3 FREE Ways to Remove Backgrounds from Ai Images

Philip Anders
6 Apr 202308:33

TLDRIn this informative video, the host introduces three cost-free methods for removing backgrounds from AI-generated images. The first method utilizes Photopia, an online alternative to Photoshop, which offers two options: an automated 'remove BG' feature and a manual 'magic wand' tool for more precise selection. The second method is the user-friendly Erase.bg website, which provides a quick and easy background removal with a simple drag-and-drop interface, albeit with less control over the final result. Lastly, for Windows users, Paint 3D's 'Magic select' feature is highlighted as a surprisingly effective tool for background removal, offering both automated and manual refinement options. The video concludes with tips on exporting the images with a transparent background, ready for various applications.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 **Use Clear Outlines**: When generating AI artwork, use prompts that create clear outlines to facilitate easier background removal.
  • 📈 **Image Quality Matters**: Upscale your images at least four times before removing the background to avoid poor results.
  • 🖼️ **Photopea as Alternative**: Photopea is a free web-based alternative to Photoshop that allows background removal with its 'remove BG' feature or the magic wand tool.
  • 🔍 **Refine with Masks**: After using the selection tool in Photopea, refine the edges using the mask functionality for more control.
  • 🌐 **Erase.bg for Simplicity**: Erase.bg is a straightforward, free website for single-image background removal, though it offers less control over the final result.
  • 🖌️ **Magic Wand Tool**: Use the magic wand tool in Photopea with an appropriate tolerance to select and remove backgrounds more effectively.
  • 🖼️ **Paint 3D for Windows Users**: For Windows users, Paint 3D offers a 'Magic select' feature to remove backgrounds with the option to refine the selection.
  • 🔄 **Zoom and Pan**: When using Paint 3D, use the mouse wheel to zoom and pan to check the edges of the selection for accuracy.
  • ✅ **Transparency Option**: After removing the background in Paint 3D, ensure the 'show canvas' option is off and enable transparency before saving.
  • 💡 **Technical Ability Not Required**: Erase.bg is a more hands-off solution that doesn't require much technical ability for background removal.
  • 📚 **Further Tutorials Available**: For more in-depth processes, including making money with AI-generated artwork, additional tutorials are available.

Q & A

  • What are the three free methods mentioned in the video to remove the background from AI generated images?

    -The three free methods mentioned are using Photopia, a web browser alternative to Photoshop; Erase.bg, a website that removes the background automatically; and Paint 3D, a software that comes with Windows for users to select and remove the background.

  • Why is having the right kind of graphics important when removing the background from images?

    -Having the right kind of graphics with clear outlines is important because it makes it easier to distinguish between the foreground and the background, which in turn makes the background removal process more effective and accurate.

  • What is the recommended step before removing the background from an image?

    -The recommended step is to upscale the image at least four times to ensure the quality is high enough to avoid a bad result when removing the background.

  • How does Photopia's 'Remove BG' function work?

    -Photopia's 'Remove BG' function allows you to select and remove the background from an image by using the select tool and then clicking 'remove BG'. It identifies the background and removes it, although the edges might be a bit blurry.

  • What is the alternative method to 'Remove BG' in Photopia?

    -The alternative method in Photopia is using the magic wand tool. You select the tool, adjust the tolerance, and click on the background color to make a selection. You can then refine the selection by adding or removing areas as needed.

  • How can the mask functionality in Photopia be used to refine the background removal?

    -The mask functionality allows you to make adjustments to the way the image has been cut out. With the mask selected, you can use the paintbrush tool to erase certain items from the mask or paint objects back in, providing more control over the final result.

  • What is Erase.bg and how does it differ from Photopia in terms of control over the final result?

    -Erase.bg is a website that automatically removes the background from images. It differs from Photopia in that it offers less control over the final result, as there are limited options for editing if the initial removal isn't perfect.

  • How does Paint 3D's Magic Select feature work?

    -Paint 3D's Magic Select feature allows you to select the part of the background you want to remove by drawing a box around the graphic. After hitting 'next', it selects and removes the background, and you can use refine options to add or remove parts of the selection.

  • What is the advantage of using Paint 3D for background removal?

    -The advantage of using Paint 3D is that it is a free piece of software that comes with Windows, and it provides a good quality background removal without requiring additional purchases or subscriptions.

  • What is the recommended way to increase the size of an image in Photopia after background removal?

    -You can increase the size of the image by using the 'Ctrl T' to transform and then dragging the bounding box to make the image bigger.

  • How can one export their image with a transparent background after using Photopia?

    -After background removal, you can export the image by going to 'file', then 'export as', selecting 'PNG', choosing the dimensions, and saving it to your device.

  • What is the recommended approach if you want to learn how to make money with AI generated artwork?

    -The video suggests checking out a follow-up video where the presenter walks through the full process, including research, design, and listing.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Photoshop Alternatives for Background Removal

The video introduces three free methods for removing the background from AI-generated artwork. The presenter typically uses Photoshop for its control over the final result but acknowledges that not everyone has access to it. The importance of having the right graphics with clear outlines is emphasized, as it facilitates easier background removal. The video also discusses the significance of image quality, recommending upscaling images at least four times before starting the process. The first method presented is Photopia, a web-based alternative to Photoshop, which allows for background removal through either a 'remove BG' feature or the magic wand tool. The second method is using the magic wand tool in Photopia for more precise selection and removal. The presenter also provides tips on refining the removal using the mask functionality in Photopia.

