How to remove backgrounds in Photoshop

In this easy-to-follow tutorial, we show how to remove the background from any image using [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html). 

Before you start, take a look at Trace, [our new background remover tool](https://www.stickermule.com/trace). It erases backgrounds from photos instantly, and could save you a lot of time. 

<YouTubeVideo videoId="71o67pJxqLw?rel=0" />

__For best results:__

- Find a high resolution image; the more pixels, the more accurate you can be.
- Make sure the subject stands out from the background and they do not share too many similar colors or textures.

### Step 1
Open your photo in Photoshop and create a new background layer. 

![new-layer](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/1c967ad5325b23d084f0a473fe2f0624c3d1b2f5)

On this new background layer go to edit, fill, and then select white for the contents. 

![Fill](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d5c5edc5c7483000e47c57540d03333b8c468aab)

Place this layer below your photo so that as we remove the original background the white one is revealed underneath. 

If your photo is a locked background layer you won't be able to drag another layer below it. All you need to do is double click on it, give it a name, and press enter to convert it to a normal layer so that you can move things below it. 

### Step 2
Grab the quick selection tool and start dragging over the part that you want to keep. 

![selection copy](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8f3c7408bf85ecc9a334afb40bb098aaa308b85b)

The size of your brush determines how much is grabbed with each click or each drag of the mouse. To change it, use the open and closed square brackets to make the brush larger or smaller depending on how accurate you need to be. 

It's likely that as you're making your selection you're gonna highlight areas that you don't wish to. When this happens simply hold alt while using the tool and it will subtract from the selection instead of adding to it. 

The magic wand tool as well as the object selection tool can also come in handy here. Check those out if needed.

### Step 3
Once you've done a fairly good job of selecting your subject from the background we're gonna refine it by going to select and then select and mask.

![select and mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/45c0b25643fe2e2478ac4cf6a949af74157940aa)

Make sure that transparency is set to 100%. This will show you how your current selection is going to look once masked out from the original background. 

Also make sure that the high quality preview is on.

![transparency](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/b333056a545ea8ea9065ac61ed974d4461756b45)

Now you can see the temporary white background you made showing through behind. 

If you see a slight gray outline, this is some background elements you picked up when using the quick selection tool. 

To remove this, use ‘shift edge’. This will expand your selection or pull it in. Negative numbers shift edge in, and positive shift it out.

![shift edge](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/229485dcfddda414514ab5a7a9e80221fa1229a0)

### Step 4
Do not shift edge too much. For places with intricate details like hair or fur, use the ‘refine edge’ brush tool. 

![refine edge](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/fbf21470da64f1c4acc03b514edbeb89f98dd3d8)

Drag along the edges where the details are present. You will lose a bit of that background and it will look more like a correct crop. Just as with the quick selection tool, you can change the size of this brush with the square bracket keys. 

Lastly if you're finding that overall your selection is looking a bit jagged or there's too many sharp edges, you can use smooth or feather to fix that. 

![smooth](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/ab9efdf42d63bba0f7e7fd22384c1213258fc6ee)

Just be careful not to add too much as you still want your selection to look crisp rather than blurry around the edges. 

At any point while you're in select and mask mode you can press P to toggle between what you started with and where you're now at. 

Press okay. 

### Step 5
Rather than actually delete the background around your subject, mask it out. 

With your selection still active, go into your layers menu and press add layer mask.

![add mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/8824d13bcf9680bd481241645e6f5af941efae1a)

Layer masks work in black and white: black means hide this part, white means show this part. Right now we want to show the subject (white) and hide the background (black).

At any point, if you want to make the same selection just do Cmd + click  or Alt + click on the layer mask.

You should now be able to move this layer around. Your subject is now separate from their original background. 

### Step 6 (optional)
If you think there are a couple problem areas you want to clean up, you can click on the layer mask in your layer panel and add or remove some of the original background. Use the paintbrush tool in black or white to remove or add details.

![layer mask](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d61850f7eec6b53748c1b27ab3bb5c077ce4a531)

That is the end of the tutorial!

If you want an easier and faster way to remove backgrounds check out our new tool Trace. Trace is free to use and works instantly.

<ButtonCta text="Try Trace for free" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />

An easy-to follow tutorial on removing backgrounds using Photoshop

New: Opt out of freebies

Surprises are one of the ways we make our customers happy. That’s why we include fun freebies in every order. Typically, you’ll get a few cute Sticker Mule stickers and maybe a button, coaster or magnet too. Our freebies change periodically to make them more surprising, fun and collectable too.

