Help!!! Can't seem to take a pic out of the background

[Wendyleung821]

I am doing a layout for an envelope for work (not for fun). I need to put the product shot on top of a red background (which I had used InDesign to help me create). The tricky part is that when I place the product shot on the red background ... the white background of the product shot is included. I need to get rid of the white background and cut the product out so I can use it under a red background on the envelope.

Of course, I figure I would use Photoshop to help me with it. I have tried selecting the product shot and drag it out ... didn't work at all. Then I tried selecting the product shot and then I use copy and paste ... didn't work either. What can I do? I have thought of manipulating the background of the picture ... but it won't let me fill it with that red ... I need help!!

 

[dmacster]

Make a clipping path around the product - to eliminate the white background. Then make sure when you save the file, export the clipping path so that's all that shows.

 

[Wendyleung821]

I will definitely give it a try ... never expect Photoshop could be that complicated.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

 

[dmacster]

If it had enough contrast I'd say to just fudge it by using the magic wand to select the background and then copy/past the inverted selection onto the new background area - but that's generally kind of a crappy way to make a mess.

 

[jimoblak]

If you are using InDesign, the clipping path is not necessary. A transparent PSD file is perfect.

First, make sure you are working on a layer, not a flattened background. If the layer in the layers palette says 'background', double click on it to turn it into an official layer.

option 1:
Read up on layer masks in the Photoshop manual. Use the layer masking technique to remove the background. Save as a PSD file.

option 2:
If you have already selected the object, go to the Select menu and choose to invert the selection. Hit delete to remove the background. Save as a PSD file.

- - I hope this helps - -
[sub](Complain to someone else if it doesn't)[/sub]

 

[Wendyleung821]

Wow ... maybe I should try that ... I have been trying to clip path ... it's driving me insane.

 

[Wendyleung821]

I am kinda confused with the layer mask so I did the clipping path method. It works, but I don't get why the pic came out so poorly ... like it has bad resolution.