How do I remove greenscreen from a background?

[Billiams]

I am using the "select color range" to remove my green screen from the background. I selected the middle eyedropper (because the green screen was unevenly lit) and "invert". The problem I am having is that the subject is also being selected. How can I just remove the green from the background without affecting the subject?

[macpawel · Accepted solution]

Just uose any selection tool. Quick Selection, Magic Wand, Color Range, Quick Mask, Pen, Lasso (depends of your subject) you can also use channel,

If you select your subject (in new version of Photoshop you can even use Select Subject Command) then go to Select & Mask Command to adjust jour selection. If you do if use CTRL+J and move your subject on a new layer.

Then you can select background and change color any way you want. You can even drag and drop new background from any image or selection

Pawel

[Billiams]

I tried the "select and mask" and it seemed to work a little better but I'm still left with a fuzzy green outline around my subject. I tried the "refine edge" tool and it erases the subject as well.

[Norman Sanders]

I suspect the subject edge is not in sharp focus, which is deadly in green screen. Post the image so that we can have a more accurate idea of problem. Also, tell us what version of PS you are using the and OS

[Billiams]

I don't see "insert image" The only option under "actions" is "report abuse".

[Norman Sanders]

The symbols that you see in the illustration I posted appear at the top of the area you write in when you post a message here. Click on the symbol that is circled. If you let your cursor linger there the "Insert message" note appears. The reason we would like to see the image is that we could download it and try a few solutions to help you: channel mask, for example. and other methods.  The reason you do not see "Select Subject" in the Options Bar is that you do not have the latest PS version.

[Billiams]

I just updated Photoshop but still don't see "select subject" in the options bar.

[Norman Sanders]

Have you chosen the Quick Selection Tool?

[Billiams]

Yes, but I can't refine the edge enough. It's erasing the subject as well as the background. Totally frustrating. I thought Photoshop had this select color thing mastered by now.

[Billiams]

I meant "select and mask"

[Billiams]

I'm using Photoshop CC and Windows 10

[WILDCAT54]

Post or link your image here please.

[Billiams]

[D Fosse]

You must be doing something wrong here. This is one pass with Select > Color Range. That's it.

The real problem is the green color spill. You'll need to paint that out manually.

[Norman Sanders]

Choose the Quick Selection tool.

In its Option Bar click on Select Subject.

When the marching ants appear outlining the subject click on Select and Mask

Adjust if necessary and be sure to click on Decontaminate Colors

In Output to: Chose new layers with mask.

[Billiams]

I don't see "select subject". Only "select and mask".

[Grigor Poghosyan]

PHOTOSHOP Green Screen Removal DONE RIGHT!!! - YouTube

chech this video

[Billiams]

I've watched that video and tried their method but the problem is my subject is also being removed.

[JJMack]

Can be very difficult when there is a lot of Chroma Key Spill. If you want to extract something in a still image you would be better served with a white or gray Chroma Key background,  Its easer to blend in a natural Chroma Key then a green or blue one.

[Billiams]

there wasn't much spill but the background was unevenly lit.

[Grigor Poghosyan]

then try magic wand tool

[Billiams]

No offense, but the magic wand tool was totally useless. I could click all day with it and not get the proper selection.

[JJMack]

Does blend if green help any? To drop out the green.

[Norman Sanders]

Since you do not have the latest version of Photoshop and are having problems with the Refine Edge Tool this is another option:

1. Duplicate the image layer and then change Image > Mode to Lab Color (Don’t flatten)

2. Choose Channels and drag the  a  channel down to make a copy

3. Choose Image > Adjustments > Curves and click on Auto (it will look like the curve on the left)

4. Increase the contrast as shown. Mask is complete without brushwork. (It will look like the curve on the right)

5. Return to RGB color

6. Place a new layer below the top layer, turn off the eye on the bottom layer

7. Apply the mask to the top layer

[Billiams]

I just updated to the latest version. I will try this but it sure seems like a lot of steps!!