Are you working on Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or simply Canva and want to remove the background from images? Learning how to remove background from image in that case will be a must-have skill.
Background removal and making a white background is a crucial part of image editing, for graphic designers, marketers, photographers, and e-commerce businesses.
It allows you to focus on your subject and create clean visuals. In this guide, we’ll cover how to remove background from image using three popular tools:
- Photoshop: This powerful software provides advanced editing options.
- Canva: A user-friendly platform that simplifies background removal.
- Illustrator: This tool offers precision and detail with its pen tool.
With these methods, you can enhance your designs effortlessly. Let’s dive into the steps for each tool!
Table of Contents
Why remove background from photo
It is important for several reasons to remove backgrounds from images. It helps focus attention on the main subject, especially in marketing. A clean image looks more professional and enhances the overall appearance.
Background removal also offers more design options. You can place the subject against different backgrounds, making it versatile for various projects.
A cluttered background can distract viewers, so removing it improves visual appeal.
For businesses, a consistent style is crucial. Removing backgrounds helps achieve that uniform look across platforms. It also makes it easier to integrate images into designs.
Lastly, without a background, you can edit the subject in more detail.
In short, removing backgrounds enhances focus, professionalism, and creativity, making your images more effective.
Anyway, let’s get to the process of how to remove background from image:
How to remove background from image: Complete guide
No matter if you’re working on procreate to remove background or Photoshop, canvas, or other tools. Here we’ll guide you through all the detailed steps for each tool.
How to remove background from image in Photoshop: 4 method
We will guide you through the four best methods to remove the background from an image in Photoshop.
Whether you’re working with simple, medium, or complex images, there’s a method that will work perfectly for you.
Method 1: The Remove Background Button: Best for Simple Images
The first method is incredibly quick and requires only a few clicks. This technique works best with simple or medium-complexity images where there aren’t too many intricate details.
Step 1: Unlock the Layer
First, make sure that your image layer is unlocked. To do this, look for a small lock icon next to your image layer in the layers panel.
Simply click on it to unlock the layer.
Step 2: Open the Properties Panel
Next, navigate to the Properties panel in Photoshop. If you don’t see the Properties panel, don’t worry.
Just go to the top menu and click on Window, then select Properties from the dropdown.
Step 3: Remove the Background
In the Properties panel, you’ll find an option called Remove Background. Go ahead and click on that button. Photoshop will automatically detect and remove the background.
This tool works well with simple backgrounds and can handle some medium-complexity images too.
Step 4: Clean Up with the Eraser Tool
If a few small areas of the background remain, you can clean them up using the Eraser Tool. Simply select the eraser and go over the areas that need to be removed.
Once you’re happy with the results, save your image as a PNG file to preserve the transparency.
This method is perfect for simple images, but for more complex images, you may need to try a different approach.
Method 2: Subject Select and Quick Selection: Best for Complex Images
The Remove Background button might not do the job when dealing with more detailed or intricate images. That’s where the Subject Select and Quick Selection tools come into play.
These tools give you more control, making it easier to isolate the subject from the background.
Step 1: Use Subject Select
In the Properties panel, you’ll find another helpful tool called Subject Select. You can also access this option through the Select menu at the top of your screen.
This tool uses Photoshop’s AI to detect and select the main subject of the image.
Step 2: Refine with Quick Selection
Once you’ve used Subject Select, you may notice that the selection isn’t perfect. That’s okay. You can refine it by using the Quick Selection Tool.
This tool allows you to manually adjust the selection by adding or removing areas. You’ll find it in the toolbar, usually as the fourth tool from the top.
Zoom in on the image for more precision. You can adjust the brush size as needed, making it easier to select small or intricate details.
Photoshop is quite smart; it follows color patterns, so you only need to click near the edges, and Photoshop will follow along.
Step 3: Inverse and Delete
Once you’re satisfied with your selection, go to the Select menu and choose Inverse. This will deselect the subject and select the background instead.
Now, simply hit the Delete key on your keyboard to remove the background.
Step 4: Clean Up with the Eraser
If any unwanted parts of the background remain, you can use the Eraser Tool to clean them up. Once you’re happy with the result, save your image as a PNG to keep the background transparent.
This method works great for complex images that require more attention to detail.
