A background can be removed from a photo using a variety of online tools and software, which range from fully automatic AI-based applications to manual editing with advanced controls.
Automatic background removers
These web-based tools use artificial intelligence to detect and automatically remove the background from an image with a single click. They are ideal for quick, simple edits.
How to use:
Navigate to a background remover website like remove.bg, Adobe Express, or PhotoRoom.
Click the "Upload Image" button or simply drag and drop your photo onto the page.
The tool's AI will instantly process the photo and remove the background.
Download the new image, which will have a transparent background saved as a PNG file. Most tools offer further editing to add a new background color or image.
Popular online tools:
remove.bg: A very popular and easy-to-use tool for automated background removal.
Adobe Express: Offers a fast, one-click solution as a "Quick Action" for removing backgrounds.
Canva: A graphic design tool with a "Background Remover" feature, available with a Pro subscription.
PhotoRoom: An AI-powered tool that instantly removes the background from a photo.
Manual editing with image software
For more precise and complex images, like those with fine details such as hair, professional software gives you more control.
How to use (using Adobe Photoshop as an example):
Duplicate the layer: Open your image and press Ctrl + J (Windows) or Command + J (Mac) to create a duplicate layer. This preserves your original image.
Use the Object Selection tool: From the left toolbar, choose the "Object Selection Tool" and click on the main subject. Photoshop will make a preliminary selection.
Refine the edges: Click on "Select and Mask" to open a new workspace. Use the "Refine Edge Brush Tool" to meticulously select fine details like hair. You can also use the "Refine Hair" button for an AI-assisted adjustment.
Create a layer mask: In the "Select and Mask" panel, choose to output your selection to a new layer with a "Layer Mask." This is a non-destructive way to hide the background.
Clean up the mask: If any background remains, you can manually paint black on the layer mask to hide it or white to reveal parts you may have accidentally cut.
Popular software:
Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard for complex, high-quality image manipulation.
GIMP: A free, open-source alternative to Photoshop. It offers a "Fuzzy Selection Tool" similar to the Magic Wand for removing solid-colored backgrounds.
Adobe Illustrator: Best for vector images. You can use "Image Trace" to convert a raster image to a vector and then expand and delete the background shapes.
Choosing the right method
For quick, simple edits: Use a free online tool like remove.bg or Adobe Express.
For high-precision work: Use professional software like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
For graphic design projects: Use a versatile tool like Canva, which combines background removal with other design elements.