E-commerce product photography is a creative and professional art that aims to present products in the most attractive way commercially. Perfectly captured product images play a key role in increasing visitors to your online store, generating customer interest, and ultimately increasing sales.
One of the key elements of a successful product presentation is post-processing—that is, the subsequent editing of the image. Effective use of photo editing software helps you create high-quality and creative images even in a makeshift studio or with limited resources.
In today’s guide, we’ll show you how to edit e-commerce product images using Photoshop. We’ll explain each process step by step and show you how to make your edits more precise and effective. The good news is that Photoshop’s many smart tools make this editing fast and professional.
How to Edit Product Photos in Photoshop
Now we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of editing product images in Photoshop. If you follow this process from start to finish, you’ll be the owner of professional-quality e-commerce images in no time.
In this guide, we’ll show you two types of methods—one that’s quick and effective, and the other that’s relatively time-consuming but thorough and detailed.
Practice each step yourself to improve your Photoshop skills—this will help you improve your skills and get more perfect results.
Start by Duplicating the Background Layer
As a general rule, the first step in any Adobe Photoshop edit is to open your image and duplicate the background layer.
You can do this quickly by pressing Cmd + J (Mac) or Ctrl + J (Windows).
Alternatively, drag the background layer onto the “Create a New Layer” icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
Make a Clean Selection of the Product
Removing the background is one of the most crucial steps in product image editing with Photoshop.
In this section, we’ll walk you through three different background removal methods—ranging from the quickest to the most precise.
For this tutorial, we’ve chosen a product image with a background color very similar to the product itself, making it more challenging for AI tools to distinguish between the two.
We’ll also show you how to fine-tune each method to achieve clean, professional results—especially when automatic tools fall short.
Method 1: Tool for Selecting Specific Objects
The Object Selection tool is an essential feature for e-commerce product photographers, enabling quick and precise selection of specific areas within an image. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI), it automatically detects products or objects based on where you point your mouse, simplifying the editing process.
Introduced in Photoshop in 2023, the Object Selection tool marked a breakthrough in AI-assisted editing, making time-consuming tasks faster and more efficient.
Where to find the Object Selection tool in Photoshop
You’ll find this tool in the right-hand toolbar, positioned next to the Quick Selection and Magic Wand tools. To switch between these tools, simply right-click the icon and choose the Object Selection tool from the menu.
Select the Main Subject
The Object Selection tool has a button in the top right corner that can automatically detect the main object in the image. This feature works best when your product is on a plain background with no other elements.
If this automatic selection doesn’t work properly, hover your mouse cursor over the image. Whenever the tool detects an object, a pink overlay will appear on your product.
Fine-Tuning Your Selection
Ensure the dotted line—commonly called the “Marching Ants”—fully encloses every part of your product.
For products with simple shapes, this selection often works perfectly. However, for more intricate items like handbags, a few additional steps are necessary.
Zoom in to at least 100% (200% zoom is ideal) and carefully inspect the selection to spot any gaps or irregularities.
Once satisfied, click the Select and Mask button in the top toolbar. This will open a specialized dialog box for refining your selection.
Here, you can make subtle adjustments, which are especially helpful for handling complex edges, like fur or detailed textures.
Use the Refine Edge Brush Tool from the toolbar on the left to fine-tune your selection.
In the Edge Detection section, set the radius to around 2 pixels and enable the Smart Radius option.
For smoothness, set Smooth to 2 and Feather to 1 pixels.
Use the Positive Brush to add areas to your selection, and if any unwanted parts are included, switch to the Negative Brush to remove them.
Though this process can take some time, it greatly improves accuracy and prevents unwanted areas from being selected.
When you’re finished, press OK or hit Enter to apply the changes.
Method 2: Quick Selection Tool
The Quick Selection tool is one of the fastest and easiest ways to quickly select objects in Adobe Photoshop.
You’ll find this tool in the toolbar at the top left of Photoshop. Its icon looks like a dotted circle with a paintbrush inside.
Step 1: Select the Main Subject
The Object Selection tool features a button in the top right corner that automatically detects the main object in your image. This works best when your product is photographed against a simple, clean background with minimal distractions.
If the automatic selection doesn’t activate, move your mouse cursor over the image. When the tool recognizes an object, a pink overlay will highlight your product.
Simply click on the pink overlay to instantly select that area.
Step 2: Adjusting Your Selection
Sometimes, unwanted areas get included in your selection. To clean this up, use the “Add to Selection” and “Subtract from Selection” brush options located in the upper left corner.
