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Remove the background of a photo, what works and what resists

Published · Updated 2 min read

Removing the background of a photo, which is called cutting out, leaves the subject alone on a transparent background: a product for a shop, a portrait for a document, an object to place on another scene. The tool gives very good results when the subject is sharp and contrasts with what surrounds it, and more fragile results in a few situations worth knowing.

What the tool does

It finds the main subject and returns a PNG image with a transparent background. The processing happens on your device, with the photo sent nowhere. On first use, the cut-out model, about 170 MB, downloads in several pieces, which takes a moment; the browser then keeps it. Once ready, it takes a few seconds per photo depending on the power of the device.

On the left, a red apple against a beige wall and a table. On the right, the same apple cut out on a green background.
An image before and after cutting out, placed on a green background to see the edges. The small leaf stayed slightly transparent.

What works well

A shoe photographed on a white background, a cat on snow, a flower on a dark background: subjects well separated from their surroundings are cut out cleanly, with sharp edges.

What resists

  • Very fine parts: on a flower, the stem may disappear with the background.
  • A dark subject on a dark background: on a watch placed on black, part of the strap may be lost.
  • Fur and blurred edges: a cat sometimes keeps a slight light halo around its fur.
  • Objects touching the subject: on a seated person, a piece of the armchair may remain around them.

Prepare the photo

For a cleaner result, take care over the shot: even lighting, a background that clearly differs from the subject, a tight framing around the subject. Once the background is removed, try the result on a light background then on a dark one, to see whether edges remain visible.

What it is used for

A product photo for a shop, a portrait to put in a document, a logo cut from a white background, or an object to place on another scene: cutting out gives a transparent PNG ready to reuse.

Check the result

  1. Place the PNG on the background you want.
  2. Zoom in on the edges, especially around fur and fine parts.
  3. Keep the original photo.

Remove the background of an image

Frequently asked questions

Is my photo sent to a server to remove the background?
No. The processing happens on your device. On first use, a model of about 170 MB downloads, then the browser keeps it.
What results can you expect on fur or a fine stem?
These are the most fragile cases: a stem may disappear, fur may keep a slight halo. Try the result on a light background then on a dark one.
How do you get a cleaner cut-out?
Even lighting, a background that clearly differs from the subject and a tight framing improve the result.
Why is the resulting file a PNG?
PNG handles transparency, which JPG does not.