![freebie-opt-out](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/6ff5bb1dd69fd4bec52cd1e203868e7e8cf1180d)

Sticker Mule freebies end up on Instagram, Twitter and laptops worldwide, but some customers, especially frequent purchasers, ask not to receive them. To address this request, we are happy to introduce freebie opt-out. 

You can now opt out of freebies in [your account settings](https://www.stickermule.com/account) (or opt back in).

While most people enjoy the free swag, we recognize it can be wasteful – especially if you order frequently.

<Tweet tweetUrl="https://twitter.com/sarahdayarts/status/1176924428078407682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" />

Freebie opt-out was designed 100% based on customer feedback. Hope you enjoy it!

If you no longer wish to receive freebies with your orders, you can now opt out in your account settings.

5 DIY gift ideas that require no skill

Run out of gift ideas? Don’t know what to get your family or loved ones for Christmas or a birthday? We’ve all been there. Here are 5 super easy gifts that you can make right now — even if you have no crafting skills whatsoever! They are unique, very cheap, and can be given to friends or family, regardless of the season or occasion.

These are the 5 best ideas for gifts that you can make right now, regardless of the occasion, your skill level or how creative you are. They are all super easy and are guaranteed to show your loved ones how much you care.

If you’re as excited as I am to get started, read on to find out more!

### 1. Pet stickers

This first one is really cool and super easy to make! It’s an [image background removal tool](https://www.stickermule.com/trace) called Trace. It lets you upload images of your pets (or anything else) and then automatically erases the background in the image. You can then use the file that it creates to make [die-cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/die-cut-stickers)!

![Die cut dog stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/5167193ce13d8441b23dcf2427c8d085216709d7)

Trace lets you choose different sizes and quantities and you can even get discounts depending on the size of your orders! Here are their size options, prices and discounts available:

Pet sticker sizes:

-  2” x 2”
-  3” x 3”
-  4” x 4”
-  5” x 5”
-  Custom size

The interface is super simple to use and your design can be done in just a few minutes!

Once you have specified the size and quantity of your stickers, they will be delivered to the address you specified within a few days. Die-cut stickers are ideal as gifts that can be stuck on to laptops, tablet cases or any smooth surfaces.

Have fun designing your personalized pet stickers!

### 2. Personalized coasters

Water rings can leave awful — often permanent — marks on furniture. [Coasters](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-coasters) are the perfect (and stylish) solution to making water rings a thing of the past.

Thanks to [Sticker Mule’s free coaster templates](https://www.stickermule.com/template/custom-coasters), you can now custom-design your own coasters to match your personal style!

<YouTubeVideo videoId="ZgaM2DdGIW4?rel=0" />

You can also choose any one of the designs from this video right now if you are out of design ideas!

Your coasters will look great under any cup, mug or glass and are cut precisely into a thick, premium 3.7” circle. 

So what do these awesome custom coasters cost? The good news is that they are super cheap and you get automatic discounts depending on the quantity you order.

### 3. Family photo magnet

This one is really cool if you are a magnet fan and have a metal refrigerator or any metal surface that could use some decoration. 

The nice thing about magnets is that you can reuse them over and over again, and what better way to remind yourself, or others, of the importance of family than to make a [custom magnet](https://www.stickermule.com/products/custom-magnets) for everyone?

![Custom family magnets](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/d087dabea1769dd411ac654310c3c62f9a0ec17e)

Again, here you can use [Trace](https://www.stickermule.com/trace) to cut out shapes in images and then order your photo magnets directly on the page in just a few minutes. Finally something you can do with all those great family photos on your phone!

The magnets are also really affordable and you can get up to 85% discounts depending on how many you order. As with the [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers), you can specify the size you would like your photo magnets to be. Here are the size options and prices for custom photo magnets:

Custom magnet sizes:

- 2” x 2”
- 3” x 3”
- 4” x 4”
- 5” x 5”
- Custom size

You can order custom quantities by simply selecting the “Custom quantity” option when designing your custom magnet.

### 4. Bumper stickers

Bumper stickers are a great way to show support for your loved ones’ causes. Why not help them make a difference with some [bumper sticker advertising](https://www.stickermule.com/products/bumper-stickers)?

Yep, you guessed it. With Trace you can custom-design your bumper stickers with different shapes and sizes and they are ideal for cars, trucks or any other vehicles with smooth surfaces. They have a removable adhesive and their thick, durable vinyl will protect the stickers from scratches as well as water and sunlight.

![Bumper stickers](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/59f7c888780846396052919cf001cf728668c5fe)

You can even use any of [Sticker Mule’s free bumper sticker templates](https://www.stickermule.com/template/bumper-stickers) here or just send us a logo or image and we’ll automatically create a digital proof for you.

