Use GIMP's AI Technology To Remove Backgrounds Easily

GIMP TUT
18 Feb 202312:12

TLDRThe video tutorial demonstrates how to use GIMP's AI-powered tool, the Scissors Select Tool, to effortlessly remove backgrounds from photos. The presenter compares this tool to the older and more cumbersome Path Tool, highlighting the Scissors Select Tool's efficiency and ease of use. The video provides step-by-step guidance on creating a selection path around a subject, navigating the image, and adjusting anchor points for precision. Pro tips shared include increasing anchor points for quick direction changes, using the interactive boundary feature for tracing, and adjusting the feathering radius for a clean edge. The tutorial emphasizes the Scissors Select Tool's significant time-saving advantage over traditional methods, making it a valuable skill for photo editing enthusiasts.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 Use GIMP's AI technology to remove backgrounds from photos with ease.
  • 📌 The 'Scissors Select Tool' is the preferred tool for AI-assisted selection in GIMP.
  • ✂️ Formerly known as the 'Intelligent Scissors Tool', it's now simply called 'Scissors Select Tool'.
  • 🤖 This tool is more efficient and user-friendly compared to the older 'Path Tool'.
  • 🔍 Start by adding an anchor point along the edge of the subject for the AI to create a selection path.
  • 📉 Increase the number of anchor points in areas with quick direction changes for a more precise selection.
  • 🚀 Use the space bar to navigate around the image while creating your selection path.
  • 💡 For fine details like hair, there's a separate tutorial available for retaining detail.
  • 🔄 If you make a mistake, use Command/Control + Z to undo and correct the path.
  • 🧲 The 'Interactive Boundary' option allows the tool to automatically adhere to the subject's edge when tracing.
  • ⭕ Close the path by clicking on the first anchor point to finalize the selection.
  • 🔍 Adjust the 'Feather Edges' radius for a smoother edge between the subject and the background, starting with a smaller radius for testing.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is how to use GIMP's AI technology, specifically the 'scissors select tool', to remove backgrounds from photos.

  • What is the alternative name for the 'scissors select tool' mentioned in the video?

    -The alternative name for the 'scissors select tool' is the 'intelligent scissors tool' or 'intelligent selection tool'.

  • How does the 'scissors select tool' differ from the 'path tool' in terms of ease of use?

    -The 'scissors select tool' is much quicker and easier to use compared to the 'path tool', requiring fewer clicks and less manual adjustment for creating a selection path.

  • What is one of the pro tips shared in the video for using the 'scissors select tool'?

    -One of the pro tips is to increase the number of anchor points or place them closer together when there are quick and short changes in direction along the edge of the subject.

  • How can you navigate to a different part of the image when using the 'scissors select tool'?

    -You can navigate to a different part of the image by holding down the space bar and then moving the image around as needed.

  • What feature in the tool options allows the 'scissors select tool' to automatically adhere to the edge of the subject?

    -The 'interactive boundary' feature in the tool options allows the 'scissors select tool' to automatically adhere to the edge of the subject.

  • Why might the final selection appear differently than expected after using the 'scissors select tool'?

    -The final selection might appear differently than expected if the 'feather edges' option is turned on with a high radius, which can cause the selection to not adhere to the edge precisely.

  • What is the recommended approach to dealing with fine details such as stray hairs when using the 'scissors select tool'?

    -The video suggests that there is a separate tutorial for retaining fine hair detail, which can be found in the description below the video.

  • How can you correct a mistake or adjust an anchor point with the 'scissors select tool' without starting over?

    -You can click and hold the mouse button on the path, drag it to the desired position, and release to add or adjust an anchor point without starting over.

  • What is the recommended feather radius to start with when using the 'scissors select tool'?

    -The recommended feather radius to start with is around five or smaller to avoid a hard edge and to ensure the selection adheres closely to the subject's edge.

  • How can you ensure the 'scissors select tool' works effectively for your specific image?

    -You should sample a small area first to test the feathering effect and adjust the feather radius accordingly to ensure the tool works effectively for your specific image.

  • Where can viewers find more tutorials on advanced photo editing techniques like background removal?

    -Viewers can find more tutorials on advanced photo editing techniques, including various methods of background removal, in the playlist provided in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Introduction to AI-Powered Background Removal

The video begins with an introduction to a tool that uses artificial intelligence to remove backgrounds from photos. The host demonstrates the process using an image and shows the result with the background removed. They also mention creating a new background for the thumbnail and a drop shadow effect. The primary tool for this task is the 'scissors select tool,' formerly known as the 'intelligent scissors tool,' which is praised for its efficiency and ease of use compared to older methods. The host also compares this tool to the 'lasso tool,' highlighting the difficulties and multiple steps involved in using the latter.

