How to Get Rid of Background in Images Like a Pro

Whether you are a graphic designer, a photographer, or a digital marketer, there are times when you need to get rid of the background of an image. Removing the background of an image allows you to isolate the subject and place it on a new background or integrate it seamlessly into a design project.

In this guide, we will show you different methods for getting rid of backgrounds in images, from using tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to using online editors and specialized software. We will also provide tips and tricks to help you achieve professional-looking results.

Why Should You Get Rid of Background on Images?

There are many reasons why you might want to get rid of the background on an image, such as:

1. To eliminate distractions: Removing a busy or cluttered background can help draw focus to the subject of the image and make it more visually appealing.
2. To improve contrast: Getting rid of a background can help increase the contrast between the subject and the new background. This can make the image stand out more and create a more vibrant effect.
3. To integrate the image into a design project: Sometimes you need to place an image on a design project with a different background color or texture. In these cases, it’s important to remove the image’s original background to avoid visual inconsistencies.

Whatever your reason, removing the background of an image is an essential skill for any designer or digital marketer.

How to Get Rid of Background in Images Using Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular and powerful photo editing software out there, and it offers several ways to remove the background of an image. Here are some methods you can use:

Using the Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand tool is a quick and easy way to remove simple backgrounds with solid colors. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.
2. Click on the Magic Wand tool in the toolbar.
3. Click on the background area you want to remove. The tool will select all the pixels with a similar color value.
4. Press the Delete key on your keyboard. The selected pixels will be removed, leaving a transparent background.

If the Magic Wand tool selects too much or too little of the background, you can adjust its tolerance level in the options bar at the top of the screen.

Using the Background Eraser Tool

The Background Eraser tool is perfect for removing backgrounds with complex or detailed edges. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Background Eraser tool in the toolbar.
3. Adjust the brush size and hardness in the options bar at the top of the screen.
4. Click and drag the tool over the background area you want to remove. The tool will erase the pixels in the selected area.
5. Continue erasing until you have removed all the background pixels.

The Background Eraser tool works by sampling the color value of the pixels under the brush and erasing similar colors in the surrounding area. To avoid removing parts of the subject, it’s recommended to zoom in and work in small sections.

Using the Pen Tool

The Pen tool is a manual but precise way to remove backgrounds with curved or irregular shapes. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your image in Photoshop.
2. Select the Pen tool in the toolbar.
3. Zoom in and trace the outline of the subject with the Pen tool. Click to create anchor points and drag to create curves.
4. Once you have traced the subject’s outline, right-click and select “Make Selection.”
5. Choose “Layer Mask” to create a mask based on the selection. The background will be hidden, and you can place the subject on a new background.

The Pen tool requires some practice and patience, but it gives you full control over the selection process and allows for more precise results.

How to Get Rid of Background in Images Using Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is another powerful tool for removing the background of an image, especially if you are working with vector graphics. Here are some methods you can use:

Using the Live Trace Tool

The Live Trace tool in Adobe Illustrator converts raster images into vector graphics, allowing you to remove the background more easily. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your image in Adobe Illustrator.
2. Select the image and go to “Object” > “Image Trace” > “Make.”
3. Adjust the tracing settings in the Image Trace panel to achieve the desired result. You can choose different presets or customize the settings to suit your needs.
4. Once you are satisfied with the tracing, expand the image by going to “Object” > “Expand.”
5. Select the background area with the Direct Selection tool and press Delete. The background will be removed, and you can place the subject on a new background.

The Live Trace tool is a quick and efficient way to remove backgrounds, but it works best with simple images with clear edges and colors.

Using the Clipping Mask Tool

The Clipping Mask tool in Adobe Illustrator is ideal for removing backgrounds with irregular shapes or transparency. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your image in Adobe Illustrator.
2. Create a new shape that covers the area you want to keep. Place it on top of the image.
3. Select both the shape and the image and go to “Object” > “Clipping Mask” > “Make.”
4. The background will be hidden, and you can place the subject on a new background.

The Clipping Mask tool is a great option for complex images or logos with transparent backgrounds, as it preserves the transparency and allows for more creative freedom.

How to Get Rid of Background in Images Using Online Editors

If you don’t have access to professional software like Photoshop or Illustrator, there are many online editors that offer simple tools for removing backgrounds from images. Here are some options:

Using Clipping Magic

Clipping Magic is an online editor that uses AI technology to automatically remove backgrounds from images in seconds. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to Clipping Magic’s website and upload your image.
2. Use the green brush to mark the foreground and the red brush to mark the background. You can also use the blue brush to mark soft edges.
3. Press the “Preview” button to see the result. You can refine the selection if needed.
4. Press the “Download” button to save the image with a transparent background.

