14 Best Tools to Remove Background from Image

Removing the background from an image can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially if you don‘t have professional graphic design skills. However, having images with transparent backgrounds is essential for many purposes, whether it‘s for personal or business use. The good news is that there are now many easy-to-use tools that can help you remove backgrounds quickly and easily.

In this comprehensive guide, I will share the 14 best tools to remove background from images, along with tips on how to use them effectively. From free online tools to paid software, these resources can help you cut out and replace backgrounds in just a few clicks.

Why Remove Image Backgrounds?

Before jumping into the tools, let‘s first understand why you may need to remove backgrounds from images in the first place. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Compositing: Removing the background allows you to isolate the main subject and then composite it onto a new background scene. This is useful for creating photo manipulations.

• Transparent backgrounds: Images with transparent backgrounds are essential for graphic design work. You can overlay these onto websites, presentations, app interfaces, posters and more.

• Product shots: For ecommerce sites, removable backgrounds help create clean and professional-looking product images to showcase merchandise effectively.

• Profile photos: Cutting out the background from profile photos gives them a polished look and focuses attention on you.

• Social media posts: Tools that can instantly remove backgrounds are extremely helpful for creating engaging social media posts, ads, banners, etc.

So whether you need images for personal or commercial use, background removal can empower your graphics and design work. Now let‘s look at some of the best tools to get this done quickly.

1. Remove.bg

The most popular option, Remove.bg, does a phenomenal job of instantly removing the background from images. It uses advanced AI technology to detect the subject and separate it from the scene behind it.

When I say “instant”, I really mean it – it takes just 5 seconds to generate a background-less version of your image!

The tool works exceptionally well on photos of people, animals, objects, cars etc. All you need to do is upload your image and Remove.bg does the hard work for you automatically.

Once the results are generated, you can download the images directly or do a bit of touch up with their refinement tools if needed. However, most images won‘t require any extra editing at all.

Remove.bg is completely free to use for basic image sizes. For full resolution and bulk downloads, you‘ll need to purchase a monthly subscription which starts at $4.99 per month. They also provide API access.

2. Slazzer

Slazzer is another excellent background remover that uses AI to instantly cut out images and make their backgrounds transparent.

It works with all major image formats including JPG, PNG, BMP and more. You can literally upload any image into Slazzer and its smart AI engine will identify even the smallest details to remove the background precisely.

Slazzer offers great flexibility – you can use it online for individual images or batch process multiple images using their desktop app. They also provide mobile apps, Photoshop plugin, API access and more.

The free plan allows you to download 10 images per month. For unlimited high-res downloads, pricing starts at $6 per month. Overall, Slazzer is a versatile, easy-to-use tool for all your background removal needs.

3. Photoshop

For professional graphic designers, Photoshop remains the gold standard software for image editing and compositing.

While the software isn‘t focused solely on background removal, it does include powerful tools to select and delete backgrounds with precision control.

Key features like Quick Selection, Magic Wand, Refine Edge and Layer Masking allow you to isolate foreground subjects down to the last pixel if needed. Photoshop‘s wide array of editing tools also make it easy to touch up and enhance images after removing backgrounds.

However, there is a learning curve to mastering these tools. Beginners may find online automatic background removers easier to get started with. Photoshop works best for designers who need precise control over the process.

It‘s available via monthly subscription on Creative Cloud plans starting at $10/month. This gives access to Photoshop plus other Adobe apps like Illustrator, InDesign, Lightroom and more.

4. Canva

Canva is a popular graphic design platform used by non-designers and pros alike. Its simple drag-and-drop interface makes creative work accessible to everyone.

While Canva isn‘t built solely for background removal, it does include handy features to delete and replace backgrounds easily.

To use it, start by uploading your photo into Canva. Use the Background Remover tool to automatically detect and delete the existing backdrop. You can then choose a new color or pattern to place behind your isolated subject.

Canva‘s templates, graphics, illustrations and editing tools help spruce up your new background further. Its easy workflow makes quick work of removing and swapping backgrounds.

The basic Canva platform is free to use. To unlock advanced features like background removal, you‘ll need a Canva Pro subscription which starts at $12.99 per month.

5. Background Burner

Background Burner offers a dedicated solution focused specifically on background removal and replacement. As the name suggests, this tool lets you instantly burn away backgrounds.

It works by using AI to analyze your image and automatically detect the person or object in the foreground. Background Burner will then delete the background and replace it with transparency.

You also have the option to fill in a new color or pattern behind the cutout subject. Additional tools let you remove distractions like text, watermarks etc. from the image.

Background Burner is very easy to use. Just upload your photo, let it work its magic, and download the final result. It removes backgrounds from even complex images well.

The free plan allows you to download 5 images per month. For unlimited downloads, pricing starts at $9.99 per month.

6. Inpixio Background Eraser

Inpixio Background Eraser is a free and easy-to-use background remover tool you can use online or as a Windows app.

It works automatically to detect the main subject in your photo and remove the background precisely. All it takes is one click to erase backgrounds behind people, pets, products and more.

Inpixio also includes handy tools like Erase and Restore brushes so you can manually fine-tune the results. Once the background is removed, you have the option to add new backgrounds or leave it transparent.

Because it‘s free, Inpixio does have some limitations. For example, you can only save JPGs with a compressed resolution. However, for casual everyday use, it works very well and is easy for beginners.

7. Gimp

GIMP is a popular free and open-source image editing tool often considered an alternative to Photoshop. It includes a range of selection and masking tools to remove photo backgrounds.

Key functions like the Foreground Select tool, Paths and Layer Masks help isolate subjects and delete scenes behind them. You can also use color-based selection tools like the Color Picker/Bucket Fill for removing solid color backgrounds.

Compared to online tools, GIMP gives you finer control over the background removal process. But the learning curve is steeper. Those new to digital imaging may find the interface less intuitive.

Still, GIMP is a great free option for doing all types of image editing, retouching and compositing. For easy background deletion only occasionally, online tools may offer better usability.

8. LunaPic

LunaPic is another free online photo editor you can use for quick and easy background removal. It works right within your browser and requires no downloads.

To remove backgrounds, LunaPic uses image segmentation powered by AI. Simply upload your photo, click the Segmentation button, and set the tolerance threshold slider. LunaPic will automatically detect and erase the background.

You can then download the image directly with its transparent background intact. The tool worked well for photos of people and objects. But very complex backgrounds can trip it up.

As a bonus, LunaPic provides other handy imaging tools like resizing, filters, effects, red eye removal and more – all easily accessible within the browser.

9. PhotoScissors

PhotoScissors is a dedicated background remover tool that excels at cutting out even tricky backgrounds like hair accurately.

It uses smart AI that leverages machine learning to analyze your image and intelligently remove its background automatically. The isolation is precise enough to delineate fine details like strands of fur or hair.

PhotoScissors also provides manual tools like Brush, Chisel and Lasso to help refine any misclassified areas. It handles transparency very well, removing even semi-transparent backgrounds behind glass, smoke, fur, etc.

The free tool allows you to download watermarked images. For unrestricted access, pricing starts at $7.99 per month. PhotoScissors is available as a Windows, Mac and online app.

10. Krita

Krita is an open-source digital painting app popular with illustrators and concept artists. It includes several features that enable background removal for preparing art for comic panels, game assets etc.

Key tools like Instant Alpha Cutout, Assistants and Layer Masking can help isolate subjects and quickly delete or mask backgrounds. Krita‘s brush engine also lets painters "erase" or paint over complex textures.

Compared to photography, removing illustrated backgrounds is more about creativity than precision. But Krita provides the flexibility to both extract backgrounds accurately as well as paint over them manually.

As a free tool, Krita is beginner-friendly and offers an affordable way to prep comic and game artwork. Commercial illustrators may still prefer paid tools like Clip Studio Paint.

11. Fotojet

Fotojet is a simple online graphic design app for everyday image editing tasks. It provides quick options to erase photo backgrounds within the browser.

To use it, upload your image and select the Eraser tool. Select a brush size and simply paint over the areas of the background you want to delete.

Fotojet will erase the marked portions, making them transparent. For removing solid color backdrops, you can also use the Color Picker tool.

For easy backgrounds, Fotojet‘s eraser works decently well and is very easy to use. But detailed backgrounds are trickier to isolate due to limited precision. Still, it‘s a handy free browser-based utility for casual users.

12. PhotoScape X

PhotoScape X is a full-featured photo editor for Windows that provides diverse options to remove backgrounds from photos.

You can use tools like Extract Object, Magic Wand and Eraser to isolate subjects and delete backgrounds. Adjustable sliders help fine-tune the smart selection to a pixel-perfect level.

PhotoScape X also includes AI features like Deep Remaster that offer one-click options to replace entire backgrounds automatically. Many filters and effects allow enhancing images further.

Compared to online apps, PhotoScape X provides both intelligent autocorrection as well as manual precision in an integrated desktop experience. It‘s free to download and use. The paid Pro version ($19.99) unlocks more advanced tools.

13. PicWish

PicWish is another handy online tool that provides automated isolation and background removal capabilities powered by AI.

Simply upload your image and PicWish will instantly identify the main subject, delete the background and replace it with transparency. This makes isolating complex objects like hair, glass, smoke etc. easy.

PicWish also includes options to replace the background with a solid color or preset patterns. You can use their image enhancement tools to touch up photos after processing them.

The free plan offers limited downloads. For high-res unlimited downloads, subscription plans start at $7.99 per month. They also offer an API for integrating the service into your apps.

14. Fiverr

If you want background removal but don‘t want to use tools yourself, Fiverr offers access to freelancers who can provide this as a service.

Many gig options are available at reasonable rates. For example, the Juliaphoto gig starts at $5 for removing backgrounds from 15 images in 1 day delivery time.

Hiring a freelancer allows you to simply submit your images and get them back with transparent backgrounds. This saves effort compared to using tools yourself.

Just ensure the gig reviews and seller stats look reliable before ordering. Fiverr‘s buyer protection policies also help get your money back in case of unsatisfactory work.

Tips for Effective Background Removal

To get the best results from any background remover tool, keep these tips in mind:

• Good lighting and high resolution allows for better separation between foreground and background. Avoid shadows, reflections and a cluttered background.

• For portraits, take photos with some space around the person to give the algorithm more foreground info to work with. Shoot against solid backgrounds.

• High contrast between subject and background helps in automatic detection. Avoid similar colors blending into each other.

• Some tricky objects like hair may require using the Refine tool to paint back misclassified pixels for a cleaner look.

• Use green screens or image editing software like Photoshop for complex compositing of new backgrounds. This gives full control over integrating the new scene realistically.

Conclusion

Removing distracting backgrounds is no longer the sole domain of professional designers. With the latest AI advancements, automatic background removal tools now empower anyone to delete and replace backgrounds easily.

The options covered above range from one-click online tools to advanced software like Photoshop that offer sophisticated control. Choose the one appropriate for your use case and skill level.

By leveraging these background erasers, you‘ll be able to create polished, transparent images quickly for virtually any purpose imaginatively.