For greater accuracy, zoom in to 200% and adjust your brush tool and size as needed while refining the edges.
Method 3: Create a Clipping Path
If none of the automatic selection methods deliver the accuracy you need, it’s time to create a precise path using the Pen Tool manually.
While it’s the most time-consuming method, the Pen Tool offers unmatched precision, making it the go-to choice for high-quality product selections in Photoshop.
For anyone aiming to become a professional photo editor, mastering the Pen Tool is a must.
You can find it in the lower section of the left-hand toolbar, represented by an icon that looks like a fountain pen nib.
Step 1:Use the Pen Tool to Define the Subject’s Edges
The Pen Tool offers exceptional precision by allowing you to click, hold, and drag anchor points to create smooth curves that closely follow the contours of your object. Use this method each time the direction of the shape changes. For the most accurate results, zoom in to at least 200%.
Continue this process until you’ve created a closed path around the entire object. While it may take some time, this technique is highly effective and well worth the effort for achieving clean, professional results.
Once your path is complete, click the “Selection…” button in the top toolbar.
This will open the Selection Dialog Box. Here, we recommend setting the Feather Radius to 1 or 2 pixels to create slightly softened edges for a more natural-looking selection.
Step 2: Fill in Missing Areas
Once you’ve fully traced the outer edge of your product, it’s time to remove any open or blank areas within the object.
To do this, use the Pen Tool to trace around each inner blank space, creating a closed path just like before.
When the path is complete, click “Selection…” from the top toolbar, then choose “Subtract from Selection.” Make sure to keep the Feather Radius consistent (1 or 2 pixels) to maintain soft, natural edges.
Repeat this process for each internal blank area individually. Taking the time to do this ensures a clean, precise, and professional-quality selection.
Step 3: Remove the Product Background
Inverse the Selection
With your product selected, it’s time to inverse the selection so the background is targeted. Use the shortcut Cmd + Shift + I (or Ctrl + Shift + I on Windows).
Alternatively, go to the top menu: Select > Inverse.
Now, the selection outline should surround both the product and the frame edges—indicating the background is selected.
Delete the Background
Press the Backspace key to remove the background.
If Photoshop prompts a dialog box, you likely forgot to duplicate the layer.
Add a Solid Color Background
- Click on the “Create new fill or adjustment layer” icon at the bottom of the Layers panel (half-filled circle icon).
- Choose Solid Color from the menu and select a background color (white is recommended).
- Click OK, then drag this new color layer beneath your product layer (usually “Layer 1”).
Step 4: Crop and Straighten the Image
With the background removed, now refine your composition.
Select the Crop Tool
Activate the Crop Tool from the left toolbar. Consider your platform:
- Square for Instagram
- Consistent size for image series
- Portrait or landscape based on your store layout
Straighten the Product
Method 1: Straighten Tool
- Click the spirit level icon on the Crop toolbar.
- Drag across a horizontal or vertical edge of the product.
- Let go to auto-straighten. Undo with Cmd + Z (Ctrl + Z) if needed.
Method 2: Manual Rotation
- Click and drag outside the crop box to rotate manually.
- Photoshop shows a grid to help align perfectly.
Method 3: Crop to Fit
- Drag the sides or corners of the crop box to fit your desired dimensions.
- Hold Shift to maintain the original aspect ratio.
- Use the Rule of Thirds overlay to help with composition.
Step 5: Retouch Your Product
Zoom in and remove imperfections that distract the customer.
Spot Removal
Tool 1: Spot Healing Brush
- Select the Spot Healing Brush Tool.
- Adjust brush size and click or drag over blemishes, dust, or scratches.
Note: For complex textures or patterns, use the Clone Stamp Tool.
Tool 2: Clone Stamp Tool
- Select the Clone Stamp Tool.
- Set high Opacity and Flow.
- Hold Option (or Alt on PC) to sample a clean area, then paint over the imperfection.
Tonal Adjustments
Use Levels and Curves (under Adjustment Layers) to refine brightness, contrast, and shadow details.
This step ensures your product looks vivid without being overexposed.
Step 6: Color Correction
Adjust colors for accurate representation, especially for fashion, food, or lifestyle products.
- Use Hue/Saturation and Color Balance adjustment layers.
- If possible, compare with the real product for precise color matching.
Step 7: Add a Realistic Shadow
Shadows add realism and depth, making your product appear grounded.
Create the Shadow Base
- Add a new layer below your product.
- Use the Polygonal Lasso Tool to outline a shadow shape under your product.
