Try these tutorials with Photoshop
Edit photos to create new images and graphics.
How to make a layer mask from a selection
Turn a selection into a layer mask to replace a photo background.
What you’ll need
Practice in the app
What you'll need
Download sample files
ZIP, 39.1 MB
This sample file is an Adobe Stock asset you can use to practice what you learn in this tutorial. If you want to use the sample file beyond this tutorial, you can purchase a license onAdobe Stock . Check out the ReadMe file in the folder for the terms that apply to your use of this sample file.
What you learned
How to automatically select a subject
Select the main subject on a layer automatically using Select > Subject.
How to turn a selection into a layer mask
You can turn any selection into a layer mask by creating a layer mask while the selection is active. When you make a layer mask from a selection, Photoshop automatically adds black to the layer mask where there was no selection, and Photoshop leaves the area where there was a selection white.
How to replace a background nondestructively
One use for creating a layer mask from a selection is to replace a background. The black that Photoshop adds to the layer mask hides the area around the selection, without deleting that area permanently. This causes layers below to show through and appear as a new background for the subject.