Clipping Magic is a great option for removing backgrounds quickly and easily, especially if you have many images to process.

Using Remove.bg

Remove.bg is another online editor that specializes in removing backgrounds from images with a single click. Here’s how to use it:

1. Go to Remove.bg’s website and upload your image.
2. The tool will automatically detect and remove the background. You can preview the result and make adjustments if needed.
3. Press the “Download” button to save the image with a transparent background.

Remove.bg is a simple and straightforward option for removing backgrounds, especially if you don’t have any experience with photo editing.

How to Get Rid of Background in Images Using Specialized Software

If you need to remove backgrounds on a regular basis or deal with complex images, you might want to consider using specialized software. Here are some options:

Using CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a vector graphics editor similar to Adobe Illustrator, but with some added features for photo editing. Here’s how to use it to remove backgrounds:

1. Open your image in CorelDRAW.
2. Select the image and go to “Bitmaps” > “Bitmap Color Mask.”
3. In the Bitmap Color Mask dialog box, use the color picker to select the background color you want to remove.
4. Adjust the tolerance and feathering settings to achieve the desired result.
5. Press “OK” to apply the mask. The background will be removed, and you can place the subject on a new background.

CorelDRAW is a great option for designers who need a versatile tool for both vector graphics and photo editing.

Using GIMP

GIMP is a free and open-source photo editor that offers many advanced tools for image manipulation, including removing backgrounds. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open your image in GIMP.
2. Select the “Fuzzy Select” tool from the toolbar.
3. Click on the background area you want to remove. The tool will select all the pixels with a similar color value.
4. Press the “Delete” key to remove the background.

GIMP is a great option for users who don’t want to spend money on professional software but still need a powerful tool for photo editing.

Tips and Tricks for Removing Backgrounds Like a Pro

Regardless of the method you choose, there are some tips and tricks you can apply to improve the quality of your results:

• Make sure the image is high-resolution and well-lit. A blurry or underexposed image can cause problems when selecting the background.
• Use the zoom function to work on small details and avoid accidentally erasing parts of the subject.
• Save your progress often, especially when using software that crashes or freezes frequently.
• Experiment with different selection tools and settings to find the method that works best for your image.
• Consider using a graphics tablet or stylus to improve your accuracy and speed.
• Learn about layer masks and adjustment layers to achieve more complex effects and editing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to remove the background from an image?

As long as you have the rights to use the image and you don’t distort or misrepresent the subject, there is nothing illegal about removing the background of an image. However, it’s important to respect copyright and intellectual property laws and to obtain permission if necessary.

Can I remove the background from any image?

Not all images are suitable for background removal, especially if they have complex shapes, transparency, or fine details. It’s best to choose images with a simple and solid background color and a clear contrast with the subject.

How do I refine the edges of a selection?

Most photo editing software includes tools for refining the edges of a selection, such as feathering, smoothing, or adjusting the contrast. These settings can help you achieve a more natural and seamless result.

Can I recover the original background after removing it?

Once you remove the original background of an image and save it with a transparent background, it’s impossible to recover the original background unless you have saved a copy of the original image with the background intact.

How do I choose the right new background for my image?

The choice of a new background for your image depends on the context and purpose of your project. Consider the mood, color scheme, and composition of your design and choose a background that complements them. You can also experiment with different backgrounds and see what works best visually.

Table: Comparison of Background Removal Tools

Tool	Pros	Cons
Adobe Photoshop	Multipurpose, precise, offers many tools and features	Expensive, requires some learning curve
Adobe Illustrator	Ideal for vector graphics, offers unique features like Live Trace	Expensive, not as versatile as Photoshop
Online Editors	Accessible, user-friendly, some offer AI technology for automatic background removal	Not as powerful as professional software, limited control over the selection process
Specialized Software	Offers advanced features for photo editing, ideal for complex images and regular use	Expensive, might require some learning curve, not as accessible as online editors

Conclusion

Removing the background of an image is a fundamental skill for any designer or digital marketer, and it can open up many creative possibilities for your projects. There are many ways to remove the background of an image, from using professional software like Photoshop and Illustrator to using online editors or specialized software.

The key to achieving professional-looking results is to choose the right method for your image and to apply the necessary skills and techniques. Whether you are using a simple Magic Wand tool or a complex clipping mask, there are tips and tricks you can use to refine your selection and create a seamless effect.

By mastering the art of background removal, you can take your design and marketing skills to the next level and create stunning visuals that stand out from the crowd.