Photopea Remove Background Review and the Best Alternative

What is Photopea and why use it for background removal

Photopea is a free online image editor which is commonly considered a competent alternative to Adobe Photoshop. As it runs right in your browser, you can leverage professional-level editing features without needing to download and install anything. This accessibility, combined with its robust set of features, has made it a go-to for fast edits like the elimination of undesirable backgrounds from photographs. Photopea's interface is nearly identical to Photoshop, so it's a no-brainer for those already familiar with Adobe's program. It's one of the first options for amateurs and professionals who need a quick, free way of editing images.

Key features of Photopea

• Background removal tools: Photopea offers several options for background removal, from an automatic "Remove BG" feature to more manual tools like the Magic Cut and Magic Wand. These tools cater to various levels of detail, allowing users to choose the best method for their specific image.
• Layer support: A key feature that makes Photopea a Photoshop alternative is its robust support for layers. This allows for non-destructive editing, where you can make changes on a separate layer without affecting the original image, which is vital for complex projects.
• Wide format compatibility: Photopea can open and edit a vast array of file formats, including PSD (Photoshop), XCF (GIMP), and SVG. This compatibility makes it an ideal tool for users who work with different software or need to open files from collaborators without any issues.
• Selection and masking tools: For precise edits, Photopea includes a full suite of selection and masking tools. These include the Lasso, Quick Selection, and Pen tools, which enable users to create intricate selections and apply effects or adjustments to specific parts of an image.
• Filters and adjustments: Photopea provides a wide range of filters and color adjustments, similar to what you'd find in professional software. Users can modify brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, and apply artistic filters to enhance their images, all within the browser.

Step-by-step guide: How to remove background in Photopea

Learning how to remove bg in Photopea can be done in a few different ways, depending on the complexity of your image. We'll walk you through three methods, from the most automated to the most precise.

Method 1: The easiest way: One-click background removal

This is Photopea's most automated approach, best suited for images with a clear distinction between the subject and a simple background.

STEP 1
1. Open image

Open Photopea in your browser and upload your image by clicking "File" > "Open" or by dragging and dropping it into the workspace.

STEP 2
1. Apply the Remove BG tool

Navigate to Select > Remove BG from the menu at the top to execute Photopea's AI functionality. It automatically removes the background, leaving the subject with a transparent checkerboard. Undo with Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Cmd+Z (Mac) if results need tweaking.

STEP 3
1. Export as PNG

If the outcome is satisfactory, go to "File" > "Export as" > "PNG." The PNG format is essential to maintain the transparency of your new background.

Method 2: Semi-automatic method: Using the Magic Cut tool

For more detailed or complex images, the Magic Cut tool gives you more control than the one-click method. You guide AI by marking the areas you want to keep and remove.

STEP 1
1. Access the Magic Cut tool

Open your image in Photopea via File > Open or drag and drop. Select Select > Magic Cut from the top menu. This opens an interface to mark areas for keeping or removing.

STEP 2
1. Mark foreground and background

Use the green brush to mark the areas you want to keep (the foreground or subject) and the red brush to mark the areas you want to remove (the background). The right panel will show a live preview of your selection.

STEP 3
1. Refine, confirm and export

Use the gray brush to erase any mistakes. You can also adjust the "Border" value to soften the edges of your selection, which is particularly useful for detailed areas like hair or fur. Once you are satisfied with the result, click "OK" to apply changes.

Export your image as a PNG by clicking File>Export as>PNG.

Method 3: Precise selection: Using the Magic Wand tool

This classic tool is perfect for images with solid or uniform backgrounds. It gives you manual control and is great for learning the fundamentals of selection in Photopea.

STEP 1
1. Load your image

Open Photopea in your browser and upload your image via File > Open or by dragging it into the editor. Select an image with a solid or uniform background for the Magic Wand tool to work effectively.

STEP 2
1. Select a background with the Magic Wand

From the toolbar, choose the Magic Wand tool (shortcut: W). Adjust the Tolerance setting in the top bar (start with 20-30 for uniform backgrounds). Click on the background area to select it. Hold Shift to add more areas or Alt (Windows) / Option (Mac) to subtract from the selection.

STEP 3
1. Remove and refine

Press the Delete button on keyboard to remove the selected background, creating a transparent layer. For jagged edges, use Select > Refine Edge to smooth the selection.

Save your image as a PNG (File > Export as> PNG) to maintain transparency.

Limitations of Photopea remove background

• Steeper learning curve To get the best results, especially with complex images, you often need to use multiple tools and understand concepts like layers and masks. This can be intimidating for beginners who just want a quick and easy solution.
• Requires manual refinements The automated tools don't always produce perfect results, and you'll frequently need to manually clean up edges, which can be time-consuming. This is especially true for intricate details like hair, where a perfect cutout requires careful manual work.
• Performance issues in large files Because it's a browser-based tool, Photopea can become slow and laggy when working with high-resolution or large files. This can significantly disrupt your workflow and make detailed editing a frustrating experience.
• Ads and cluttered interface The free nature of the tool means it is supported by ads, which can clutter the interface and distract you from your workflow. This can be particularly annoying when you're trying to focus on a precise task.
• No dedicated AI-powered background remover Unlike modern alternatives, Photopea's background removal relies on traditional algorithms. This often results in a less accurate and efficient process, especially for complex subjects or backgrounds, leading to more time spent on manual adjustments.

