How to change a product background without redrawing the product

1. Keep the original photo

Save a copy before you start. Keep the original photo on its own layer. You can then compare each change with it.

Start with a clear photo. A new background cannot bring back real text that the camera did not capture. Need plain white? A solid white layer may be enough.

2. Separate the product from its background

Select the product and add a layer mask. The mask hides the old background without deleting it. Check small gaps, handles and soft edges.

Look closely at glass and shiny surfaces. They may still show the old room. Fixing the outside edge will not remove those reflections.

Read more: Add a layer mask in Photoshop

3. Choose a scene that fits

Look at the product. Which side is bright? Are its shadows soft or sharp? Pick a background with similar light and camera height.

Photoshop has a Generate Background tool. You can also use a photo you are allowed to use. Put the new background below the product layer.

Read more: Generate a new background in Photoshop

4. Check the ground and light

Check whether the product seems to stand on the ground. Does the shadow fit? Does the light look equally warm or cool?

A bottle lit from the left may look wrong in a room lit from the right. Try a room that fits better before changing all the light.

5. Compare the details

Set the zoom to 100% and switch the new layers off and on. Check the label, logo, color, shape and edges. Then view the picture at the size people will see it.

Save a working file with its layers. Export a separate copy to share. This keeps later changes easy.

• Read the small print on the label.
• Check that handles, seams and thin edges are still there.
• Look for old background color along the edge.