How to Remove the Background from a Photo

Tap a method to see how it removes the background.

Online AI background removers

Upload a photo and an AI-powered online tool automatically keeps just the person or object and makes the rest of the background transparent.

Using PowerPoint

Insert an image into PowerPoint and use its built-in 'Remove Background' feature for simple background removal without any extra software.

iPhone β€” Lift Subject

In the Photos app, press and hold on the subject of a photo to separate it from the background, then copy it or paste it somewhere else.

Android

Use the editing tools in Google Photos or your gallery app, or a dedicated background-removal app, to extract just the person or object.

When you need more precise results

Photos with fine details like hair along the edges can look unnatural with automatic removal alone, so a dedicated editing program with manual touch-up tools is worth using in those cases.

It only takes a few clicks now

Removing a background used to require dedicated editing software, but AI has made it possible to do simply and quickly with online tools or basic features already built into your phone.

Save it as the right file format

If you need the transparent background to stay transparent, save the result as a PNG file. Saving as JPG will fill in the transparent areas with white or another solid color, so check the format before you export.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format should I save a background-removed image as?

Save it as PNG to keep the transparent background β€” saving as JPG fills in the transparent areas with white or another color.

The automatic removal looks unnatural in places.

When the background and subject are similar in color, or the edges are complex, AI can struggle to tell them apart precisely β€” a tool with manual touch-up options is worth trying in that case.