For many, these limitations can be a major roadblock. If you're looking for a simpler, faster, and more efficient solution that doesn't require a design degree, there is a better way. Enter CapCut Web, a powerful and intuitive platform that takes the frustration out of background removal with its advanced, AI-powered tools.

CapCut Web: The best alternative to Photopea remove background

CapCut Web offers a simpler and smarter way to handle background removal without the frustrations that often come with Photopea. Instead of dealing with manual refinements or a steep learning curve, CapCut Web uses AI technology to instantly detect and erase backgrounds in just one click. Its clean, beginner-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to get professional results in seconds. Beyond background removal, it also provides creative options like replacing the background with colors, stock images, or videos, adding text and effects, and exporting in high quality, all within a single streamlined platform.

Why choose CapCut Web for background removal

• One-click AI automation: CapCut Web's AI-powered image background remover automates the entire process. It accurately detects the subject in your image and removes the background with a single click, saving you significant time and effort compared to Photopea's more manual methods.
• Intuitive interface: CapCut Web's user-friendly interface is clean and easy to navigate. You can get professional results without having to watch dozens of tutorials or deal with a cluttered screen. The design prioritizes a smooth workflow for both beginners and experienced editors.
• Integrated creative suite: Beyond just removing the background, CapCut Web offers a comprehensive suite of creative tools. Once your background is gone, you can instantly replace it with a new color, image, or even a video from its vast library of stock materials. You can also add text, effects, and transitions to create a polished final product, all within the same platform.
• High-quality results: CapCut Web's advanced AI ensures a clean and precise cutout, even with complex details like hair, fur, or intricate edges. Technology is specifically designed to handle these difficult subjects, providing a superior result with minimal need for manual refinement.

Steps to remove background using CapCut Web

Getting started with CapCut Web is quick and effortless. Unlike Photopea, you don't need to spend time learning complex tools or making endless refinements. With its AI-powered background remover, you can achieve clean, professional cutouts in just a few clicks. Follow the steps below to see how easy it is.

STEP 1
1. Upload your image

To begin, you'll need to sign up for CapCut Web using the above links. Once you've created your account, navigate to the dashboard, and select the "New image" option. This will open the editor and allow you to upload your image.

Once inside the editor, you can upload your photo in a few different ways. Click the "Insert (+)" button and then select the "Upload" option from the menu, or simply drag and drop the file directly into the workspace. If your image is stored online, you can also import it from cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

STEP 2
1. Apply the AI background remover

After your image is uploaded, it will appear on the canvas. To begin the background removal process, select the image. A new menu bar will appear above it. Click the Remove BG button.

This will open a panel with several options for background removal, including Auto remove, Quick select, Brush, Erase, and Select area. For the fastest and easiest method, click "Auto remove." Once the AI recognizes the subject and background click "Generate." CapCut Web's powerful AI will instantly erase the background in just a few seconds.

If you need more control, you can use manual tools like Quick select or the Brush to manually highlight the areas you want to keep or remove. The Erase tool allows you to clean up any unwanted parts of your selection.

STEP 3
1. Add creative elements and new background

Before exporting your image, you can enhance it by inserting text, stickers, and visual effects to match your project's style. For a professional finish, experiment with filters and transitions to make your subject stand out.

After customizing with creative elements, you can also upload a new photo to use as a background. To do this, click the Upload button on the left panel, select your new image, then right-click on it and choose Set as background. Use the Layer arrangement option to fine-tune placement and achieve the perfect composition.

STEP 4
1. Download the image

Once you're happy with the final result, it's time to download. Click the "Download" button in the top right corner. From the pop-up, you can select the file format (PNG is recommended for transparent backgrounds) and resolution. Then, click Download to save the image to your device.

Conclusion

Photopea offers several ways to remove backgrounds, from one-click automation to more advanced manual tools like Magic Cut and Magic Wand. While effective, these methods often require extra effort, refinements, and time, especially for complex images. This is where CapCut Web proves to be the smarter choice. With its AI-powered background remover, intuitive interface, and creative editing features, CapCut Web delivers professional-quality results in just seconds. Whether you're editing photos for social media, design projects, or personal use, CapCut Web ensures the process is simple and efficient.

FAQs

1
1. Does Photopea support exporting transparent images after background removal?

Yes, Photopea remove background option allows you to export images with transparency by saving them in PNG format after removing the background. This preserves the cutout so it can be used in other designs. For a smoother workflow, CapCut Web makes this even easier with one-click background removal and instant PNG export, ensuring high-quality results without extra adjustments.

2
1. How do I get a clean cutout of hair or fur in Photopea?

You can improve cutouts of complex details like hair or fur by using the Select > Refine Edge feature to soften and smooth selections. However, this requires practice and careful adjustments. CapCut Web's AI automatically handles fine edges such as hair strands or fur, providing professional-looking results with minimal manual effort.

3
1. How to remove bg in Photopea for video stills or GIFs?

In Photopea, you can open a video still or a GIF frame and apply the same background removal methods. However, this process can be time-consuming if you need to edit multiple frames. CapCut Web is better suited for both images and video edits, letting you remove backgrounds quickly and refine results with creative tools, saving valuable editing time.