05:01

📌 Using the Scissors Select Tool for Precision

The host guides viewers on how to use the 'scissors select tool' by adding anchor points along the edge of the subject in the image. They emphasize the tool's ability to create a precise path with minimal clicks and compare it to the more laborious process of using the 'lasso tool.' The host shares professional tips, such as increasing the number of anchor points in areas with quick direction changes and navigating the image by holding down the space bar. They also address the challenge of selecting fine details like stray hairs and refer viewers to another tutorial for that specific technique.

10:01

✂️ Advanced Techniques with the Scissors Select Tool

The host continues to demonstrate the 'scissors select tool' by adjusting the path interactively and adding anchor points as needed. They show a shortcut for fixing path errors by dragging the path to the desired edge instead of undoing and redoing the selection. The host also discusses the 'interactive boundary' feature, which allows the tool to automatically adhere to the subject's edge when tracing. They emphasize the efficiency of the tool, especially for complex selections like buttons on clothing. The host then explains how to close the path and activate the selection, and they introduce a pro tip about adjusting the 'feather edges' setting to avoid a common issue where the selection does not adhere precisely to the edge. They recommend starting with a smaller feather radius and testing it on a sample area before proceeding.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡GIMP

GIMP stands for GNU Image Manipulation Program, which is a free and open-source raster graphics editor used for image editing and manipulation. In the video, GIMP is the software being used to demonstrate the removal of image backgrounds using its AI technology.

💡Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the context of the video, AI is integrated into GIMP to assist users in removing backgrounds from their photos more efficiently.

💡Background Removal

Background removal is the process of separating the subject of an image from its background, often used in photo editing to change the background or to isolate the subject. The video provides a tutorial on how to use GIMP's AI technology to easily remove backgrounds from photos.

💡Scissors Select Tool

The Scissors Select Tool is a feature in GIMP used for making selections along the edge of a subject in an image. It was formerly known as the Intelligent Scissors Tool. The video highlights this tool's efficiency in creating selection paths with fewer clicks compared to other selection methods.

💡Anchor Points

Anchor points are used in image editing to define the start and end points of a selection path. In the video, the presenter uses anchor points with the Scissors Select Tool to create a precise selection around the subject's edge.

💡Path

A path in image editing is a series of points and lines that define a selection area. The video demonstrates how the AI technology in GIMP helps to create a path that closely follows the subject's edge for accurate background removal.

💡Feathering

Feathering is a technique used in image editing that softens the edges of a selection, creating a gradual transition between the selected area and the surrounding image. The video explains the importance of adjusting feathering to avoid a hard edge and to ensure the selection adheres precisely to the subject's edge.

💡Pro Tips

Pro Tips are professional suggestions or advice given to enhance skills or achieve better results. The video includes several pro tips for using the Scissors Select Tool more effectively, such as increasing anchor points in areas with quick direction changes and testing feathering on a small area before applying it to the entire selection.

💡Drop Shadow

A drop shadow is a visual effect that gives the appearance of a shadow cast by an object onto a surface, often used to create depth and make the object stand out. The video mentions a tutorial on creating realistic drop shadows, indicating an additional editing technique that can be applied after background removal.

💡Thumbnail

A thumbnail is a small, representative image used to preview a larger picture, often used in video or image galleries. In the video, the presenter mentions creating a new background for the thumbnail of the tutorial, which is an important aspect of video marketing to attract viewers.

💡Interactive Boundary

Interactive Boundary is an option in the Scissors Select Tool's settings that allows the user to trace along the edge of a subject, with the tool automatically adhering to the edge. This feature is highlighted in the video as a significant time-saver when compared to manually adding anchor points.

Highlights

GIMP's AI technology allows for easy background removal in photos.

The tutorial demonstrates using the AI to remove backgrounds and add new ones.

The 'Scissors Select Tool' is the AI-powered tool for making selections.

The Scissors Select Tool was previously known as the 'Intelligent Scissors Tool'.

The Scissors Select Tool is more efficient and user-friendly compared to the past tool.

The tool can create a selection path with just a few clicks.

Pro tips are provided to enhance the use of the Scissors Select Tool.

Increasing the number of anchor points improves selection precision in areas with quick direction changes.

The space bar allows for easy navigation around the image.

The tool can retain fine hair detail, though a separate tutorial covers this.

Lazy users can add anchor points with a single click and then drag to adjust the path.

The 'Interactive Boundary' option allows for tracing the subject's edge for automatic path adherence.

Tracing the outline of a subject with the tool is a quick way to create a selection path.

Closing the path is done by clicking on the first anchor point.

Feathering can cause imprecise edges, so it's important to adjust the feather radius.

A small feather radius, such as 4.5, is recommended for precise selection edges.

Testing a small area first can help determine the correct feathering amount.

The Scissors Select Tool is significantly faster than traditional selection methods, even with additional steps.