How To Add A Solid Or Gradient Background
22 October 2019
by Kevin O
How to add a solid or gradient color background to your photo
In this article, we will look at how to create a solid or gradient color background in the Photo Cutter module.
Photo Clip users usually add a background from the samples available in the Backgrounds tab. However, the possibilities for creation are endless: you can import your own background images, or choose a color directly from the application.
Step 1 – Adding a solid color background
1. Open the photo you wish to edit.
The Cut-out tab is displayed by default in the right-hand panel.
2. Using the Mark the areas to erase tool (selected by default), draw a line across the background of your photo that you wish to remove.
Photo Cutter will detect the rest of the background to erase and automatically cut out your subject.
3. Place the cursor outside the photo to view the cutout.
4. Mark another area to remove if necessary.
Before saving and moving to the next step, you can first check whether your photo cutout is accurate enough to place on a solid background. Simply click the small arrow at the bottom of the cut-out tool to open the View mode menu. Here you can preview your cutout against different backgrounds. The black background below shows us that the photo subject has been correctly cut out.
5. Click the Save button. We can now choose a custom solid background to replace the existing one.
6. In the right-hand toolbar, click the Photomontage icon. Then select a color from the palette provided. You can click the + button to expand the palette and customise your color by moving the mouse over the color chart.
7. Then click the other + button located below the color chart to save your color so that you no longer have to search for it. You can also copy the color code found in the # box and paste it to another project.
8. Click OK to apply the solid background chosen to your image.
Step 2 – Adding a gradient color background
In certain cases, using a color gradient can further accentuate your background. The use of gradients can also create a more nuanced and natural-looking image.
1. Return to the Colors section of the Photomontage tool. Then click the + button again to open the color chart.
2. Go to the Gradient tab at the top of the color chart and choose a color.
3. By experimenting with the rectangular color bar, you can add gradient points to create further color variations. You can move these points from left to right and vice versa, to position them on the photo. Try to remain within the same color tones for consistency (here pink/violet).
Tip: To adjust your gradients and view the result in real time on your photo, remain in the Photomontage tool, but leave the “Background” tab and go to the “Adjustments” tab located just to the left.
4. You can choose to apply a linear gradient:
The color progression is applied in a straight line
Or you can apply a radial gradient:
The color progression is applied in a circular manner
Note: The choice of circular or linear gradient is made in the gradient tab, just alongside the rectangular color gradients bar.
5. Add objects to complement your photo
Once you have found the right color gradient, it’s time to set your creative side loose and finish your montage. As shown below, you can upload your own cutout objects, or choose from the samples available in the Cut-out objects tab.
