Do you keep your own blog? Then you probably need images with a transparent background to make your posts eye-catching. Or maybe you want to try digital scrapbooking and combine pictures with a clear background in a stunning collage? But if you’ve ever tried to select and cut an image background manually, you surely know it’s a tall order that can leave you exhausted. Wanna learn how to make the background of a picture transparent? Let’s do it right now!
Keep reading this guide and discover easy ways to get a background transparent image on your PC. They involve different tools and programs (from free to affordable and even premium), so you could choose whichever is best for you.
Below we will describe each method, name its pros and cons, and provide a detailed guide on how to create a transparent background with the help of each program. Ready to learn some new tricks? Let’s begin then!
Method 1. Remove a Photo Background in PhotoWorks
If you aren’t very experienced in photo editing, complex software isn’t your best option. Choose an easy-to-use program that performs advanced edits just in a few clicks. PhotoWorks is a fine example of such an application: this picture editor for PC features an intuitive interface and a variety of handy photo editing tools (background replacement is among them). See it for yourself in this video!
Prefer written tutorials? Then open your image in the program and follow these simple steps.
Step 1. Choose the “Change Background” Tool
Under the “Tools” tab, find the “Change Background” button and click it. You will see a super short video tutorial on how to use the tool.
PhotoWorks features a special tool for removing a photo background
Step 2. Select the Object and the Background
Next, you need to roughly outline the main object with the green brush and highlight the background with the red one. Please note: draw the object outline inside its boundaries, and mark the background outside. Use the Eraser to remove unwanted lines.
Draw an approximate outline, there is no need for absolute precision
Step 3. Make Corrections If Necessary
Click “Next”. Now you see the main object and the semi-transparent background, which is about to be deleted. Adjust the selection if needed.
Click the “Object” and “Background” buttons to make adjustments
Step 4. Remove the Background and Save the Result
The background is removed, but the edges of the main object might look too rough. Move the “Blur edge” and “Extend edge” sliders to achieve a more natural look. Click “Save with transparent background” and choose a name for your new PNG file. Congrats!
Method 2. Create a Transparent Background Using Photoshop
Photoshop is probably the most famous photo editing program. Its name has even entered the common lexicon as a widely used verb meaning “to process an image”. However, the complexity of this powerful solution (together with high prices) severely limits the number of Photoshop users. If you are lucky enough to have already purchased the licence or the subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, here is the instruction on removing a picture background with Photoshop tools.
Step 1. Mark the Main Object
Find the Toolbar on the left side of the work area. Click “Quick Selection Tool”, adjust its size and left-click on the outline of the object you want to preserve. The program will perform automatic selection to facilitate the task.
The Quick Selection Tool is optimal in most cases
Step 2. Correct the Selection
If automatic selection mistakenly covers certain parts of the background, correct the outline by choosing the “Subtract from Selection” mode. Adjust the brush diameter to make it more precise.
The resulting selection should look like this
Step 3. Turn the Background Transparent
Once you are satisfied with the selection, invert it by opening the context menu and choosing “Select Inverse”. The selection now encompasses the background and leaves the main object out. The “Delete” key removes the background for good and makes it transparent.
Method 3. Use PowerPoint to Erase a Picture Background
PowerPoint is commonly known as a mundane tool for making presentations and slideshows. But it is actually much smarter than that! Among other image processing tools, PowerPoint supports the automatic removal of a picture background. If you already have Microsoft Office (2010 or later) on your PC, it will be the cheapest way to convert a background to transparent. Unfortunately, the earlier versions of PowerPoint don’t feature the background removal option.
Step 1. Insert Your Picture and Click “Remove Background”
Left-click on your image, open the Format tab and find the “Remove Background” button. The program will automatically select the background, but certain parts of the main object can also get into the selection.
PowerPoint automatically detects the background
Step 2. Make Corrections If Necessary
It is quite easy to adjust the selection. All you need to do is to put the cursor on a disputable area and see what PowerPoint suggests to do. If you see a “+” symbol, left-click this area to select it as the background. If you see a “-“, click to deselect it.
Sometimes you have to adjust the selection manually
Step 3. Give an Image a Transparent Background and Save It
As soon as the selection is correct, left-click outside the photo to apply the changes and erase the background. Save the image as PNG (in JPG the transparency will be replaced by the white color).
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