How to Remove Background from Photo | A Step-by-Step Guide

The basics of image background removal

A photo background is simply the area behind the main subject of an image. Removing it is a fundamental skill for various purposes, from creating transparent images for product listings and logos to isolating a subject for a new creative composition. This process significantly improves a photo's overall visual appeal by eliminating distracting elements.

The method of image background removal can be either manual or automatic. Manual removal involves using precision tools like the lasso or pen, which offers detailed control but requires time and a skilled hand. In contrast, modern AI-powered tools provide an automatic, one-click solution that is incredibly fast and efficient, making professional-quality background removal accessible to everyone.

How to edit out the background of a photo: popular tools

Editing out a photo's background is a key step in professional and creative projects, and the right tool can make all the difference. While many options exist, paid desktop software provides advanced features and granular control for the highest-quality results. Here are three popular paid tools for background removal.

Paid tools

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1. Adobe Photoshop

As the industry standard for professional photo editing, Photoshop offers an extensive suite of tools for removing backgrounds. You can achieve pixel-perfect selections using its classic manual tools or rely on its AI-powered features for a quick, one-click solution. It provides the most control and versatility for any editing task.

Features

• One-click AI background removal: Instantly isolates the subject from the background with a single click.
• Layer masking: Non-destructive editing that lets you hide parts of a layer, providing flexibility to refine selections at any time.
• Refine edge tool: Offers advanced controls to perfect selections around challenging areas like hair or fur.
• Powerful selection tools: Includes a variety of manual tools such as the Pen Tool, Magic Wand, and Lasso for precise, custom selections.

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1. Affinity Photo

Affinity Photo is a powerful, one-time purchase alternative to subscription-based software. It's known for its robust performance and professional-grade features, making it a favorite among photographers and graphic designers. Its intuitive selection and masking tools provide a high degree of control for detailed background removal.

Features

• Dedicated selection persona: A specific workspace with all the tools you need for precise selections.
• Refine selection tool: Provides a highly capable brush for refining soft edges and intricate details.
• Live masks: Non-destructive masks that you can edit in real-time to perfect your cutout.
• High-quality inpainting: Its Inpainting brush allows you to seamlessly remove objects or imperfections from the background.

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1. Pixelmator Pro

If you are wondering how to remove background from photo on Mac, then Pixelmator Pro is your best option. It is an intuitive and powerful photo editor designed specifically for Mac users. The software strikes a great balance between ease of use and professional functionality, offering smart, AI-powered tools that simplify complex tasks like background removal.

Features

• One-click background removal: A fast, AI-powered feature that intelligently removes the background automatically.
• Smart erase tool: An intelligent brush that seamlessly removes unwanted objects or details from the background with a single swipe.
• Selection & masking tools: Includes a range of tools like the Quick Selection Tool and Magic Wand for both quick and precise selections.
• RAW photo editing: Supports editing RAW files, giving you more flexibility and control over your image quality before starting the background removal process.

Free tools

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1. remove.bg

This is a widely-used, dedicated online tool that uses AI to automatically remove backgrounds from photos in seconds. Its main appeal is its extreme simplicity and speed; there's no need to download any software or have prior editing experience. You simply upload your image, and the AI does the rest.

Features

• Fully automatic: The AI instantly detects the subject and removes the background without any manual selection.
• Easy-to-use interface: The platform is designed for simplicity, making it accessible to anyone.
• Basic editing: After automatic removal, you can use a basic brush to restore or erase small parts of the image.
• API integration: Offers an API that allows developers to integrate the service into their own applications and workflows.

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1. Canva

Canva is a versatile graphic design platform that has become a go-to for many non-designers. Its "Pro" subscription includes a highly effective one-click background removal feature. This makes it a perfect all-in-one tool for those who want to not only remove a background but also immediately use the cutout to create a social media post, presentation, or other graphic.

Features

• One-click AI background remover: Quickly isolates the subject from the background using a single button.
• Extensive asset library: Provides access to thousands of professional templates, fonts, and graphics for your designs.
• Real-time collaboration: Allows multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously.
• Web & mobile access: Your designs are saved in the cloud and can be accessed and edited from any device.

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1. GIMP

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source desktop software that serves as a powerful alternative to professional paid editors. While it lacks a one-click AI feature, it offers a full suite of advanced, manual tools for background removal, giving users complete control to achieve high-quality results.

