Whether it’s photos commemorating special events or random selfies shared on social networks, digital images are among the most common files we work with. Sometimes, however, a perfect photo is marred by an imperfect background. Hasn’t that happened to you?
If you don’t have professional-grade image editing software like Photoshop, removing backgrounds may seem daunting. Fortunately, there are alternatives to shelling out cash and learning to use complex software for occasional background removal.
Thing is, you don’t have to, as numerous online tools (including mobile apps) can effortlessly help you achieve the same result. Interested? Keep reading to discover how to remove image backgrounds without relying on Photoshop.
Tools for Removing Image Backgrounds without Photoshop (2022)
Several tools exist for removing backgrounds from images, whether you prefer an entirely web-based solution or a smartphone application. This article covers both categories, allowing you to navigate to the tool that best fits your requirements using the table of contents below.
Online Image Background Removal Tools
1. Remove.bg
Remove.bg is a useful website for easily removing photo backgrounds. It’s particularly handy for smartphone photography. To use it:
1. Open Remove.bg and tap “Select a photo”. You can take a photo instantly, select one from your gallery, or enter an image URL.
2. Tap “Take Photo” to open your camera app and capture an image.
3. Capture a photo and select “Use Photo” for background removal processing.
4. Within seconds, receive your image with a white background, downloadable via the “Download” button.
2. Icons8 Background Remover
Icons8 Background Remover offers a powerful one-click solution for background removal. Upload your image, and within minutes, the background is gone.
- Visit the Background Remover website and click ‘Browse’ to upload your image.
- Select the image to upload, and Background Remover works, giving you a processed image in a minute or so.
Mobile Apps for Removing Background from Images:
If your device is a mobile or tablet, the following apps will work fine, but online tools will provide superior output quality compared to mobile apps.
1. Background Eraser (Android) – by MediaCoding
Image processing to remove a photo’s background on a website yields impressive results but limits users to online access. If unable to access these websites, apps are handy. Background Eraser, a top free Android app, removes photo backgrounds and offers various filters like black & white, fade, classic, and film.
Install the background eraser app and follow the short tutorial to learn the controls. To easily remove the background, tap the “Auto” button to eliminate large portions of the background by moving the crosshair and emphasize the object. Afterward, switch to manual mode and use the offset to remove residual background colors by magnifying various image regions. Don’t worry, there’s an undo option to revert the image and a restore option as well.
Download Background Eraser (Free)
Important Tip for Android Users: If you want to keep parts of your image’s background while removing specific objects or people, consider using the CyberLink PhotoDirector app. Its “Removal” tool efficiently eliminates unwanted elements from your images.
2. Background Eraser (iOS) – by SunWoong Jang
Background Eraser simplifies removing backgrounds from images in your iPhone’s camera roll. Load the image, then use the Erase tool to delete the background behind the subject. Built-in tools like TargetColor offer detailed editing. Additionally, apply various backgrounds to processed images, unlockable via simple in-app actions (e.g., rating the app, following on Twitter).
However, Background Eraser struggles with complex backgrounds. For these, advanced tools like Background Burner and Clipping Magic are more effective. The ad-supported app is free, with an option to remove ads for $1.99.
Android Users Tip: To retain the main image but eliminate specific background elements or people, explore the CyberLink PhotoDirector app. Its “Removal” feature swiftly clears unwanted objects from your pictures.
Simplify Image Background Removal
Many images become unusable due to unwanted backgrounds. However, various online tools and apps offer an effortless solution without requiring Photoshop. This method is both simple and cost-effective. Give it a try and share your feedback in the comments.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.