- Fill the shape with black using Option + Backspace (Alt + Backspace).
Add Blur for Realism
- Convert the shadow layer to a Smart Filter: Filter > Convert for Smart Filters.
- Apply Tilt-Shift Blur: Filter > Blur Gallery > Tilt-Shift….
- Adjust the blur lines and direction to match the light source.
A blur strength around 180px usually works well.
Fade the Shadow
- Add a Layer Mask to the shadow layer.
- Select the Gradient Tool, then drag from the product edge outwards to fade the shadow.
- Use a soft brush (0% Hardness) to clean up edges as needed.
Enhance Ground Contact
- Create another layer below the product.
- Use a small, soft brush with 100% opacity to draw a thin shadow along the product’s bottom edge.
- Reduce the opacity of this layer for subtle realism.
Step 8: Add a Reflection
Adding a reflection enhances professionalism, especially for glass, metal, or polished surfaces.
Create the Reflection
- Duplicate the product layer: Cmd + J (Ctrl + J).
- Move the duplicate below the original.
- Flip it vertically: Edit > Transform > Flip Vertical.
- Drag it downward so it aligns with the base of the original product.
Perspective Warp the Reflection
- Go to Edit > Perspective Warp.
- Create and adjust grids to match the product’s surface perspective.
- Click Warp and fine-tune anchor points for realism.
Blur and Fade the Reflection
- Apply a horizontal blur using Tilt-Shift as above.
- Add a layer mask and use a gradient to soften the reflection further.
- Adjust the layer opacity for a more subtle effect.
Step 9: Final Touches
Sharpen the Product
- Select the main product layer.
- Go to Filter > Sharpen > Unsharp Mask.
- Suggested settings: 1 px Radius, 20–30% Amount.
Resize & Export for Web
- Go to Image > Image Size
- Set resolution to 72 dpi for web
- Resize dimensions according to platform (e.g., 1080×1080 for Instagram, 1000px+ for Amazon)
- Then go to File > Export > Export As…
- Choose JPEG or PNG, check quality, and export.
Why Edit Your E-Commerce Product Photos?
Edited product photos do more than just look nice—they increase conversion rates, build trust, and boost your brand image.
According to a 2023 Business Research Insights report, the global e-commerce product photography market is projected to reach $2 billion by 2033, driven by rising demand for high-quality visuals.
Here’s why editing matters:
- Strong First Impressions
Raw images often have flaws. Editing removes imperfections and enhances quality, helping your product stand out immediately. - Feature Highlighting
Use edits to showcase textures, fine details, and functionality, minimizing buyer hesitation and returns. - Distraction Removal
Background removal, shadow additions, and touch-ups help focus attention on the product, increasing click-throughs. - Platform & Device Optimization
Edited images are tailored for performance on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Shopify—ensuring fast load times and mobile responsiveness. - SEO and Performance
Proper file names, alt tags, and optimized sizes improve search engine visibility and boost site speed.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How can I make my product stand out?
Use clean backgrounds, accurate colors, natural shadows, and proper lighting to highlight features.
How do I keep product colors consistent?
Use Color Balance and Hue/Saturation in Photoshop while referencing the physical product.
What’s the best way to remove a background?
The Pen Tool provides precision, while Object Selection is faster for simpler edits.
Which file format should I use for e-commerce?
Use JPEG for web; PNG for transparent backgrounds. Always optimize for size and quality.
Final Recap: Product Photo Editing Workflow
Start by selecting the object correctly:
Use the Object Selection Tool, Quick Selection Tool, or Pen Tool to select the exact outline of the product. A perfect selection is the key to quality background removal and a professional finish.
Remove the background and add a suitable background:
After removing the background, add a white or specific color background layer. Then straighten the image and crop it so that it is suitable for the specific platform (e.g. Amazon, Ebay, Etsy, Shopify).
Remove blemishes and unnecessary elements:
Use the Spot Healing Brush and Clone Stamp tools to remove dust, blemishes, or any distracting elements. The image should look as clean and professional as possible.
Perfect the colors and tones:
Use Levels, Curves, Color Balance, and Hue/Saturation adjustments to bring out the true colors of the product. The goal is to make the image look natural, vibrant, and attractive.
Add shadows and reflections:
Add soft drop shadows or reflections to add depth to your image. This helps the product look more realistic and three-dimensional.
Finalize sharpening and export settings:
Make the image clearer by lightly sharpening it, and ensure the correct format, resolution, and size when exporting the image so that it displays perfectly on the platform you are using.