How to use Digital Backdrops in Photoshop CC - 4 Steps Tutorial

July 24, 2024

Using digital backdrops in Adobe Photoshop CC involves a few steps, including removing the original background and placing your subject onto the new backdrop. Here’s a concise guide in four steps:

Step 1: Open Your Image and Select the Subject

1. Open Your Image: Launch Photoshop and open the image you want to edit.
2. Select the Subject: Go to the Select menu and choose Subject. Photoshop will automatically detect and select the main subject of your image.
- Alternatively, use the Quick Selection Tool(W) or the Magic Wand Tool (W) to refine the selection if necessary.

Step 2: Remove the Background

1. Use the Background Removal Tool: With the subject selected, go to the Select menu and choose Select and Mask. In the Select and Mask workspace, use the Refine Edge Brush Tool to clean up the edges of the selection. Adjust the settings in the right-hand panel (like Radius, Smooth, Feather, Contrast, and Shift Edge) to fine-tune the selection.
- Set the Output To option to Layer Mask** and click OK. This will create a layer mask that hides the background.

Step 3: Add the Digital Backdrop

1. Open the Digital Backdrop: Open the digital backdrop file in Photoshop.
2. Move the Backdrop to the Main Image: - With the backdrop file open, select the entire image (Ctrl+A or Cmd+A), then copy it (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C).
- Go back to your main image and paste the backdrop (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V). The backdrop will appear as a new layer.

Step 4: Arrange and Finalize the Composition

1. Position the Backdrop Layer:
- Drag the backdrop layer below the subject layer in the Layers panel.
- Use the Move Tool (V) to reposition the backdrop if needed. You can also resize it using Free Transform (Ctrl+T or Cmd+T).
2. Adjust Lighting and Color:
- To match the lighting and color of the subject with the backdrop, you may need to make some adjustments. Use Adjustment Layers (like Brightness/Contrast, Hue/Saturation, or Curves) and clip them to the subject layer.
3. Final Touches:
- Zoom in and refine any remaining edges using the Brush Tool (B) on the layer mask.
- Add any final adjustments or effects as needed to blend the subject with the backdrop seamlessly.

By following these steps, you can effectively use digital backdrops in Photoshop CC, creating a professional and polished final image.

Here are some before and after Photoshop edits with our bestselling digital backdrops.