05:00

🌐 Free Online Tools for Background Erasure

The second paragraph introduces two additional tools for removing backgrounds from images. The first is Erase.bg, a free online service that can remove backgrounds with a simple drag-and-drop interface. While it may not offer as much control as Photoshop or Photopia, it is a time-saving option for basic needs. The second tool mentioned is Paint 3D, a Windows application that provides a 'Magic select' feature for background removal. This tool allows for the selection and removal of the background, with options to refine the selection by adding or removing parts. The video concludes with instructions on how to export the final image with a transparent background from Paint 3D. The presenter also teases a follow-up video on monetizing AI-generated artwork.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Background Removal

Background removal refers to the process of separating the subject of an image from its background. In the video, this is a key technique for preparing AI-generated artwork for various applications such as print-on-demand products or digital media. The script discusses different tools and methods for achieving this, emphasizing the importance of a clear outline and high-quality images for successful background removal.

💡Photoshop

Photoshop is a widely used software for image editing, which the speaker typically employs for background removal due to its advanced control over the editing process. Although not everyone has access to it, the video aims to provide alternatives for those without Photoshop, highlighting the need for control and quality in the editing process.

💡AI Generated Artwork

AI Generated Artwork refers to images created using artificial intelligence, which can produce unique designs based on specific prompts. The video is centered around enhancing these AI creations by removing their backgrounds, which is a critical step before they can be used for commercial or display purposes.

💡Stroke

In the context of the video, a stroke is a line that defines the outline of an object within an image. Adding a stroke to an AI-generated graphic helps create a clearer boundary between the subject and the background, which facilitates easier background removal. The script mentions using strokes as part of the strategy for generating graphics that are easier to edit.

💡Photopia

Photopia is a web-based alternative to Photoshop mentioned in the script. It offers a stripped-down version of Photoshop's functionality and allows users to drag and drop their designs for background removal. The tool is highlighted as a free option that provides a good starting point for those without access to more advanced software.

💡Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand Tool is a selection tool commonly used in image editing software, including both Photoshop and Photopia, as mentioned in the script. It selects areas of the image with similar color tones, which is useful for background removal. The video provides a demonstration of how to use the tool effectively, including adjusting tolerance levels and using the shift key for additional selections.

💡Erase.bg

Erase.bg is a website introduced in the video that automates the background removal process. It requires no technical expertise and is free for single-image processing. The script shows that while it may not offer the same level of control as Photoshop or Photopia, it is a quick and easy solution for removing backgrounds from simpler graphics.

💡Paint 3D

Paint 3D is a free software available for Windows users, as discussed in the video. It includes a 'Magic Select' feature that can be used for background removal. The tool is presented as a surprising option for those looking for a free and easy way to remove backgrounds from their images, with the ability to refine selections and export images with transparent backgrounds.

💡Raster Mask

A raster mask, as mentioned in the video, is a feature in image editing software that allows for non-destructive editing of images. It is used after making a selection with the Magic Wand Tool in Photopia to remove the background. The mask can be adjusted using brush tools to fine-tune the selection, either removing unwanted parts or adding back elements that were accidentally selected.

💡Upscale Image

Upscaling an image involves increasing its resolution, which is an important step before removing the background, as highlighted in the script. Upscaling to at least four times the original size helps in achieving a better result by providing more pixels to work with, which can lead to a higher quality final image after the background is removed.

💡PNG

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics and is a file format used for saving images with transparency, as discussed in the context of exporting images after background removal. The video mentions saving the edited images as PNG to maintain the transparent background, which is crucial for various applications such as web design or print media where the image will be placed over different backgrounds.

Highlights

The video presents three free methods to remove backgrounds from AI-generated artwork.

Photoshop is a preferred tool for the process due to its control over the final result.

The importance of having the right kind of graphics or generating correct prompts for clear outlines.

Adding strokes or contours and using a white background can assist in easier background removal.

Upscaling images at least four times before removing the background is recommended for quality.

Photopea is introduced as a web browser alternative to Photoshop for removing backgrounds.

Photopea allows for drag and drop functionality and has a 'remove BG' feature.

The Magic Wand tool in Photopea can be used for more precise background removal.

Erase.bg is a free website for removing backgrounds, especially suitable for single images.

Erase.bg provides a quick and hands-off approach to background removal with limited editing capabilities.

Paint 3D, a Windows application, offers a Magic Select feature for background removal.

Paint 3D provides a good selection tool and allows for refining the selection with add or remove options.

After background removal in Paint 3D, the canvas can be cleared, and the image can be exported with transparency.

The video also offers tips on refining the mask in Photopea for better control over the final image.

Exporting an image from Photopea can be done by transforming the image size and saving it as a PNG file.

For complex graphics, Erase.bg might not be ideal and could remove parts of the design.

Paint 3D is not available for Mac or Apple users, being exclusive to Windows.

The video concludes with an offer to learn how to monetize AI-generated artwork in a follow-up video.