Magic Remove
Remove the Background from a Photo
Background Remover cuts the main subject out of your photo and puts it on a new background: transparent, one of 13 preset colors, a color you pick yourself, or a surprise one chosen by the AI. It is one of the Magic Remove tools in the PixeLift web app.
Last updated
Free account to start · No watermark on results
How do I remove the background from a photo?
Open Background Remover in the Magic Remove part of the PixeLift web app, upload your photo and choose the new background: transparent, one of 13 preset colors, a color you pick, or Surprise Me. The AI cuts out the main subject and puts it on that background. Compare the result with your original before you save it.
- Sign in to PixeLift and open Magic Remove in the dashboard.
- Choose Background Remover and upload your photo.
- Pick the new background: Transparent BG, one of the preset colors, Pick Color for a color of your own, or Surprise Me.
- Generate the result, compare it with your original using the Before / After button, then save or share it.
What backgrounds can I choose?
- Transparent BG: removes the background and keeps only the subject.
- Preset colors: Soft White, Sage Green, Terracotta, Lavender, Sunset Coral, Blush Pink, Peach Fuzz, Pale Aqua, Charcoal Black, Navy Blue, Mustard Yellow, Sky Blue, Emerald Green.
- Pick Color: choose any color, for example pure white for a product listing.
- Surprise Me: the AI picks a colorful, creative background for you.
Which photos cut out cleanly?
The clearer the line between the subject and what's behind it, the cleaner the edge. A person against a plain wall or a product on a table usually works on the first try.
Harder cases are loose hair or fur, see-through things like glass or a veil, and a subject the same color as the background. If an edge doesn't look right, try another photo of the same subject or fix it with a typed edit.
What people use it for
- Product photos for an online shop. Many marketplaces ask for a plain or white background on the main image, so check your marketplace's current image rules.
- Profile pictures and photos for cards and invitations.
- Old photos, where a new background can hide a damaged or cluttered one.
Can I change the result afterwards?
Yes. Every result in the web app has an Edit option. Choose it, type what you want changed, such as "make the background white" or "add more brightness", and PixeLift makes a new version from the result.
More questions
Can I make the background white?
Yes. Choose Pick Color and select white, or pick Soft White from the preset colors for an off-white look.
Can I use the result for my shop or business?
Yes, you can use your results commercially, as long as you own the photo you uploaded or have the right to use it.
Can I remove the background from someone else's photo?
Only if you have the right to edit it. The Acceptable Use Policy allows editing photos and images you own or have rights to.
Can I put a scene or a picture behind the subject instead of a color?
Not in Background Remover itself, which offers transparent, plain colors and Surprise Me. Choose Edit on the result and describe the background you want, for example "put the person on a beach at sunset". For products, Product Photo builds a styled scene for you.
Is Background Remover in the iPhone app?
The PixeLift app for iPhone, iPad and Mac has its own set of tools, listed on its App Store page. This page describes the web app.
Using the tools needs credits or a plan: see pricing. The rules for what you may edit are in the Acceptable Use Policy.
Guides on removing backgrounds
Cut out the subject and keep a transparent or plain-color background. Start with the background removal guide, which links to every article on the topic.
Try it on your own photo
You need a free account. Results have no watermark, and you can compare them with your original before you save.