Background Remover Apps

September 13, 2023

SOFTWARE

How to remove a background in Photoshop?

Removing a background in Photoshop can be done using various methods, depending on the complexity of the image and your preferences. Here a detailed step-by-step guide for one of the most commonly used methods: the “Magic Wand” tool and the “Refine Edge” option. This method works best for images with clear distinctions between the subject and the background.

1.Open Your Image

Launch Adobe Photoshop and open the image you want to work on.

2.Duplicate the Background Layer

In the Layers panel (usually on the right side of the screen), right-click on the background layer and select “Duplicate Layer.” This step is optional but recommended to keep an original copy of your image.

3.Select the Magic Wand Tool

In the Photoshop toolbar on the left, select the “Magic Wand Tool” (shortcut: W). Adjust the tolerance in the options bar at the top to control the tool’s sensitivity. A lower tolerance selects similar colors, while a higher tolerance selects a broader range.

4.Make a Selection

Click on a part of the background you want to remove. The Magic Wand will select areas with similar color and tone. Hold the Shift key to add to the selection if needed. You may need to click multiple times while holding Shift to select the entire background.

5.Refine the Selection (Optional)

After making the initial selection, go to “Select” > “Refine Edge” in the top menu. This opens the Refine Edge dialog box, where you can fine-tune your selection. Use the following options:
- Radius: Adjust the slider to refine the selection’s edges. This helps avoid jagged or unnatural edges.
- Smooth: Smooths out the edges of your selection.
- Feather: Softens the selection’s edges.
- Contrast: Enhances the selection’s contrast.
- Shift Edge: Moves the selection boundary inward or outward.

Experiment with these settings until you’re satisfied with the selection’s quality.

6.Output the Selection

Once you’re happy with your selection, choose one of the output options at the bottom of the Refine Edge dialog box. Usually, “New Layer with Layer Mask” is a good choice to keep your subject on a transparent background.

7.Refine the Mask (Optional)

After applying the mask, you may need to further refine it. Select the layer mask in the Layers panel, and you can use the Brush Tool (B) with black or white paint to manually refine the mask. Painting with white reveals more of the subject, while black hides it.

8.Review Your Image

Turn off the background layer or add a new background to see how your subject looks against the new background.

9.Save Your Image

Once you’re satisfied with the result, save your image in a format that supports transparency, such as PNG, to preserve the background removal.

Image Background Remover Apps

Best FREE Background Remover Apps

When it comes to free background remover apps, there are several options available, each with its own set of features and capabilities.

1.Remove.bg (Online Tool):

- Website: https://www.remove.bg/
- Description: Remove.bg is a highly regarded online tool known for its simplicity and effectiveness in removing backgrounds from photos. It’s user-friendly and provides excellent results.
- How to Use: Upload your image, and the tool will automatically remove the background. Download the edited image with the background removed.
- Pros: Easy to use, quick results, no software installation required.
- Cons: Limited control over editing process.

2.Photopea (Online Editor):

- Website: https://www.photopea.com/
- Description: Photopea is a powerful online photo editor that offers background removal capabilities among many other features. It’s similar to Adobe Photoshop but accessible in your web browser for free.
- How to Use: Open Photopea in your browser, upload your image, use selection tools to remove the background, and save the edited image.
- Pros: Versatile, similar to Photoshop, supports various file formats.
- Cons: May have a steeper learning curve for beginners.

3.GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program):

- Website: https://www.gimp.org/
- Description: GIMP is a well-known, open-source desktop image editor that provides advanced image manipulation capabilities, including background removal.
- How to Use: Download and install GIMP, open your image, use selection tools to remove the background, and save the edited image.
- Pros: Highly customizable and powerful, similar to Photoshop in many aspects.
- Cons: May have a learning curve for beginners, requires software installation.

4.Inkscape (Vector Graphics Editor):

- Website: https://inkscape.org/
- Description: Inkscape is a free, open-source vector graphics editor. While it’s primarily used for vector graphics, it can also be used for background removal and image editing.
- How to Use: Download and install Inkscape, import your image, create a path around the subject, apply a mask, and export the edited image.
- Pros: Great for vector-based work, precise selection tools.
- Cons: More suitable for vector-based graphics, may not be as intuitive for basic users.

5.Fotor (Online and Mobile App):

- Website: https://www.fotor.com/
- Description: Fotor is an online photo editor and a mobile app with a user-friendly interface. It offers background removal tools for easy editing.
- How to Use: Upload your image, use the “Cut Out” feature to remove the background, and save the edited image.
- Pros: Easy to use, available online and as a mobile app.
- Cons: Limited advanced editing capabilities.

6.PhotoScissors (Desktop Software):

- Website: https://www.photoscissors.com/
- Description: PhotoScissors is a desktop software application designed specifically for removing backgrounds from photos. It offers an intuitive interface and precise selection tools.
- How to Use: Download and install PhotoScissors, open your image, use the green and red brushes to mark the subject and background, and process the image to remove the background.
- Pros: Intuitive and user-friendly, precise selection tools.
- Cons: Requires software installation.