Sacar vs. quitar
While both sacar and quitar can be translated as to take or to remove, they are not interchangeable. The main difference lies in the nature of the removal: sacar implies taking something out from an enclosed space, while quitar implies taking something off a surface or away from a person.
Sacar
A1This verb primarily means to take out, to pull out, or to extract. It is used when something is being removed from the inside of something else, like a box, a pocket, or a room. It also has several common idiomatic uses, such as taking a photograph, getting a grade, or taking a dog for a walk.
Voy a sacar la leche del refrigerador.
(I am going to take the milk out of the refrigerator.)
Él sacó las llaves de su bolsillo.
(He took the keys out of his pocket.)
Por favor, saca al perro a pasear.
(Please, take the dog out for a walk.)
Saqué una buena nota en el examen de matemáticas.
(I got a good grade on the math exam.)
¿Nos puedes sacar una foto, por favor?
(Can you take a picture of us, please?)
Tengo que sacar dinero del cajero automático.
(I have to withdraw money from the ATM.)
No vuelvas a sacar ese tema de conversación.
(Don't bring up that topic of conversation again.)
Quitar
A1This verb primarily means to take away, to take off, or to remove. It is used when removing an object from a surface, taking an item of clothing off, taking something away from someone, or relieving something like pain or a stain.
Quita los libros de encima de la mesa.
(Take the books off the top of the table.)
Por favor, quítate los zapatos antes de entrar.
(Please, take off your shoes before entering.)
La aspirina me quitó el dolor de cabeza.
(The aspirin took away my headache.)
La madre le quitó el juguete al niño porque se portaba mal.
(The mother took the toy away from the child because he was misbehaving.)
Este detergente es excelente para quitar las manchas.
(This detergent is excellent for removing stains.)
¿Puedes ayudarme a quitar el polvo de los muebles?
(Can you help me remove the dust from the furniture?)
No me quites la mirada de encima.
(Don't take your eyes off me.)
Summary
In essence, use sacar when you are taking something out from within an enclosed space (inside -> out). Use quitar when you are taking something off a surface, away from a person, or removing an item of clothing (off of/away from). Think of sacar as to extract and quitar as to take away.