How to Add White Background to Photo [Photoshop & GIMP]

Published by Clipping Path India at May 18, 2024

How to Add a White Background Using Adobe Photoshop

To make a photo’s background white in Adobe Photoshop, it’s actually pretty easy. Just follow these steps to make your pictures look clean and pro.

Step 1: Open Your Photo & Select Quick Selection Tool

To start editing your photo, open Photoshop and upload the image you’d like to work on. Look for the Quick Selection Tool on the left side of the screen or press the W key on your keyboard. Simply click and drag over the area you want to select. Photoshop will help by detecting the edges of your subject for you.

Step 2: Refine Your Selection

Once you have a rough selection, click on Select > Select and Mask. Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to clean up the edges, especially around tricky areas like hair. Adjust the Smooth, Feather, Contrast, and Shift Edge sliders until your selection looks good.

Step 3: Remove the Background

With your subject selected, click the Add Layer Mask button at the bottom of the Layers panel. This will hide the background and keep your subject visible.

Step 4: Add a White Background

Click the New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel to create a new layer. Drag this new layer below your subject’s layer in the Layers panel.

Make sure your new layer is selected. Press Shift + F5 to open the Fill dialog box, choose White, and click OK.

Step 5: Refine the Edges & Save Your Image

Select the layer mask thumbnail in the Layers panel. Use the Brush Tool (B) with a soft brush to touch up any edges that need fixing. Paint white to reveal parts of the subject and black to hide any remaining background.

When you’re happy with the result, save your image by clicking on File > Save As. Choose your desired format (like JPEG or PNG) and save it to your computer.

How to Add a White Background Using GIMP

GIMP is a powerful, free alternative to Adobe Photoshop. Here’s how you can add a white background to your photos using GIMP.

Step 1: Open Your Photo & Select Free Select Tool

Launch GIMP and open the photo you want to edit. Click on File > Open and choose your image. Find the Free Select Tool (looks like a lasso) in the toolbox on the left side (or press F on your keyboard). Click around the edges of your subject to create a selection.

STEP 2: Invert the Selection

Go to the Select menu and choose Invert. This will select the subject of the photo instead of the background.

STEP 3: Remove the Background

From the Layer menu, navigate to Transparency, and then choose Colors to Alpha. This will make the background transparent.

STEP 4: Pick the Color to Remove

In the Colors to Alpha dialog, pick the color you want to remove. Typically, this is the existing background color.

STEP 5: Adjust Transparency Threshold

Use the Transparency Threshold picker to select and refine the shadow of the product. This ensures that shadows are maintained correctly.

STEP 6: Adjust Opacity and Blending Mode

Adjust the Transparency Threshold and Opacity Threshold sliders to fine-tune the transparency effect. Set the Blending Mode to Replace for a clean transition.

STEP 7: Deselect the Selection

Deselect the selection and create a new layer.

STEP 8: Reorder the Layers

In the Layers dialog, drag the new white layer below the original image layer. This will place the white background behind your subject.

STEP 9: Save the Final Image

Review the final output to ensure it looks as expected. Save the file by going to File > Export As, choose your desired file format, and save your edited photo.

Tips and Tricks While Adding a White Background to a Photo

Adding a white background to a photo can improve its look. But, it can also be a bit tricky, especially with complex subjects. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:

1. Choose the Right Photo

Use photos where the subject stands out from the background. High contrast between the subject and background makes selection easier. Also, ensure the photo is well-lit. Shadows and low-light conditions can complicate the selection process.

2. Use High-Resolution Images

High-resolution images provide more detail. Low-resolution images can become pixelated and lose quality when edited.

3. Refine Edges Carefully

Zoom in on the edges of your subject to make precise adjustments. Also, use soft brushes for refining edges. This will avoid harsh lines and blend the subject into the new background. Besides, use feathering techniques to soften the edges and make them look more natural.

4. Check for Leftover Background

Carefully inspect the edges of your subject to ensure no background remnants are left. Use the eraser or brush to clean up any leftover background. The automatic tools might have missed some.

5. Consider Lighting and Shadows

Ensure that the lighting on your subject matches the lighting of the new background. Inconsistent lighting can make the edit look unnatural. If your subject had shadows, add a subtle shadow to the white background. This makes the subject look grounded and real.

6. Use Adjustment Layers

Try using adjustment layers to make sure the colors and tones of the subject match the white background. Adjust the brightness and contrast. Do this so the subject doesn’t blend in too much or stand out too brightly against the white background.

To Conclude

Adding a white background to your photos can transform them. It gives a clean, pro look that highlights your subject. You can use Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or online tools. The process can be easy with the right steps and techniques.

Remember to experiment with different methods and tools to find what works best for you. Don’t forget to save your work in multiple formats for flexibility in future edits.

Happy editing!