Here are the sizes and quantities you can order. As with the other items, the more you buy, the bigger the discount you get!

Bumper sticker sizes

- 7.5” x 3.75”
- 11.5” x 3”
- 15” x 3.75”
- Custom size

You can also order custom sizes and quantities by simply specifying this during the order process.

### 5. Face wall decals

Getting ready for a party? Celebrate the guest of honor with a huge (sticky but removable) decal of their face. Just [send us a selfie](https://www.stickermule.com/uses/face-wall-decals) and we’ll do the rest.

![Face wall decals](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/c7ffb0e9f1c45e448075853d34ef1e79520758fe)

At just $57 for a default-sized 24” x 24” face wall decal, you can rest assured that you will not have to break the bank to get one of these. If you want your wall decal to be even bigger than that (or want a smaller one), you can also customize the size during your design process. The price will adjust automatically depending on the size you choose.

### Bonus idea 

If you know someone who is itching to get creative and wants to make something beautiful on their own, you can alternatively just [give them a gift card](https://www.stickermule.com/products/gift-cards) and then share this post with them. They will then be able to use their gift card to buy any of the items mentioned in this article and [much more](https://www.stickermule.com/more).

Well, I don’t know about you guys but now I’m really inspired by all the possibilities that Trace offers. If you’re like me and want to get started designing your own awesome original custom gifts right away, Sticker Mule provides free 2-day shipping and 4-day turnaround on most orders.

<ButtonCta text="Get your customized stickers" size="large" variant="secondary" align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers" />

Five gifts (plus one bonus) you can make right now. No expertise required.

Sticker back printing vs. kiss cut stickers

We heard you wanted more space on your stickers – somewhere to put social tags, coupons, website, and contact details. Traditionally, this would require back printing.

But did you know you can achieve the same goal with [kiss cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers)? Kiss cut stickers typically have a rectangular backing around the design that's bigger than the sticker, which can be printed on.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="qRmXMJdZZGw?rel=0" />

Hey, we don’t want to be accused of being biased so in the interest of fairness, we’ll discuss both options. 

## What is a back print on a sticker?

A back print is when the other side of a sticker sheet is maximized to include details such as company information or instructions on how to use the sticker. 

However, since these pieces of information are printed on the back of stickers, not many people pay attention to it. Worse, they are simply thrown away once the sticker has been used. 

### How do you print on the back of a sticker paper?

Though this is technically possible, printing on the back of sticker papers can be a bit messy. For example, when you get your sticker sheets and you try to manually print on the back of it using an ordinary printer, there is a possibility that your printer can jam or that the ink can also smudge on the sticker side, ruining your design. 

## How do you use a kiss cut sticker? 

Though some people may argue that less is more, with stickers, you are wasting space that has so much potential! Use a kiss cut sticker to promote your brand or cause! The extra space in your kiss cut sticker can be used for informational purposes too. 

Since it’s also part of the sticker, the information printed on these can be used and stuck on surfaces too, unlike back prints!

### What can you print on a kiss cut sticker?

Use the remaining space on your sticker to print your company information or other promotional details. 

- Coupons or discount codes 
- Product specifications or additional information 
- QR code that will lead your customers to your website or a specific landing page
- Company contact details such as phone number, address, etc. 
- Your company’s social media accounts 
- Reminder about an upcoming event or sale 
- Instructions to subscribe or be part of your community 

## Why kiss cut sticker is better than back print stickers 

Kiss cut stickers are a superior alternative to back printing for a few reasons:

### Better visibility

It is counterintuitive to put vital information where people are least likely to see it. Kiss cut stickers display your extra information right next to the sticker itself.

### More printing options

Back printing is typically limited to black and white, and confined to the shape of the sticker. The backing on kiss cut stickers can be printed in full color and full bleed and isn’t dependant on the shape of the sticker.

### Lower cost

Since back printing adds an extra step to the manufacturing process, there is typically a ~20% surcharge. The manufacturing process for kiss cut stickers is [similar to standard die cut stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/die-cut-stickers-vs-kiss-cut-stickers) and so the price is nearly identical.

Overall, the kiss cut design is a better choice for creative professionals.

## How to make kiss cut stickers at home and without a machine?

The good news is you can make kiss cut stickers without the aid of a machine! And you can do it here on the Sticker Mule website!

### Step 1: Create your design

Here’s your chance to let your brand shine by maximizing the space around your kiss cut sticker! Make sure not to overdo it and allow some “breathing space” in your design. Don’t put items too close to the edges too!

### Step 2: Upload your kiss cut sticker design 

Go to Sticker Mule’s kiss cut product page and [upload your design](https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers). 

