Erase an image background

Step 1 - Display Layers palette, open image
If it isn't already displayed, display the Layers palette, and then open the file "Flatiron Building.jpg" residing in Paint Shop Pro 9's Sample Images folder.
Step 2 - Promote Background layer
Before using the Background Eraser tool, you'll need to convert the Background layer to a Raster layer. Choose Layers > Promote Background Layer. (Note that if you do not perform this step, the application will prompt you to do it anyway.)
Perform this step for me.
Step 3 - Choose Background Eraser tool
From the Tools toolbar, choose the Background Eraser tool.
Select this tool for me.
Step 4 - Reset Presets to default
In the Tool Options palette, click the Presets button, and then click the Reset to default button (the curved arrow). This will ensure that Sampling, Limits, and other Background Eraser Tool Options are set appropriately for this Quick Guide.
Step 5 - Set Size, Hardness and Step
In the Tool Options palette, set the following: a) set Size to 100; b) set Hardness to 100, and c) set Step to 5. These settings will work very well with this particular photo.
Step 6 - Erase the sky
Place the brush cursor just outside the edge of the Flatiron building, making sure the center point of the brush is over the sky, and then drag the mouse using slow, steady strokes. The strokes will erase the sky, making the pixels transparent. Continue dragging the brush around the entire outline of the building.
Notes and Tips:
The Background Eraser tool provides a great way to isolate a photo's elements by making brushed-over pixels transparent. So it's not only an easy way to erase something like the sky in the photo, but can also be a great tool for helping make Web page images.
Depending on what you plan to erase, you should experiment with the variety of brush tips and other Tool Options. If you find that you're using the same Tool Options repeatedly, save time by creating a tool Preset.
Refer to the Help system or the User Guide for more information on this powerful tool.

Learn More:
Create a tool Preset - An example
Using Mask Layers - Intermediate
Create a seamless tiled image