Features

• Advanced selection tools: Includes a variety of sophisticated tools like the Paths Tool and Foreground Select Tool for precise manual cutouts.
• Layer and masking support: Allows for non-destructive editing, which is essential for refining complex selections.
• Highly customizable: Supports a wide range of plugins and scripts to extend its functionality.
• Free to use: Provides professional-level photo editing capabilities without any subscription or purchase fees.

Now that you have explored the top paid and free image background removal tools available on the market, it is time you discover another legend on the horizon, which is CapCut Web. In this next section, we will take a deep dive into how you can effortlessly remove backgrounds from images with just a single click with CapCut Web's AI-powered, one-touch, background removal feature.

CapCut Web: The best online image background remover

Need to remove a background instantly? CapCut Web is a powerful image background remover that makes the process seamless for everyone. Whether you're a small business owner creating a product image or a content creator designing a social media post, a clean background is essential. CapCut Web's AI-powered "Remove Background" feature works with a single click, intelligently detecting your subject and providing a high-quality cutout in seconds. Best of all, this feature is just as effective for both photos and videos, making it an incredibly versatile solution for all your creative projects. To learn more about how you capitalize on this amazing CapCut Web feature, continue reading our impactful guide.

How to remove background from photo free with CapCut Web

If you are ready to explore as to how you can utilize CapCut Web to remove image backgrounds, then our following essential steps can help you craft the perfect final image for your use case scenario. Simply follow our suggestions below and you will be good to go.

STEP 1
1. Select and upload your desired image

The foremost step of the background removal process involves signing up for CapCut Web using the official mentioned links above. After signing into your account, click on the "Image" tab and then select the "New image" option. This will allow you to upload the image whose background you want to remove with CapCut Web.

On the new web page, proceed to upload your image. In addition to that, if you want to work with a specific resolution, based on your use case scenario, then you can choose from a wide range of resolution options that CapCut Web provides at your disposal. For instance, for YouTube thumbnail shots, you will need to use a resolution that is 1280 by 720 pixels.

STEP 2
1. Use the "Remove background" feature

In the subsequent step, you will need to select the "Remove background" feature from the right-hand panel. After that, toggle the "Auto removal" option, which will help you remove backgrounds automatically.

Upon doing so, your image's current background will be removed instantly and you will have the option to further customize the removal features. CapCut Web also offers the option to edit the edges of your image's subjects by adding certain interesting elements to them, such as stroke, image glow, shadow, or a feather look.

STEP 3
1. Preview and export your new image

After successfully removing your image background, it is time to further edit your new image by adding text, stickers, shapes, frames, and more. Utilize the various image elements present on the left-hand panel, so that you can make the final photo a unique one. Additionally, do not forget to take advantage of the layer panel on your right-hand side.

Once you are done editing the image, you can proceed to export it with the removed background, by clicking on the "Download all" button. It is recommended that you choose a PNG format and check the "Transparent background" option. After that, click on "Download". Conversely, you can also share the photo directly on your social media channels, such as Facebook and Instagram.

Key features of CapCut Web for efficient background removal and editing

• One-click background removal: This is one of CapCut Web's primary features, where it uses powerful AI processes to automatically and accurately isolate the subject of a photo (or video). With just a single click, you can remove the background with high precision, saving you the time and effort of manual selections. It provides a fast, professional result, making complex editing tasks accessible to everyone.
• AI image upscaler: The AI image upscaler tool is perfect for enhancing the resolution and clarity of any low-quality photo. By using AI to analyze and add detail, CapCut Web can transform blurry or pixelated images into a high-quality final result. This feature is particularly useful when you need to improve an image before or after you remove its background.
• Image enhancement: CapCut Web's smart image enhancement tools automatically address a variety of common photo issues. It can fix problems like blurriness, poor lighting, or faded colors, automatically adjusting contrast and brightness for a better look. This provides an easy way to give your images a polished and professional finish without needing manual adjustments.
• Extensive effects and filters: Beyond just editing, CapCut Web offers a vast library of artistic effects and free photo filters that can be applied to images. You can instantly change the mood and style of your images, choosing from looks that range from cinematic to retro. This feature allows you to add a creative, professional touch to your final cutout, making it ready for any creative project.

Tips and tricks for a flawless subject cutout

No one is born as a professional. If you are new to the game of removing image backgrounds, then the following set of tips and tricks can help you hone your skills.

Start with a good image

The foundation of a perfect cutout is a good starting image. Automated tools work best when there is a clear contrast between your subject and the background. Avoid cluttered backgrounds or scenes where the colors of the subject and background are too similar, as this can confuse AI and result in messy, imperfect edges that require more manual cleanup later.

