Want to give your photos a fresh new look? In this guide, you’ll learn how to change the background color in Photoshop and other editing tools. We’ll cover simple techniques step by step, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users to enhance their images.
What Is the Background in a Photo?
The background is the part of an image that sits behind the subject, providing context and enhancing the overall composition. Without a proper background, the subject can appear incomplete or floating.
A well-chosen background helps draw attention to the subject and can even emphasize the theme of a product or scene. That’s why selecting a relevant background is essential when you want to change the background color in Photoshop or improve any photo’s visual appeal.
Change Background Color in Photoshop (Step by Step)
To follow this tutorial, you’ll need photo editing software with selection and layering tools. While several programs can achieve similar results, Photoshop is the most versatile and reliable.
We’re using Photoshop CC 2019, but other versions will work as well since the steps are largely the same. This guide will show you how to change background color in Photoshop step by step.
Step 1 – Select the Subject in Photoshop
To change the background color in Photoshop, the first step is to separate the subject from the background. This requires making a clean selection, and Photoshop offers several tools for the job:
- Pen Tool
- Quick Selection Tool and the Magic Wand Tool
- Select & Mask tool
- Lasso Tools (Polygonal & Magnetic)
- Marquee Tools (Rectangular & Elliptical)
- Background Eraser Tool
For this tutorial, we’ll use the Pen Tool to create an accurate path around the subject. Once the path is complete, convert it into a selection by pressing Ctrl/Command + Enter (Win/Mac).
Pro Tip: If you’re new to Photoshop, check out our guide on how to make the background transparent in Photoshop for more selection techniques.
Step 2 – Isolate the Subject from the Background
Isolating the subject is an easy process. As we have already made a selection, we use Ctrl/Command+J for Win or MAC to copy it to a new layer. Also, you can use a mask after selection.
Just click on the mask, then right-click over the mask and select ‘Apply Layer Mask’ from the drop-down menu. We have another content, “How to do Photo Cut Out easily in Photoshop” where you can explain. Here, we are using the ‘Copy to a new layer option’ and hide the background layer.
Step 3 – Add a Solid Background Color in Photoshop
Using a solid-colored background is the easiest way to change the color. We are going to use a solid-colored background. Just click on ‘Create new fill or adjustment layer and choose ‘Solid Color.’
Choose any color you want. We are selecting white for the time being. Whenever the color you choose is selected from the ‘Color Picker’ window; by pressing OK, you can apply the color for the background. Also, you can change the color of this layer anytime you need to.
Just double-click on the color picker thumbnail from the layer, and you can have the window again. Then choose your required color and press OK to apply. This operation also covers “how to make the black background in Photoshop.”
Step 4 – Replace the Background with an Image
Hide the ‘Color fill’ layer and click and drag any image as a background over the project. Well, you can place the image without hiding the color fill layer; it works the same. You can resize the image to fit the canvas if it is small or big.
Use Ctrl/Command+T for Win/MAC for the Transform tool and resize from the anchor points. If you are using Photoshop CC 2019 or above versions, click and resize from anchor points. Previous versions require to use of the ‘Shift’ key to maintain the aspect ratio while resizing.
As you do not have the ‘Color Picker’ option here, you need to use the Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. We have made some adjustments to change the color of the layer, maintaining the subject. You can do the same for changing the subject color if required. But this tutorial is about the background.
So, we may discuss that in another tutorial. Just place the Hue/Saturation layer over the subject layer and use the Clipping Mask.
Step 5 – Apply Effects for Better Background Blending
An additional part of photo color correction is effect addition. Well, you can skip this part if you do not like it. However, the effect addition can give the image an eye-catching look.
So, add a ‘Color Lookup’ table and choose the best effect that suits your image. We are using ‘filmstock_50.3dl’ that gives the image a relevant look.
Step 6 – Save Your Photoshop Background Color Change
After completing all the steps above, it is time to save the image. Save it in a PSD (Photoshop Document) format so that you may modify it later. The format keeps all the method history for you.
Also, there are other formats you can save. One of the most popular and support-friendly formats is JPEG. You can decrease image size and use it for the web as well.
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- Hair Color Correction – Tips for correcting hair colors in Photoshop for realistic results.
Conclusion | Background Color Change Photoshop
Changing the background color is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to transform a photo. A well-chosen background can highlight your subject, set the right mood, and make the image look more professional.
- When to use solid colors: Solid backgrounds (like white, black, or brand-specific colors) are perfect for product photos, e-commerce images, and professional headshots. They keep the focus on the subject and create a clean, polished look.
- When to use image backgrounds: Using a photo or textured background works well for lifestyle images, creative projects, or when you want to add context and storytelling to your subject.
Whether you go for a clean minimal style with solid colors or a more dynamic feel with custom images, the key is to ensure the background enhances rather than distracts from the subject. With Photoshop, you have full control—so experiment until you find the look that best suits your image.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I change my background for free?
You can use free tools like Photopea, GIMP, or Canva. Upload your image, use the selection tool to isolate the subject, and replace the background with a new color or image. No paid software is required.
2. How do I change my Google background color?
- Open Google Chrome.
- Go to the Google homepage.
- Click the “Customize” button at the bottom-right corner.
- Choose a background image or color from the options.
- Click Done to apply.
3. Can I change a background on my phone?
Yes! You can use mobile apps like Canva, PicsArt, or Snapseed. Most apps allow you to select your subject and replace the background with a solid color or another image.
4. What is the shortcut key for background color change?
In Photoshop, there isn’t a single shortcut for changing the background color directly. You first need to select the subject (e.g., Ctrl/Command + J to copy it to a new layer), then create a Solid Color fill layer to change the background.
5. How to change background color into white?
- Select the subject in Photoshop.
- Copy it to a new layer and hide the original background.
- Add a Solid Color fill layer and choose white.
- The background will now be white behind your subject.