Covering Up Faces and Text

Have you ever come across a great photo or image that really represents your brand, only to find that there is sensitive data in the photo that needs to be edited out? We regularly come across this issue in our client marketing strategies, especially with social media and display campaigns, however there is a way around this that allows you to continue using your amazing photos in your marketing activities. As the design tool of choice by most graphic professionals, Adobe Photoshop has some awesome features that can help you remove unwanted content from your images and provide you with the freedom to harness specific creatives in your marketing plans. The best part is that you don't even need to be an expert to achieve this; as when it comes to photo editing Photoshop is fairly user-friendly and responsive.

Our graphic designers have a few tricks up their sleeve and are happy to share some Photoshop secrets that will help you hide unwanted content whilst retaining your photo's overall style and appeal. We've created a step-by-step process on how to remove text from a photo using popular Photoshop tools such as the Magic Wand, Clone Stamp, and Healing Spot. The overall result will keep your photos intact whilst removing sensitive or unwanted components.

Step 1 – Use the Magic Wand Tool

A. Select the area you want to delete using the Magic Wand Tool (W)

Hold Shift + Click on the area you want to delete. You'll see a running line when you select an area.

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B. Delete the selected area by pressing the Delete button on the keyboard. Make sure that your image is set as a background

When deleting a background image, a prompt will appear. Follow this setting:

Only the outline will remain. You can clean this up by using the Clone Stamp Tool (S)

Step 2 – Use the Clone Stamp Tool

A. Choose a brush options

I suggest using a smaller and softer brush so that the stamp will not be that harsh.

I personally use these settings when using the clone stamp. I adjust the size and hardness depending on the area that I want to erase. But make sure to keep it smaller than the area so it will not be obvious and harsh.

B. Select an area to copy from

I suggest selecting an area nearest to the object you want to delete

I recommend zooming on the image so you will see the colours and pixels properly to select the most accurate area.

C. Clone the area around the object as clean as you can.

Step 3 – Use Healing Spot Tool (Optional)

A. If some area is still obviously deleted, you may use the Healing Spot Tool (J).

B. Click on the area you want to clean up and you will notice that it will blend into the area around and behind it.

C. Save the image when you're happy with the output.

* Please note that the brush settings may depend on the image and area they wish to delete. My settings might not work on other images but I recommend making the brush smaller and softer.

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Here's a before (left) and after (right) image: