13 Useful Tools for Removing Image Backgrounds

Got a great photo for your website or social media, but the background just isn’t working? Don’t be stressed since there are plenty of easy tools out there to help you clean it up. No matter if you’re into advanced editing software or simple online tools, there’s a background removal option that matches your needs and experience level.

Here are 13 tools to try. Some you might already have used before, and others you’ll want to check out.

Desktop Software for Background Removal

 Adobe Photoshop

1. Marquee Tool

If you’re working with simple background shapes like squares, ovals, rectangles, or circles, you can use the Marquee Tool. There are two types: the Rectangular Marquee Tool and the Elliptical Marquee Tool. To remove a simple background, just select the area you want, then cut and delete the background layer.

2. Lasso Tool

You can use a Lasso Tool in making loose selections. It includes the Polygonal Lasso Tool and the Magnetic Lasso Tool. The Polygonal Lasso Tool allows you to make selections manually on the background in a linear way. This tool is best used for image backgrounds that have straight edges.

Meanwhile, the Magnetic Lasso Tool enables you to drag your mouse on the background edges. The good thing about Magnetic is it allows a closer, faster, and more controlled selection of the background than the Polygonal.

3. Quick Selection Tool

Do you want to make a selection based on your image background’s round edges? As the name implies, the Quick Selection Tool is perfect for making a selection as fast as you want it to be. You can also easily drag your cursor on the areas that you wish to select and remove. To make a clean cut, ensure that you tweak the background edges using the Refine Edge tool.

4. Magic Wand Tool

This tool allows you to make a selection as to where you direct your mouse. Most of the time, the Magic Wand Tool can select areas perfectly especially if it’s a high-quality image. However, compared to other selection tools that select the background pixels, Magic Wand selects the tone and color of the photo’s background. That’s why you need to ensure that your photo has the ideal size and resolution to avoid messy cuts.

5. Background Eraser Tool

Have you decided to use the Brush Method to remove the image backgrounds? Then, the Eraser Tool is your best friend. This tool erases the pixel information of an image like that of a real eraser. But the difference between this tool and the real eraser is that you can change the shape of your eraser in Photoshop with the use of brushes. With this feature, you can modify the hardness, flow, and texture of your erasure.

GIMP

If you’re seeking an alternative to Photoshop, consider GIMP, also known as the GNU Image Manipulation Program. It’s a free download and offers similar features to Photoshop. Removing image backgrounds in GIMP is quite like using Photoshop, and it comes with handy tools like the Fuzzy Select tool, which makes background removal quick and easy.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned editor, GIMP provides a robust platform for image manipulation without the cost. Let’s explore how you can use GIMP to efficiently remove your images’ backgrounds.

 

Built-In Microsoft Office Tools

Who says Microsoft Office is just for making documents and presentations? You can actually use two of its popular programs, Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Word, to remove image backgrounds too. These familiar tools offer features that make it easy to edit your pictures without needing extra software. Let’s see how you can use PowerPoint and Word to get rid of backgrounds in your images.

 

 

1. Microsoft Powerpoint

Microsoft Powerpoint is a simple tool that you can use to remove the simple backgrounds of an image. While it may not be as detailed as Adobe products, MS Powerpoint can suffice for less complicated tasks. It can be used if you don’t have immediate access to Photoshop or any online tools.

To remove an image’s background, select the image, look for the Format tab on the Ribbon, and select the Remove Background located on the far left side of your screen.

2. Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is more than just a word processor. You can use it as a tool to remove the image’s background, especially the photo you attach to your Word document. MS Word isn’t as powerful as Adobe Photoshop for background removal, but it works fine for simple images with a clear subject.

Just like in MS PowerPoint, go to the Format tab on the Ribbon after selecting the image, then click “Remove Background” on the left side of your screen.

 

Online Tools

1. FotoFuze

If you’re in the world of e-commerce or product photography, FotoFuze is a fantastic tool for making your product images look professional. It’s specifically designed to help remove messy or distracting backgrounds from product photos, allowing your product to stand out. FotoFuze is user-friendly, and with just a few clicks, you can create clean, white backgrounds for your product images.

 

 

2. PhotoScissors

When you’re removing backgrounds from images, you might long for a tool that does it automatically. Well, PhotoScissors is exactly that. This online tool can automatically remove backgrounds from images, saving you time and effort. However, if your background is complex, you might need to adjust the output a bit to get it just right.

Nonetheless, PhotoScissors simplifies the process of background removal, making it easier for anyone to edit their images effectively.

3. Photopea

Buying software programs can put a dent in your wallet. But if you need Photoshop-like features without the hefty price tag, Photopea is a solid alternative. It offers tools similar to Adobe Photoshop, like the Lasso Tool, Quick Selection, and Background Eraser Tool.
With Photopea, you get access to powerful editing capabilities without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist, Photopea provides a cost-effective solution for your image editing needs.

 

4. Clipping Magic

Have you ever heard of an online tool that uses AI technology? Well, that is Clipping Magic. This online solution can help you automatically remove unwanted backgrounds on your images using AI technology. It also allows for bulk background removal to produce uniform and professional results.

Regardless of what tool you use to remove a background from an image, the important thing that you must initially have is a good photo to work on. Before going on photo sessions, it’s better to determine firsthand what you want so you won’t have a complicated background removal process later on.

Conclusion

Removing image backgrounds isn’t a difficult task. With the right tools and a little practice, you can achieve professional results, no matter if you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced editor. The key is to start with a high-quality photo and choose the tool that best fits your needs. Remember, each tool has its strengths and weaknesses, so take your time to experiment and find the one that works best for you. Happy editing!

 

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