### Step 3: Order your kiss cut sticker 

Choose the size, quantity, and order a proof of your design. You can do some modifications if you’re not completely satisfied with it but once you are, your order will be shipped to you!

<ButtonCta text="Order kiss cut stickers now" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/products/kiss-cut-stickers" /> 

We get a lot of requests for sticker back printing. But did you know kiss cut stickers can serve the same purpose?

Remove the background from any image with Trace

Using Trace - our [photo background remover](https://www.stickermule.com/trace) - requires absolutely no design experience. Upload your image and count to 5 while the technology automatically removes the background.

<Video videoKey="trace" />

## How to remove background without Photoshop

Trace was inspired by hundreds of creators who wanted to do more with their favorite photos. 

The tool cuts out the subject (pet, car, beloved relative) and puts it on a transparent background. Download the image for free or use it for custom stickers, magnets, coasters and more.

Even for an experienced designer, it can take 10 minutes to [erase a background in Photoshop](https://www.stickermule.com/blog/how-to-remove-backgrounds-in-photoshop) — now anyone can do it in less than 10 seconds.

## What are the new features of Trace? 

Trace 2.0 has officially been released and like the OG Trace you know and love, it’s decked with features that will continue to make your work easier!

### Trace multiple images on one canvas 

Now, you can remove the backgrounds of up to five images on just one canvas! This means you can include multiple photos in one cool collage! 

### Upload a custom background image, or search images from Unsplash

Before, you could just remove the backgrounds using Trace. Now, after removing the background, you can replace it with a solid color or another background! 

There are lots of background options to choose from. Upload your own custom image, or search the built-in Unsplash library, featuring over 2 million inspiring images that are free to use for your new backdrop. 

### Select traced images to move, scale, and rotate

With the new and improved Trace, you can also move your images. After the background has been removed, you can resize the object or reposition it. You can even rotate it as you like to fit in your new background! 

### Crop your traced images 

Say you have an image that you want the background removed but you also want to remove a part of the main subject. (Maybe it’s a group photo and you only want to retain yourself on the edited image!) With Trace 2.0, you can also crop out other elements in your photo! 

## How to use Trace: A guide 

Want to know how to remove background without the use of Photoshop and other editing software? Just follow these steps:

### Step 1: Create and log into your account 

Use your email to create an account or if you’re already logged into your Gmail account, just connect it to this page. 

### Step 2: Click the “Upload a photo ” button 

Once you click the photo, Trace automatically removes your background! The next thing you’ll see is your photo with the background removed! 

### Step 3: Customize your background or just download it 

If you just want to remove the background, go ahead and click that download button! And yes, you get the image for free! 

However, if you want to customize the background with a plain color or other patterns, feel free to choose from the templates. You may also upload your own background. 

## What else can you do with Trace 2.0?

If those new functionalities aren’t cool enough, you can also convert your new image into a keepsake! After downloading your new photo (for free!), you can also turn this piece of artwork into a sticker, a coaster, a magnet, a poly mailer packaging, or even as buttons! 

This is a perfect gift or giveaway for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions! 

Sounds simple, right? Are you ready to get started?

<ButtonCta text="Remove background from your image" size="large" variant="secondary"  align="center" href="https://www.stickermule.com/trace" />
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; line-height: 2.2rem;">Did we mention it's free?</p>

Upload your image and count to 5 while the technology automatically removes the background.

Hot sauce that kicks ass

It’s real. It tastes amazing. It’s Mule Sauce.

<WistiaVideo videoKey="mule_sauce" />

You may be asking yourself why your favorite printing company just launched your new favorite condiment. Two reasons.

First, we love hot sauce but always struggled to find that perfect, use-on-anything brand. Something with a perfect balance of heat, flavor and consistency. So we made it.

![Mule Sauce hot sauce](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/73bb442a40211daa09cc172a0730419ec72a3e89)

Reason two comes with a story. Last summer, we hosted a local “Free Burger Day” and planned to cook 10,000 free burgers for our hometown of Amsterdam, NY. We knew free burgers would attract a crowd, but we wanted to impress people with an amazing, memorable sauce. We obsessed over the recipe, until eventually, we came up with something that was worthy to be called Mule Sauce.

We never imagined releasing it to the public. But, since then, it's been in high demand, so we pushed forward and made Mule Sauce available for everyone.

![Mule Sauce being added to food](https://storage.googleapis.com/sm-content/blog/650c3a64f5fac6eecde07c26129f60ff903a051f)

Mule Sauce uses high grade chilis, packs a good amount of heat and tastes so good, it goes on everything. Even our most demanding taste testers, the team at Sticker Mule Italy, found themselves addicted.

<ButtonCta text="Get your bottle of Mule Sauce for $8 + free shipping!" href="https://www.stickermule.com/mule-sauce" />

It’s real. It tastes amazing. It’s Mule Sauce.

Spicy spinach frittata recipe

A spicy combo of eggs and spinach, for a quick meal anytime of the day.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="cy3WSR7ClsA?rel=0" />

## Ingredients
- 5 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups spinach
- ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce)

## Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whip 5 eggs until loose.
2. Season with salt, garlic powder, black pepper.
3. Add cooked spinach and stir until spinach is fully coated.
4. Stir in parmigiano reggiano.
5. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil in a large fry pan. Heat pan on medium-high heat.
6. Once the pan is hot, add the egg mix to the pan. Stir mix until it forms a nice ring around the pan. Cover the pan and let it cook for 5 minutes.
7. Using a spatula, transfer the frittata to a plate.
8. Add Mule Sauce until you reach your desired level of spiciness and enjoy!

<ButtonCta text="Order Mule Sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce" />



A spicy combo of eggs and spinach, for a quick meal anytime of the day.

Spicy broccoli pizza recipe

A classic Italian broccoli pizza recipe, but with an extra tasty kick.

<YouTubeVideo videoId="CkX21fwUfL0?rel=0" />

## Ingredients
- Flour, for mixing dough
- 16 oz pizza dough
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked broccoli
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp parmigiano reggiano
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce)

## Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Spread a handful of flour on cutting board. Using your hand, form the pizza dough into a flat, circular shape. Spread dough onto a pizza pan.
3. Add half of the mozzarella cheese then all of the cooked broccoli, covering the entire crust.
4. Season with pepper, salt, and garlic powder.
5. Add parmigiano reggiano and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil of the top.
7. Drizzle Mule Sauce on top depending on desired level of spiciness.
8. Place pizza pan in the oven for 15 minutes.
9. Remove pizza from the oven. Drizzle additional Mule Sauce for added kick and enjoy!

<ButtonCta text="Order Mule Sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce" />


Grandma's handmade broccoli pizza recipe, but with an extra tasty kick.

Spicy frog legs recipe

Lightly breaded frog legs, with a kick that will make them jump out of the pan!

<YouTubeVideo videoId="P4ExiApsqpU?rel=0" />

## Ingredients
- 1 stick of butter
- ¼ cup honey
- [Mule Sauce](https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce)
- 8 frog legs
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup parmigiano reggiano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup bread crumbs

## Directions
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Using a frying pan, melt butter until liquidy.
3. Remove pan from heat and add honey. Stir until it is blended in.
4. Add Mule Sauce for desired level of spiciness. Stil until mixture has a red tint throughout.
5. Place frog legs into a large mixing bowl. Pour sauce directly over the frog legs into the bowl.
6. Season with garlic powder, parmigiano reggiano, black pepper, salt. Stir until frog legs are fully coated.
7. Empty everything into a baking dish, spreading the frog legs out evenly.
8. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top of the frog legs.
9. Place in oven for 25 minutes.
10. Remove from oven and allow frog legs to cool for 3-5 minutes before eating. Enjoy!

<ButtonCta text="Order Mule Sauce" href="https://www.stickermule.com/hot-sauce" />



Lightly breaded frog legs, with a kick that will make them jump out of the pan!

Introducing 100 days of giveaways

We’ve secretly been plotting the biggest event in Sticker Mule history…

<YouTubeVideo videoId="SRDfm3IhecU?modestbranding=1&rel=0" />

Introducing [100 days of giveaways](https://www.stickermule.com/100days) on Instagram!

Starting today, we are running the biggest giveaway Instagram (and possibly the Internet) has ever seen! For the next 100 days, we’ll be running a different giveaway everyday through our Instagram account ([@stickermule](https://www.instagram.com/stickermule)).

Here’s how it works:

1. We’ll make a post, announcing the prize of the day on Instagram.
2. The post will include instructions on how to enter the giveaway. Each day will be different, so read carefully!
3. We’ll randomly select the winner(s) and DM them the next day on Instagram.

We’re keeping the full prize list a secret for now, but some prizes will include vacation packages, Apple and Google products, gift cards, gaming consoles, and, of course, free [stickers](https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers).

The fun begins today, May 1, and runs through August 8.

Sign up for notifications and learn more at [stickermule.com/100days](https://www.stickermule.com/100days)

<ButtonCta text="Follow us on Instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/stickermule" />


We've secretly been plotting the biggest event in Sticker Mule history. Beginning on May 1, we're running a different giveaway for 100 days straight.

Blog