Select the Eraser tool.
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Erase parts of an image with the Eraser tool
Last updated on
Oct 27, 2025
Learn to remove image areas using different Eraser tool modes in Adobe Photoshop with adjustable settings for more control over erasing.
In the Options bar, select one of the following from the dropdown menu:
- Brush: Erases pixels with adjustable softness and opacity settings.
- Pencil: Erases pixels with hard edges.
- Block: Erases pixels in a fixed-size square shape without opacity control.
In Brush and Pencil modes, adjust Size, Hardness, Opacity, and Flow from the Options bar.
Note
If erasing on the Background layer or a locked transparent layer, the erased area is filled with the background color.
Drag over the area you want to erase.
To restore part of your image to a previous state, select Erase to History in the Options bar, then drag over the area you want to restore.
Tip
Hold Alt (Windows) or Option (macOS) while dragging to temporarily switch to Erase to History mode.
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