10

Is there any way in Photoshop to remove a background color from an image, when some of the background is behind a transparent object.

So far, I've tried using masks and channels but have not made any progress. I want to make the background transparent, so that the bottle and 'ink' can be put onto a white background colour.

Many thanks in advance, any help would be much appreciated.

enter image description here

1

2 Answers 2

13

There's no automated way to set a color as transparent.

However, try Select > Color Range and choose "Yellows" from the drop down menu. Then create a layer mask based on that selection. You get some decent results.

It's not perfect. But it's then a matter of adjusting levels on the mask a bit and correcting for the color halos, just general refining.

Mask created after color range selection.... (no refinement)

color range

5
  • Awesome! Thanks for the answer - how would you suggest I refine it? Nov 30, 2012 at 18:47
  • As I posted, a bit of a levels or curve adjustment on the mask to get those last bits of background. Then some Hue/Saturation adjustments to pull the yellow out... you basically have to experiment with a few options to see what works best. It's really not the greatest photo to work from.
    – Scott
    Nov 30, 2012 at 18:49
  • How do you apply levels or curve adjustments to the mask?
    – tobinjim
    Aug 16, 2014 at 21:05
  • 1
    @tobinjim click the mask thumbnail in the Layers Panel and choose Image > Adjustments > Levels (or Curves)
    – Scott
    Aug 16, 2014 at 21:47
  • Well color me noob! There's even a pop-up there for which channel you're working on! These clever folks.
    – tobinjim
    Aug 16, 2014 at 22:33
3

Just finished making a video on this topic which also shows how to get rid of the color cast afterwards -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6IhXVxBSQM

There is a way to set a color as transparent.. blend-if.

  1. Convert to Lab
  2. Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options
  3. Blend if: B
  4. Adjust the This Layer slider to get rid of yellows. Hold alt on a half of a handle to separate it and create a border radius for smooth transition.

enter image description here

The Curves 1 layer is then to get rid of the remaining color cast. I didn't know what color its supposed to be since I've got no reference point so I just went into the B channel and pulled the curve down slightly.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.