How to add background to image in photoshop
How to add background to image in photoshop
Hello and welcome to this new Photoshop tutorial, brought to you by hdesigntutorials.com
In this tutorial, you will learn how to add background to image in Photoshop, using the powerful Contextual Task Bar. We will walk through the entire process step by step, from importing your image to exporting the final result.
Adobe Photoshop 2026 has made background removal and replacement faster and more intuitive than ever. Thanks to the Contextual Task Bar, many of the steps that once required advanced knowledge are now accessible with just a few clicks.
In this complete, step‑by‑step guide, you’ll learn how to remove a background and add a new one behind a subject in Photoshop 2026, using modern, AI‑powered tools while maintaining professional‑quality results.
What Is the Contextual Task Bar in Photoshop 2026?
The Contextual Task Bar is a smart floating panel that appears automatically when Photoshop detects what you’re trying to do. It offers relevant actions based on:
The selected layer
The presence of a subject (person, object, animal)
The current tool or workflow
When working with backgrounds, the Contextual Task Bar typically includes options like:
Select Subject
Remove Background
Add Layer Mask
Refine Selection
Generative Fill
This eliminates the need to navigate through multiple menus and significantly speeds up your workflow.
Step 1: Open Your Image in Photoshop
Once you run Adobe Photoshop 2026, navigate to the folder where your photo is saved. Simply drag and drop the image directly into Photoshop to open it.
This is the fastest way to load images into your workspace.
Step 2: Enable the Contextual Task Bar
Make sure the Contextual Task Bar is visible:
Go to the Window menu
Ensure Contextual Task Bar is checked and enabled
The Contextual Task Bar will appear near your subject and provide smart editing options.
Step 3: Remove the Background
With your image selected:
Click Remove Background in the Contextual Task Bar
Photoshop will automatically detect the subject and remove the background behind it using AI.
Step 4: Import a New Background
After the background is removed:
Click Import Background from the Contextual Task Bar
Select your background image
Click Place
The new background will be added behind your subject.
Step 5: Resize and Position the Background
To adjust the background:
Press and hold Space Bar + Alt, then click to zoom out
Move and resize the background freely until it fits your composition
Take your time to position the background exactly the way you want.
Once you are satisfied, click Done.
Step 6: Zoom In for Fine Adjustments
To zoom back in:
Press and hold Ctrl + Space Bar, then click to zoom in
This allows you to inspect details and edges more closely.
Step 7: Blur the Background (Optional)
To create depth and focus on the subject:
Select the background layer
Go to Filter → Blur → Gaussian Blur
Adjust the blur amount to your liking
Click OK
Blurring the background helps make the subject stand out naturally.
Step 8: Refine Subject Edges
If the edges of your subject are not perfect:
Select the subject layer
Click Select Subject
Click Modify Selection, then choose Select and Mask
Inside the Select and Mask window:
Increase Smooth slightly
Increase Feather slightly
Decrease Shift Edge to refine the selection
Once done, click OK.
Step 9: Remove Outer Edge Artifacts
To clean up remaining edges:
Go to Select → Inverse
Press the Delete key on your keyboard
Click Deselect to clear the selection
This removes unwanted outer edges around the subject.
Step 10: Export Your Final Image
To save your work:
Go to File → Export → Save for Web
Choose JPEG format
Set Quality to maximum
Click Save
Give your photo a new name
Click Save again
You will find your exported image in the selected folder.
Watch the full video tutorial on YouTube
Final Words
That’s it! You have successfully learned how to add background to image in Photoshop 2026 using the Contextual Task Bar.
You are now a Photoshop master
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