There are three ways to add a background to a photo. The first one is to use online services that don’t require installing any additional software on your PC. The second method is to use a mobile app, and the third way is to replace a background in Photoshop.
Way 1 – Add a Background to a Photo Online
This is the easiest and fastest method to remove or add a background to a photo. All you need is the Free Online Background Remover and the picture to edit. This service has a straightforward and modern user interface and supports all major image formats.
You can use it on any device with a web browser. The service is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS. Just visit the site and follow three simple steps to change the background.
1. Upload Photo and Select Background
Drag and drop the photo to the program, or upload it using File> Open or the Ctrl + O shortcuts.
Select the background you want to remove with the Selection Tool and the Background Eraser Tool. After that, click on the Delete button on your PC. White and gray squares indicate that the area is empty.
2. Upload New Background
Add a new background by clicking File and uploading a new image. You can move and resize the background image by dragging the corners. After cropping, press Enter to confirm your changes.
3. Add the Final Touches
If a new layer covers the original image, use the top menu and click Layer > Position > In the background to place the background layer behind all other layers.
Also, you can change the background settings. For example, alter the transparency or blending mode using the adjustments in the right window.
Way 2 – Add a Background to a Photo Using a Mobile App
Adding a background to a photo doesn’t require advanced photo editing skills. All you need is to download a mobile app for background replacement. Luckily, there is a wide variety of such applications in the Apple Store or Google Play.
These can be image editing apps like Facetune, Snapseed, LightX, or dedicated tools designed to work with the background, such as Auto Background Changer or Simple Background Changer. Below, you can see brief guidelines that will help you to figure out how to work in a mobile app.
1. Open a File in the App
Each mobile application includes an Open button and when you click on it, you immediately get in the internal storage of your smartphone. Select the desired file to add it to the app.
2. Delete the Unnecessary Background
To do this, you can use the standard Eraser tool, which is available in any mobile image editor. Some purpose-made applications offer automatic background removal or a Magic Wand.
However, if you choose the auto background removal, some complicated areas will require additional work with the Eraser tool.
3. Add a Background to a Photo
Tap the Open button again and add the desired photo to replace the background. After that, in the file window, simply move it to the background. You can crop an image to achieve the desired effect. Once you finish, choose the most suitable size of the image and save the result.
Way 3 – Add a Background to a Photo in Photoshop
Although it is one of the most complicated methods to replace a background in a photo, it is considered to produce the most realistic and professional-looking outcome. Using Photoshop, you can remove the background in the most complex areas, add a new one, and make it perfectly match the main subject.
1. Import File and Select Background
To add a background to a photo, you need to import the desired file to a program by opening the “File” menu and selecting “Open…”. Also, it is possible to drag and drop a file to Photoshop or right-click on the picture and choose “Open with…” and then click Photoshop.
After that, you need to use two tools – “Quick Selection” and “Magic Wand,” select the background you want to remove, then right-click on the selected area and press “Select and Add Mask.”
2. Refine Edges
In a pop-up window, select the Refine Edge option and drag the Anti-Aliasing slider to soften the jagged edges. You may need to move additional sliders to achieve the anti-aliasing effect. It is better to choose a brush of small size and low hardness and adjust these parameters during image editing.
Click the plus sign located in the upper left corner and drag around the edges to make them more defined. With a minus sign, you can return the previous version of the selection. Once you finish, go to the menu at the right, select “New layer” in the “Get as a result” section and click OK.
3. Add a New Background
After the previous manipulations, you will get your main subject placed against a blank background. In order to add a new one, choose File > Open, or simply drag the necessary image into Photoshop.
Move it to the bottom layer and adjust the size, position, opacity, and blend type for a more natural-looking and high-quality result.
You can also use free Photoshop Textures, to decorate the background and add more interesting details such as grass, wood, or stone textures or watercolors. After that, choose the desired image size and format and save the photo.
Also, you can save your time and get professional results by approaching a background retouching service. Paying just $5 per image, you will get a professionally changed background in any picture with a realistic look preserved.