Background Removal: A Quick Guide To Primary Techniques And Their Benefits!

Background removal is specifically used to enhance product imagery for eCommerce businesses. With this post-processing technique, you can remove unwanted backgrounds from an image to bring the complete focus on the subject. Background removal, cut-out, etching, clipping, or masking are some of the techniques used to make the subject stand out from its image background.

When we click a picture, sometimes even the most professional camera may not be able to eliminate the distractions from the background. You get an image with a background having all the clutter that may divert your target audience. For instance, some estate images may have an electric pole behind the property or in case of capturing automobiles you get strong shadows behind.

Such results are not very attractive to look at. Hence, they divert the audiences’ attention. Some eCommerce websites have image guidelines where they ask you to only use a clear white background. To upload your product images on such website you need background removal. Online business owners outsource background removal services to amplify the look of images they upload for their customers. Adding a white background, removing all other distractions, gives a professional appeal to the images. Besides, it adds value to the subject.

Therefore, photographers use image background removal services to eliminate all the imperfections and flaws from the shot images and give an attractive look to them. However, there are various techniques that often confuse amateurs who don’t know much about the process. So, let us discuss the techniques and how they are used to lend images an impressive look and take them to a whole new level.

The Primary Background Removal Techniques

Image Clipping Path

Clipping path involves the use of the Pen Tool in Photoshop to clip the subject from its background. You can use this technique for those images that have a subject with sharp, straight or smooth edges. With the help of the vector masking process, you can highlight the subject by drawing a clipping path around it. The subject has to be inside the path because once the clipping path is applied the things inside will remain in the image. Everything which is outside the drawn path will be eliminated from the image. It highlights the clipped subject and hides the rest of the unwanted image elements in the background.

However, it is not easy to draw clipping paths around the subject. A poorly drawn clipping path results in artificial-looking and unauthentic images. This can make you lose sales. Thus, take time while clipping. Zoom into the images as much as you can so that you can get real close to the edges.

Today’s eCommerce landscape is competitive, and there are a variety of products out there. One technique is not enough for a variety of products having different shapes and sizes. Thus, eCommerce business owners can choose a range of clipping path services as per their requirements. Some of the primary ones are:

• Simple Clipping Path
• Complex Clipping Path
• Compound Clipping Path
• Clipping Path with Shadow
• Clipping Path with Reflection

Image Masking

A variety of tools like Background Eraser Tool, Magic Eraser Tool and color separation in Photoshop can be used to remove background from images. The technique is beneficial if your subject has intricate detailing and fine lines that need extra efforts to be clipped. For instance subjects like fur, leaves, frills, or fine hair. Such products carry multiple uneven edges and curvatures due to which outlining clipping paths become extremely difficult. If by any chance, you miss outlining any detail it can spoil the whole product image.

Besides, there are different types of image masking, the use of which depends on a few factors. For instance, if you have a complex subject with a lot of bends, shadows or varied background colors, you may need a mix of multiple image masking techniques. Thus, you need professional expertise to perform this technique. Many businesses prefer to outsource image masking services due to the technicalities this process involves. The different types of image masking services that businesses opt for are:

• Alpha Channel Masking/Raster Masking
• Advanced or Complex Layer
• Photoshop Transparency Masking
• Translucent Image Masking
• Photoshop Collage Masking

Image Cut-out

It is the simplest technique of background removal where you simply cut-out the subject from its background. You seamlessly take out the background from your image with the help of Photoshop, insert a clear white background. This simply highlights the subject. The cut-out processes put direct focus even on the most exquisite details of the subject, giving you product images that are strongly marketable. It helps you promote your brand and attract sales through product photos that stand out – in a good way.

So, what are you waiting for? Boost your sales by highlighting your products through background removal. Get expert assistance on the type of background removal service your product photos need and edit them to attract customers online.

Want to get in touch with experts who hold extensive experience in cleaning up the background distractions and highlighting the products? Drop an email to info@photozworld.com for background removal services now.