Method 3: Magic Eraser Tool – Best for Solid Color Backgrounds
The Magic Eraser Tool is by far the easiest method for removing backgrounds, but it only works with images that have a solid color background.
If you’re working with product photos, logos, or other images with simple backgrounds, this method will save you a lot of time.
Step 1: Unlock the Layer
As always, make sure the image layer is unlocked. Click the lock icon if it’s still locked.
Step 2: Select the Magic Eraser Tool
Right-click on the Eraser Tool in the toolbar. From the dropdown, choose the Magic Eraser Tool, which is the third option.
Step 3: Click on the Background
Now, simply click anywhere on the solid background, and Photoshop will instantly remove it. If your image has multiple areas of background, you’ll need to click each section to remove it completely.
For example, if you’re working on an image with a blue background, click on the blue, and it will disappear.
This method is incredibly fast and works best with images that have a solid, single-color background.
Method 4: Polygonal Lasso Tool (Most Precise for Complex Selections)
The final method we’ll cover is the Polygonal Lasso Tool. This method is the most detailed but also the most time-consuming.
However, it offers unmatched accuracy for images that need careful attention, especially when working with irregular shapes.
Step 1: Unlock the Layer
As with all methods, make sure your image layer is unlocked before proceeding.
Step 2: Select the Polygonal Lasso Tool
Right-click on the Lasso Tool in the toolbar and select the Polygonal Lasso Tool from the dropdown.
Step 3: Make Your Selection
Start by zooming in on your image. With the Polygonal Lasso Tool, click on the edges of your subject to create points.
As you click, you’ll form a path around the subject. The more points you create, the more accurate the selection will be. If you make a mistake, hit the Backspace key to undo the last point.
This method can be time-consuming, but it offers the highest level of accuracy, especially for images with complicated details like hair or fur.
Step 4: Inverse and Delete
Once you’ve closed the loop and made a full selection around the subject, go to the Select menu and click Inverse.
This will select the background instead of the subject. Hit the Delete key to remove the background.
Step 5: Clean Up and Save
As always, if any areas of the background remain, you can use the Eraser Tool to clean them up. When you’re satisfied with the results, save the image as a PNG file to preserve the transparency.
How to remove background from image in illustrator 2024
Here we’ll go over the best and simplest methods to remove backgrounds in Illustrator. Whether you’re new to Illustrator or looking to sharpen your skills, these methods will help you achieve clean, professional results.
Step 1: Set Up Your Workspace
At first, you need to set up your Illustrator workspace.
Open Adobe Illustrator: Launch the software and start a new project by clicking on File > New, or open an existing image by clicking File > Open.
Import the Image: To work on a specific image, go to File in the top menu and click Open to select your file. This will place your image on the canvas.
Once your image is on the canvas, it’s time to start the background removal process.
Step 2: Using the Pen Tool for Complex Backgrounds
The Pen Tool is one of the most accurate tools for removing backgrounds, especially when dealing with complex images. While it requires patience, this method gives you precise control over every point you place.
Select the Pen Tool: On the left-hand toolbar, select the Pen Tool (or press P on your keyboard). This tool allows you to create anchor points and paths that form a shape around your subject.
Zoom in for Detail: Hold down the Alt key and use your mouse wheel to zoom in on the image. This allows you to see edges and details clearly.
Start Creating Anchor Points: Click at any starting point on the edge of your subject to create your first anchor point. Move along the outline of the subject, clicking to place more points. Each click creates a straight line between points.
- If your subject has curves, click and drag to create curved lines. You can adjust the angle and depth of the curve by manipulating the handles that appear when dragging.
Outline the Entire Subject: Continue clicking and creating anchor points around the entire subject until you’ve outlined it completely. Be patient and take your time to ensure accuracy.
Close the Path: Once you reach your starting point, click again to close the path. This creates a closed shape around your subject, ready for background removal.
Step 3: Make a Clipping Mask to Remove Background
After outlining the subject, the next step is to remove the background using a clipping mask.
Select Your Image and Path: Use the Select Tool (shortcut: V) to select both your outlined path and the image itself. Hold down the Shift key to select multiple objects at once.
Create a Clipping Mask: On the right-hand toolbar, find the Properties panel. Scroll down to the bottom, and under Quick Actions, click Make Clipping Mask.
