How to change a photo background

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to change a photo background by cutting out and isolating your subject, then choosing a new backdrop.

To follow along and test this tutorial in real time, download the free trial version of Photo Studio below:

How to change a photo background in 5 Steps

Follow these simple instructions to remove your original photo background and add a new one.

Step 1 – Open the Sky and Background tab

Open the photo that you want to edit in Photo Studio. Then select the Sky and Background tab in the right-hand panel and click Edit.

Step 2 – Erase photo background

You can remove the background of your photo using the markers in the cut-out tool.

• Use the red marker to paint areas you want to remove

Photo Studio will automatically detect similar areas to speed up the removal process. The screen splits into a side-by-side view so you can see your changes as you work.

• Use the green marker to paint areas you want to keep

If Photo Studio accidentally deletes an area you want to keep, you can bring it back with the “Subject to keep” brush.

Tip: if you paint too much, you can correct this with the “Erase the marking” brush.

Step 3 – Switch to Background tab

When you’re happy with your cutout, click the Background tab in the right-hand panel, or simply click Continue.

You will see 3 options for editing your background:

• Sky replaces your background image with an adjustable sky
• Blur keeps your original background image but adds a blur effect
• Image replaces your background image with a completely new scene

In this example, we use the Sky option.

Step 4 – Choose a new background

Choose a new background from the selection in the Sky section. Click any background to add it to your photo.

You can also upload your own photo to use as a background, by clicking Add.

Tip: use the sliders in the expandable Adjustments menu to adjust your background sky and subject.

Step 5 – Save your picture

When you’re happy with your background, click “Save a copy” to return to the main Photo Studio workspace.

You can now continue editing your photo with the other tools in Photo Studio, or save it with a new name.

Note: please note that the Sky and Backgrounds tools are available only in the Pro and Ultimate versions of Photo Studio. In the Standard version of Photo Studio, you can use the Photomontage tab to cut out a photo and add it to a new background.

Join us!

To learn more quickly and for lots more tips and tutorials, join our Facebook group!