How to cut out the background in Photoshop on Android: 5 proven methods + expert advice

Removing the background from photos on a smartphone is a task faced by bloggers, online store owners, and simply users who want to create a creative collage. The mobile version Adobe Photoshop for Android offers powerful tools for precise background cropping, but many do not know how to use them effectively. Unlike the desktop version, here the interface is adapted for touch control, and some functions work differently.

This article will help you figure out how to cut out the background in Photoshop on Android with minimal loss of quality - from simple automatic methods to manual modification of the mask. We will look at the nuances of working with different types of images (portraits, objects, complex textures), compare the results and give recommendations for export. We will pay special attention to typical errors due to which the edges of the object turn out torn or with artifacts.

Modern smartphones allow you to process photos at an almost professional level, but for this you need to understand the capabilities and limitations of the mobile Photoshop. For example, on devices with 4 GB of RAM and a weak processor, some tools may work slowly, and on flagships (for example, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Google Pixel 8 Pro) - open up opportunities close to the PC version.

1. Preparation: what tools you will need

Before you start removing the background, make sure that you have the current version of Adobe Photoshop of Google Playinstalled. The mobile application is free, but some functions (for example artificial intelligence for selection) require a subscription Adobe Creative Cloud. Also check:

✅ Smartphone characteristics: for smooth operation you need at least 6 GB of RAM a level processor Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or newer. On weak devices (2–3 GB of RAM), the application may slow down when processing large files (higher resolution 4000×3000 px).

✅ Original photo: the better the contrast between the object and background, the easier the selection will be. For example, a portrait on a plain background (green screen) will be processed in seconds, but hair on a variegated texture will require manual modification.

✅ Additional applications: if Photoshop can't handle it, you can use PicsArt, Background Eraser or Remove.bg (the latter works through the browser and removes the background automatically).

2. Method 1: Automatic selection using AI (Select Subject)

The fastest method is to use a tool "Select object" (Select Subjectthat analyzes the image using artificial intelligence. It copes well with clear contours (people, animals, objects on a contrasting background), but can make mistakes on complex textures (for example, fur, hair, transparent objects). tap on the icon

Step by step instructions:

1. Open photo in Photoshop and tap on the icon "Select" (icon with a dotted rectangle).
2. Select Select Subject —the application will analyze the image.
3. After 5–10 seconds, a selection mask will appear. If the edges are not precise, use Refine Edge.
4. Tap Invertto select the background rather than the object.
5. Tap Delete —the background will become transparent (checkerboard pattern).

⚠️ Attention: If the object in the photo is partially transparent (for example, glass or smoke), the AI may incorrectly determine the boundaries. In such cases, it is better to use manual selection (see the next section).

3. Method 2: Manual selection with the Pen or Lasso tool

The tool is suitable for precise tracing of contours "Pen" (Pen Tool) or "Lasso" (Lasso Tool). The first gives maximum accuracy, but requires skill, the second is faster, but less accurate. We recommend "Pen" for objects with straight lines (logos, furniture) and "Lasso" for smooth contours (faces, shapes).

How to work with "Pen":

• 🎯 Tap on the icon "Pen" in the toolbar.
• 📍 Place the first point on the outline of the object, then add the next ones, slightly retreating. For curved lines, hold your finger after tapping so that control levers appear.
• 🔄 Close the outline by connecting the last point to the first.
• ✅ Press Make selection Selection) —a mask will appear.

Tips for accuracy:

- Increase the image scale (two finger gesture) to work with small details.

- If the outline is uneven, use Refine Edge with the parameter Radius: 2–3 px.

- For hair or fur, turn on the option Smart radial blur (Smart Radius).

Zoom to 200–300%

Disable distracting notifications

Use the stylus (if available)

Save the intermediate result-->

4. Method 3: Layer mask for complex objects

If the background needs to be partially removed or semi-transparent areas (for example, a shadow) preserved, use layer mask. This method allows you not to destroy the original image and make adjustmentsLater.

Action algorithm:

1. Duplicate the layer with the photo (long press on the layer → Duplicate layer).
2. Add a layer mask (rectangle icon with a circle at the bottom of the layers panel).
3. Select a tool "Brush" (Brush Tool) with black color and paint over the background on the mask. Black color hides pixels, white color shows.
4. For smooth transitions, reduce Brush opacity to 50–70%.

⚠️ Attention: When working with a mask, avoid too much brush size - this will result in blurry edges. Optimal size: on 10–20% morethan the part you are processing.

5. Method 4: Removing the background via Photoshop Express (simplified version)

If the full one Photoshop seems complicated, try Adobe Photoshop Express - the lightweight version for quick processing. There is no Pen tool, but there is a function "Remove background" in one tap (albeit with limitations).

How it works:

• 📱 Install Photoshop Express from Google Play.
• 🖼️ Upload a photo and select Tools → Remove background.
• ⏳ Wait 3-5 seconds - the background will be removed automatically.
• 🔍 If necessary, adjust the edges with the tool Restore or Delete (Erase).

✅ Pros: ultra-fast, suitable for social networks.

❌ Cons: often leaves artifacts on the edges, not suitable for professional processing.

6. Method 5: Combination with other applications

Sometimes Photoshop does not cope with the task perfectly - for example, when removing the background from photographs of hair or fur. In such cases, a combination with other tools will help:

🔹 Remove.bg (web service): upload a photo through a browser, get a result with a transparent background in 5 seconds. Suitable for portraits.

🔹 Background Eraser (application): allows you to manually erase the background with your finger by adjusting the sensitivity.

🔹 PicsArt: there is a tool Cutout with adjustable sensitivity threshold.

Example workflow:

1. Remove the background in Remove.bg (get a rough result).
2. Import in Photoshop and refine the edges with the tool Refine edge.
3. Save in format PNG with transparency.