Background Removed: Voilà! The background of your image is now removed. The clipping mask isolates the subject, removing everything outside of the path you created.
Step 4: Adjust the Clipping Mask for Fine Details
If the clipping mask isn’t perfect and you need to adjust the outline, follow these steps:
Edit Anchor Points: Select the Direct Selection Tool (shortcut: A). Click on any anchor point on the path to adjust its position. You can fine-tune the path to better match your subject.
Refine the Edges: Zoom in closely to the edges of your subject and make any necessary adjustments to anchor points for a cleaner result. You can add more anchor points by clicking along the path if needed.
Step 5: Save Your Background-Free Image
After removing the background, it’s essential to save your image in a format that preserves transparency, such as PNG.
- Save as PNG: Go to File > Export > Export As. In the pop-up window, select PNG from the format dropdown menu. Ensure that the Use Artboards option is checked if you want to crop your image to the artboard size.
- Transparency Option: In the export settings, make sure to check the box for Transparency to keep the background invisible.
- Save: Choose the destination for your file and click Save.
Alternative Methods for Simple Backgrounds
While the Pen Tool is ideal for complex images, there are quicker methods you can use for simpler images with solid backgrounds.
Method 1: Using the Magic Wand Tool
The Magic Wand Tool is a great option if the background of your image is a solid color. It automatically selects areas with similar colors, making it easy to remove backgrounds in one click.
On the left-hand toolbar, click on the Magic Wand Tool (shortcut: Y).
With the Magic Wand Tool selected, click anywhere on the background. The tool will select all areas with a similar color.
Now, press Delete on your keyboard to remove the selected background.
Method 2: Image Trace for Vectorizing
For simpler images, Image Trace can be a quick way to convert a raster image into a vector and remove its background in one go.
- Click on your image with the Select Tool.
- In the top toolbar, click Window > Image Trace. Choose one of the preset tracing options such as High Fidelity Photo or Black and White Logo depending on the complexity of your image.
- Once traced, click Expand in the toolbar. This converts the image into vector paths.
- Right-click on the image, select Ungroup and click on the background to delete it.
How to remove background from image in Canva
Canva is a popular graphic design tool that offers a range of features to help you create stunning visuals. Whether you want to create eye-catching graphics, YouTube thumbnails, or social media posts, Canva makes it easy. Let’s get started!
Before you begin, make sure you have a Canva Pro account. If you don’t have one, consider signing up. Here’s how to start removing backgrounds:
- Open Canva: Go to Canva and log in to your account.
- Create a New Design: Click on “Create a design” to start a new canvas.
- Upload Your Image: Click on the “Uploads” tab on the left sidebar. Upload the image from which you want to remove the background.
1. Add Your Image to the Canvas
Once your image is uploaded, drag it onto your canvas. Resize it as needed by clicking and dragging the corners.
2. Use the Background Remover Tool
Select Your Image: Click on the image on the canvas.
Edit Image: A menu will appear at the top. Click on the “Edit Image” button.
Choose Background Remover: Find the “Background Remover” feature. Click on it, and Canva will automatically remove the background for you.
3. Adjust and Fine-Tune
After using the Background Remover, check the image. Sometimes, small areas may still have background remnants. You can adjust these:
Erase Tool: If there are parts left over, use the erase tool to clean them up.
Restore Tool: If you accidentally remove something important, you can restore it with this tool.
4. Add a New Background
Once you’re satisfied with your cutout, you can add a new background if desired:
Select Background: Click on the “Background” tab on the left sidebar to choose a new color or pattern.
Drag and Drop: Simply drag the new background onto your canvas and place it behind your image.
5. Final Touches
You can now resize your image, add text, or apply effects to complete your design. Canva offers a wide variety of fonts, shapes, and stickers to enhance your image.
Final thought
To elevate your designs significantly you need to achieve the technique of how to remove background from image. In this article, we’ve covered the detailed process to help you get the process.
We’ve shown the method for three tools. Each tool offers unique advantages that suit different needs:
- Photoshop: Perfect for detailed and complex edits.
- Canva: Ideal for quick and easy background removal.
- Illustrator: Great for precise and detailed selections.
So, to improve the technique of your graphic design skills practice more and more.