layer Mask for non-destructive editing.

Removing Backgrounds Using Layer Masks

Instead of deleting parts of an image, use Layer Masks for more control.

With the selection active, click the Layer Mask icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

The background will disappear, but the object remains editable.

Use a soft brush on the mask to refine edges manually.