How to Make a White Background in Photoshop

By Ted Published June 14, 2023

In the realm of digital design, Adobe Photoshop is a force to reckon with. An all-powerful tool in the hands of both novices and professionals, it offers a myriad of features, each solving unique design problems. A common request among users is to transform a background into white. This seemingly simple action can vastly improve an image's visual impact, making it more suitable for online stores, professional portfolios, or digital marketing materials.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore several techniques on how to make a white background in Photoshop. The methods vary in complexity, and each serves a particular purpose. Let's delve in!

Understanding the Importance of a White Background

A white background is a standard for various industries. Online stores prefer product images with white backgrounds for a uniform, clean look that highlights the product. Likewise, professional photographers and digital marketers often opt for white backgrounds due to their versatility and the visual emphasis they place on the foreground subject.

Method 1: Using the Paint Bucket Tool for Solid Backgrounds

If your image already has a solid background, transforming it into white is a straightforward process.

Step 1: Open your image

Begin by launching Photoshop and opening your image. Click on 'File,' then 'Open,' and navigate to your image.

Step 2: Select the Paint Bucket Tool

Find the 'Paint Bucket Tool' on the toolbar, which looks like a paint bucket pouring paint. If you can't see it, it might be hidden under the 'Gradient Tool.' Click and hold the 'Gradient Tool' to reveal it.

Step 3: Set your foreground color to white

Before using the 'Paint Bucket Tool,' make sure your foreground color is set to white. You can do this by pressing 'D' on your keyboard to reset the foreground and background colors, followed by 'X' to swap them.

Step 4: Click on the background

With the 'Paint Bucket Tool' selected and white set as your foreground color, click on the background of your image. It should immediately turn white.

Method 2: Using the Quick Selection Tool for More Complex Backgrounds

For images with more complex or non-solid backgrounds, you'll need to make a selection around the subject before changing the background to white.

Step 1: Open your image

Just like before, you need to open your image in Photoshop.

Step 2: Select the Quick Selection Tool

In the toolbar, find and select the 'Quick Selection Tool,' which looks like a paintbrush with a dotted oval around its tip.

Step 3: Make a selection around your subject

Use the 'Quick Selection Tool' to make a selection around the subject of your image. You can adjust the size of the tool using the bracket keys on your keyboard. Click and drag the tool across your subject. If the tool selects areas you don't want to include, press and hold 'Alt' or 'Option' on your keyboard and click or drag across these areas to deselect them.

Step 4: Invert your selection

To select the background instead of the subject, you need to invert your selection. To do this, go to 'Select' in the top menu and click on 'Inverse.'

Step 5: Use the Paint Bucket Tool

Now that your background is selected, use the 'Paint Bucket Tool' as described in the previous method to turn the background white.

Method 3: Creating a Layer Mask for Detailed Backgrounds

For images with highly detailed backgrounds or where the subject and background colors are similar, creating a layer mask is the most effective method.

Step 1: Open your image and duplicate the layer

As always, start by opening your image in Photoshop. Then, duplicate the layer by right-clicking on the background layer in the layers panel and selecting 'Duplicate Layer.'

Step 2: Select the Quick Selection Tool and make a selection around your subject

Just like in method 2, use the 'Quick Selection Tool' to make a selection around your subject.

Step 3: Refine your selection

To refine the edges of your selection, go to 'Select and Mask' in the top menu. Use the tools and sliders in the 'Select and Mask' workspace to perfect your selection. Pay particular attention to the 'Edge Detection' and 'Global Refinements' sections.

Step 4: Output to Layer Mask

Once you're satisfied with your selection, go to the 'Output Settings' at the bottom of the 'Select and Mask' workspace. From the 'Output To' dropdown menu, select 'Layer Mask' and click 'OK.' You'll now have a new layer with a layer mask.

Step 5: Create a new white background

Finally, create a new layer by clicking on the 'Create a new layer' button in the layers panel. With your new layer selected, use the 'Paint Bucket Tool' to fill it with white. Then, drag this layer below your masked layer to place the white background behind your subject.

Conclusion

Creating a white background in Photoshop may seem daunting at first, but with practice, these methods will become second nature. Depending on your image's complexity, you can choose the method that best suits your needs. Remember, patience is key when dealing with intricate details, and practice makes perfect!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I maintain the quality of my image when changing the background to white?

Ensure your image is in high resolution to begin with. When saving your work, choose a format like PNG or TIFF that does not compress and degrade the image quality.

How do I deal with white or light-colored subjects when making the background white?

The selection process can be challenging for white or light-colored subjects. You might need to manually adjust the edges in the 'Select and Mask' workspace. The 'Contrast' and 'Shift Edge' sliders can be particularly useful for this.

Can I make a colored background instead of white?

Yes, simply change the foreground color before using the 'Paint Bucket Tool.' Any color can be your background.

What do I do if the Quick Selection Tool isn't selecting accurately?

Photoshop's 'Quick Selection Tool' uses contrast to make selections. If the tool isn't selecting accurately, the subject and background likely have similar colors. In this case, use 'Select and Mask' to manually refine your selection.

Is it possible to save my image with a transparent background instead of white?

Yes, to save your image with a transparent background, hide or delete the white background layer, then save the image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG.