13 Useful Tools for Removing Image Backgrounds

If you’ve got a picture for your website or social media, but the background isn’t right for your brand, don’t worry. There are lots of ways to fix it! You can use special computer programs or websites that help you take out the background you don’t want.

13 Tools for Removing Image Backgrounds.

Use Desktop Software Programs

You can download or purchase various desktop software programs online that allow you to remove the image backgrounds with a professional and clean output. Some of these programs include:

 Adobe Photoshop

Whether you’ve got an older or newer version of Adobe Photoshop on your computer, there are some great tools you can use to get rid of image backgrounds. These tools work well across different versions of Photoshop, making it easier for you to edit your images. Let’s explore the top tools you can use to remove image backgrounds in Adobe Photoshop.

1. Marquee Tool

If you’re dealing with image backgrounds that come in simple shapes like square, oval, rectangle, or circle, you can use the Marquee Tool. The two possible types of Marquee Tool that you can use include the Rectangular Marquee Tool and the Elliptical Marquee Tool.

To remove a simple background using this tool, simply select the area of your choice and proceed to cutting and deleting the background layer that you wish to remove.

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.

 Microsoft Office

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.

6.  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 backgrounds, 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.

7. 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 as a background removal tool may not deliver sophisticated results as Adobe Photoshop but it’s good enough if you have a simple image with a clear subject.

Similar to MS Powerpoint, look for the Format tab on the Ribbon upon selecting the image and click the Remove Background located on the far left side of your screen.

8. 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.

9. FotoFuze

Product photos should mainly showcase the product itself without distractions from the background. If you’re struggling with messy backgrounds in your product images, FotoFuze can be your go-to solution. Designed specifically for product photography, this software makes it easy to remove unwanted background elements in just a few simple steps.

With FotoFuze, you can ensure that your product stands out and captures your target audience’s attention effectively.

10. PhotoScissors Online

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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. Take Better Photos

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

No matter which tool you choose for removing backgrounds from images, the key prerequisite is starting with a high-quality photo. Planning ahead before photo sessions can significantly simplify the background removal process. While top-notch background removal tools are available, they can only do so much if the original photo lacks quality.

Therefore, achieving successful background removal ultimately hinges on capturing high-quality images from the start. By ensuring your photos are well-composed and properly lit during the shoot, you set yourself up for smoother editing later on. So, invest time in planning your photo sessions and strive for excellence in photography to facilitate seamless background removal. Remember, the foundation of effective photo editing lies in the quality of the images you capture.