The fastest way to change background colour

Open your image in Photoshop and select the background using the Quick Selection Tool (keyboard shortcut W) or the Magic Wand Tool (keyboard shortcut A). Click on the background area you want to change. If the selection isn't perfect, hold Shift and click to add to the selection, or hold Alt and click to subtract from it.

Once your background is selected, go to Edit in the menu bar and choose Fill. A dialog box will open. Select Color from the dropdown menu, then click the colour square to open the colour picker. Choose your new colour and click OK. Photoshop will fill the selected background with that colour. To deselect when you're done, go to Select > Deselect or press Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (Mac).

Key Takeaways

  • The Quick Selection Tool or Magic Wand Tool lets you select just the background without affecting the main subject.
  • Use Shift+click to add to your selection and Alt+click to remove parts you selected by mistake.
  • Edit > Fill > Color is the menu path to put a solid colour into your selected background.
  • Deselect your work when finished by pressing Ctrl+D (Windows) or Cmd+D (Mac) to see the final result clearly.

Selecting a clean background with the Select Subject tool

If your image has a clear subject (a person, object, or shape) in front of the background, use Select Subject instead. Go to Select > Subject. Photoshop automatically detects and selects the main subject, leaving the background unselected.

Then invert the selection so the background is selected instead. Go to Select > Inverse. Now your background is selected and ready to fill with a new colour. This method is faster and more accurate when Photoshop can clearly see where the subject ends and the background begins. It saves you from having to manually trace around a person or object.

Handling backgrounds with soft edges or hair

Backgrounds with soft edges, hair, or fine details are harder to select cleanly. After you make your initial selection with the Quick Selection Tool, refine it by going to Select > Modify > Feather. Enter a value between 2 and 5 pixels to soften the edge of your selection. This prevents a harsh, unnatural line where the background meets the subject.

For even finer control, use Select > Select and Mask. This opens a workspace where you can see your selection in real time and adjust the edge with sliders. The Refine Edge slider helps smooth rough edges, and the Shift Edge slider moves the selection boundary inward or outward. When you're satisfied, click OK to apply the refined selection and then fill as normal.

Using the colour picker to choose your new background colour

Before you fill, decide what colour you want. Click the foreground colour square in the toolbox (the two overlapping squares on the left side of your screen) to open the colour picker. You can enter a specific colour value if you know it: type a hex code (like #FF5733) in the field, or use the RGB sliders to mix your own colour.

If you want to sample a colour from somewhere else in your image or from outside Photoshop, use the eyedropper tool inside the colour picker. Click the eyedropper icon, then click anywhere on your screen to grab that colour. Once you've chosen your colour, click OK to close the picker. Your foreground colour is now set and ready to use when you fill the background.

Filling with a gradient or pattern instead of solid colour

You don't have to use a solid colour. After selecting your background, go to Edit > Fill and choose Gradient from the dropdown instead of Color. Photoshop will fill the selection with a gradient that transitions between two colours. You can choose from preset gradients or create your own by clicking the gradient preview.

To fill with a pattern, choose Pattern from the same dropdown. Photoshop shows you available patterns; select one and click OK. Patterns repeat across the selected area. Both gradients and patterns can create more interesting backgrounds than a flat colour, especially if you want depth or texture in your final image.

Undoing mistakes and trying again

If you fill the background and don't like the result, press Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) to undo. You can undo multiple steps this way. Your selection will still be active, so you can try a different colour or technique without starting over from the beginning.

If you accidentally deselected before filling, go to Select > Undo Select to bring the selection back. If that option is greyed out, you can remake the selection using the same tool you used before. Photoshop remembers your last selection settings, so the tool will work the same way the second time around.

Saving your work

Once you're happy with your new background, save the file. Go to File > Export As to save as JPG, PNG, or another format. If you want to keep the Photoshop file with all its layers intact, go to File > Save As and save as a PSD file instead.

Saving as PSD lets you come back later and edit the background again without losing quality. Exporting as JPG or PNG flattens the image and makes it smaller, which is better for sharing online or printing. Choose the format that matches what you plan to do with the image next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Quick Selection Tool and the Magic Wand?

The Magic Wand selects areas of similar colour with one click, but it's less precise. The Quick Selection Tool lets you paint over the area you want to select, giving you more control. For most backgrounds, Quick Selection is faster and more accurate.

Why does my selection have a jagged edge after I fill it?

Your selection boundary is too sharp. Before filling, go to Select > Modify > Feather and enter 2 to 5 pixels. This softens the edge so the new background blends smoothly with your subject instead of looking cut out.

Can I change the background colour of just part of the image?

Yes. Instead of selecting the entire background, use the rectangular or lasso selection tool to select only the area you want to change. Then fill that selection with your new colour. You can make multiple selections and fill them separately.

What if the background is the same colour as my subject?

The selection tools will struggle. Try using Select > Color Range to select by colour value instead. You can also manually paint your selection using the lasso tool, or use Select and Mask to refine the edge by hand.