Pay attention to the edges

No matter which tool you use, the edges of your subject are the most critical part of the cutout. Always remember to zoom in and inspect fine details like hair, fur, or semi-transparent objects, which are often difficult to get right. Many editing programs include specialized "refine edge" or soft-brush tools to help you seamlessly blend these challenging areas.

Lighting is key

Proper lighting plays a crucial role in the success of background removal. Ensure your subject is well-lit and that there are no harsh shadows cast onto the background. Uneven lighting can create false boundaries that confuse AI, while sharp shadows can make it difficult to distinguish the subject from the background during manual selection.

Use the right file format

When saving your final image, the file format is essential. To maintain a transparent background after removal, you must save the image as a PNG file. Formats like JPG, which are commonly used for photos, do not support transparency and will automatically fill your newly removed background with a solid color, usually white.

Clean up any straggling pixels

Even the most advanced automated tools can sometimes leave behind tiny, isolated pixels that were part of the original background. After the initial removal, it's always good practice to zoom in and look for these "straggling pixels." A quick sweep with a manual eraser or brush tool will help you achieve a perfectly clean and professional-looking final result.

Suggestions for choosing the right tool for your project

In addition to honing your skills, you also need the right set of tools to match your expertise and workflow. The following set of suggestions can help you to be more judgemental on the type of tool you choose for your tasks at hand.

For quick, simple tasks

If you need to quickly remove a background from a photo without worrying about fine details, online tools and mobile apps are the best choice. Services like remove.bg offer a fast, automated process that delivers a decent-quality cutout in seconds. They are ideal for personal use, creating memes, or when you simply don't have the time for a detailed edit.

For detailed, professional work

For projects where quality is paramount, such as product photography or high-end graphic design, desktop software is the way to go. Programs like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP provide a comprehensive suite of tools for manual selection and refinement. This granular control allows you to handle complex subjects and ensure every edge is perfect, delivering the highest quality results.

For a blend of speed and control

When you need to be efficient but still require high-quality results, a hybrid approach works best. AI-powered desktop applications like Pixelmator or Luminar Neo can save you a significant amount of time by handling the initial background removal automatically. This leaves you with a great starting point, allowing you to focus on minor manual refinements to achieve a perfect finish.

For a high volume of images

If your workflow involves removing backgrounds from a large number of photos, such as for e-commerce or a personal portfolio, you should look for a tool with batch processing capabilities. Services like Pixelcut are designed to handle this workload, allowing you to remove backgrounds from dozens or even hundreds of images at once. This feature is a huge time-saver and streamlines your entire process.

For web-based design

For creators who plan to immediately use their cutout in a social media post, website banner, or presentation, an all-in-one platform is the most efficient choice. Tools like Canva or CapCut Web combine a simple background removal feature with an extensive library of design templates and assets. This allows you to cut out your subject and instantly incorporate it into a finished design, all in one place.

Conclusion

In this in-depth guide, we've explored a variety of methods for removing photo backgrounds, from the granular control of professional desktop software to the instant results of free online tools. We've also covered essential tips for a flawless cutout and how to choose the perfect tool for your project.

Among the many options, CapCut Web emerges as a leading contender for its seamless and efficient approach. With its powerful AI, it simplifies the entire process, offering high-quality, one-click background removal directly from your browser. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a beginner, CapCut Web provides a fast and intuitive solution to transform your images effortlessly. We encourage you to try CapCut Web today to experience its seamless and powerful editing capabilities for yourself.

FAQs

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1. How to edit out the background of a photo, manually or using AI?

You can manually edit a photo's background with precision tools, but for a fast result, AI is the best option. CapCut Web's intelligent background removal feature uses AI to give you a high-quality cutout with just one click, without the need for manual work.

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1. How to remove background from photo free online?

Many tools allow you to remove a photo background for free online using AI. CapCut Web is one such example, which offers a seamless experience with its one-click background removal feature, thereby providing a fast and efficient way to get a clean cutout directly from your browser at no cost.

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1. How to remove background from photo on Mac, without using any tool or software?

On a Mac, simply open the image in Preview, use the Instant Alpha tool from the Markup Toolbar to select and delete the background, then save the file as a PNG to keep transparency. While this built-in option works fine, an even easier method is using a web-based tool like CapCut Web, which lets you remove photo backgrounds instantly without installation—fast, simple, and accessible from any Mac.