Cutting the background out of a picture may seem like a challenging edit. But, thanks to advancements in photo-editing technology, this particular task has never been easier.
Are you looking for photo editing tips to help you get started? We’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about removing the background from a picture.
Choose Your Software
If you want to remove the background from a picture, you’ll need some help.
Odds are, the camera app on your phone doesn’t come with a way to remove the backgrounds from the pictures you take. Fortunately, there is plenty of helpful and easy-to-use photo editing software out there that can assist you in tackling this particular job.
It doesn’t matter if you want to use an industry-standard like Photoshop, something more widely available like PowerPoint, or even a free online background remover. As long as the program you use has the necessary tools, you can use it to remove the background from any image.
Once you decide which program you want to use, it’s time to figure out what method you should use to remove the background from your image.
The approach you use to remove the background from an image depends on a few factors, including the content of the picture and how you want to use the edited image. Here’s everything you need to know about two of the most popular background removal methods.
Method 1: Select and Delete
If you plan to use a professional-grade editing program like Photoshop or a specialized background removal app, you’ll be able to use the select and delete method.
This particular method is exactly what it sounds like: selecting the part of the image you want to keep and deleting the rest.
Most photo editing software uses artificial intelligence to break up images into groupings that you can then sort through and delete. Others allow the user to highlight certain aspects of a picture themselves, which can speed up the process, especially if there’s a lot going on in the image.
While this method can be quick and easy, it’s not always the best approach to background removal. If you have a particularly busy or crowded picture, it could be too difficult for the AI to differentiate between background and foreground images. On top of that, some photo editing programs don’t include this feature.
Method 2: The Old Fashioned Way
Another excellent way to remove the background from images is the same method photographers and photo editors have been using since the invention of photography: erasing it by hand.
You can use practically any image editing software, including Microsoft Paint, to remove backgrounds via this method. Once you have your image loaded in your chosen software, use the eraser tool or a paintbrush to carefully outline the part of the image you want to keep and then scrub away the rest.
The eraser method, while time-consuming, can be the most precise method because it relies on the human eye, which is still more accurate than any current AI in many situations. Because of this fact, the eraser method is the only surefire way to end up with a clean final edit. So, if you have the time, patience, and a steady enough hand, the old-fashioned eraser method is the right choice for you.
Looking for More Photo Editing Tips?
Now that you know how to remove the background from a picture, it’s time to learn a few more photo editing tips.
Are you looking for more ways to take your editing game to the next level? We’ve got you covered! Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful and informative articles and advice today!
