Remove similar pixels with the Magic Eraser tool

Last updated on Oct 27, 2025

Learn how to make selected color areas transparent using the Magic Eraser tool in Adobe Photoshop.

Select the Magic Eraser tool by long pressing the Eraser tool in the toolbar.

In the Options bar, enter a value between 0 and 255 for Tolerance:

  • Lower values erase colors similar to the selected pixel.
  • Higher values erase a broad range of colors.

Select Anti-alias to smooth the edges of the erased area.

Select Contiguous to erase pixels of similar color adjacent to the selected pixel. Deselect Contiguous to erase all matching pixels across the layer.

Select Sample All Layers to erase pixels based on colors from all visible layers or leave it unchecked to sample only from the active layer.

Note

If you select the background layer, Adobe Photoshop automatically converts it into a regular layer before erasing similar pixels.

Enter a value to set Opacity:

  • 100% erases pixels.
  • Lower values partially erase pixels, creating transparency.

Drag over the area in the image to erase pixels that match your settings.