The secret to more accurate background removal in Photoshop

Photoshop’s background removal tool is useful, but it doesn’t always handle detailed areas well. There’s a simple setting you can turn on that makes the results much more accurate, especially for complex images. With recent updates, Adobe has given users an option that taps into the power of cloud processing, making tricky selections cleaner and saving you precious time.

Why cloud processing makes a difference

Traditional background removal relies solely on your local machine’s resources. But by leveraging Adobe’s cloud processing, Photoshop uses advanced AI models to analyze your image. This typically means:

  • Smoother edges around fine details (hair, fur, etc.)
  • Fewer leftover artifacts and halos
  • Better separation of subject from complex backgrounds

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How to enable Cloud Processing for background removal

Ready for a quick workflow upgrade? Just follow these steps:

  1. Open Photoshop Settings/Preferences.
    • On Windows, go to: Edit > Preferences > Image Processing
    • On macOS, go to: Settings > Image Processing
  2. Select 'Cloud' as the processing option
    • Under “Select Subject and Remove Background” choose Cloud.
  3. Click 'OK' to Save Your Settings.
    • Now, when you use features like “Select Subject” or “Remove Background,” Photoshop will perform the computation using its cloud-based AI.

That's it! The next time you remove a background, you’ll notice sharper selections and less manual cleanup, especially on images with intricate boundaries or backgrounds.

Pro Tip: When to use local processing

In rare cases (such as no internet access or privacy concerns), you might prefer local processing. But for most users seeking the best accuracy, cloud mode is a game-changer.

Make this small tweak, and you’ll see why the pros rely on every advantage Photoshop has to offer. Happy editing!

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