Remove an image background — keep the subject
Select a person or object and save it with transparency, or switch to a solid white or blue background.
JPEG, PNG, WebP · 25MB per photo · up to 16 megapixels
Select part of the photo
Move along the edge. Click to anchor, Backspace to undo an anchor, and double-click or return to the start to finish. On a phone, trace with your finger.
Paint to select; subtract to remove. Hold Alt or the right mouse button to switch temporarily.
Refine selection
These options can help or hurt depending on the image. Enable one, then select again to compare.
Saved AI files
Saved AI files
| Model | Used for | Size | Status | Location | Device load | Manage |
|---|
Location
AI files are stored in your browser. Connecting a save folder moves them into its models folder, where new downloads are also saved. You can export or delete them here. Disconnecting a folder leaves its existing files in place.
Websites cannot open Explorer or read a folder’s full path. Enter the connected folder’s full path once to copy its models path.
Select what you want to keep
Make a subject’s background transparent before placing it in another design. A stroke can help AI select the subject, but fine hair and transparent glass can be difficult to separate accurately. Inspect the outline over a dark background as well as a light one. Add or subtract from the selection to correct areas the automatic selection missed.
Draw over the subject or circle its outline. Refine hair and edges with the add and subtract brushes. Keep subject is selected; save as PNG or WebP to retain transparency.
- Draw inside the subject or enclose it to start a selection.
- Use Add and Subtract around hair, gaps, and thin parts.
- Check the transparent areas and save as PNG or WebP.
How is a white background different from transparency?
Transparency lets another image show through when you place the result on top. White is actual image content. For a product listing with a white backdrop, choose Change background and select white.
What if hair gets cut off?
Automatic selection can miss fine hair and translucent objects. Add missing areas with the brush and adjust edge softness gradually. Zoom in and judge the final boundary yourself.
Can I separate a white object from a white background?
If the boundary is barely visible, automatic selection may not distinguish it. Establish the main shape with Add and Subtract, then zoom in to refine it. If you can retake the photo, a contrasting background and softer shadows make the task easier. Do not expect exact recovery of an edge that was never visible.
Why is there an old background color around the edge?
Edge pixels may contain a mixture of subject and background colors. Try moving the selection slightly inward or reducing edge softness. Going too far can remove hair or thin parts, so compare carefully. Checking the cutout on its intended background is more useful than judging it only on the checkerboard.
Why does a transparent image look black or white in a viewer?
Some viewers show transparent areas against a solid color. That does not necessarily mean the color was saved in the image. Open it in an editor that supports transparency and place it over another background. If you saved as JPEG, transparency was lost; save a PNG copy instead.