The Clone Stamp Tool is powerful with multiple applications. The clone stamp tool, as the name implies, allows you to replace one part of the image by copying or “cloning” another part of the image. This is useful for removing blemishes, adding to an image, or removing an object from the image altogether.
This tutorial covers how to remove an object from an image using the Clone Stamp tool. There are multiple ways to remove an object, and this may not be appropriate for all situations. This works well for simple backgrounds.
Open your image in Photoshop.
1.
Select the clone stamp tool. Select the size and hardness. You want to increase the hardness to 100% for most situations. Clouds in the sky or other soft background would require a low hardness. I’m using 100% for this application.
2.
To begin using the Clone Stamp tool, you will need to choose that area you wish to clone. Then, it option (Mac) or Alt (PC) on the keyboard. You should see see a small, circular icon. This area will now be copied in a place of your choosing. Think of this like loading paint onto a paintbrush.
3.
NOTE: If you try to use the Cloning Stamp tool directly, without following the instructions from step 2, you will get an error warning. If this happens to you, make sure you’re option (Mac) or Alt (PC) on the keyboard before clicking on the image.
4.
Next, click and drag on the area you wish you cover. You should see a small X indicating the area being cloned. Notice that this moves proportionally with the curser. Because the cloning tool moves with you curser, you may need to readjust the area you’re cloning. Simply press Option (Mac) or Alt(PC) again and click on the new area.
5.
Eventually, you will likely clone an undesired section. That’s OK! Just hit undo and try again.
6.
Continue applying the Clone Stamp tool until the object is removed.
