How to Remove Background from Image: 6 Free Methods (2025)

Quick Comparison: Background Removal Methods

Method 1: QuickTools.one (Free, Private, No Install)

Best for: Anyone who wants fast results without uploading images to servers or installing software.

QuickTools.one uses AI to remove backgrounds directly in your browser. Your images never leave your device, which makes it the most private option on this list.

Try it here: QuickTools.one/remove-background

How to remove image background with QuickTools:

1. Go to QuickTools.one Remove Background
2. Click Select Image or drag and drop your photo
3. Wait for the AI model to load (first time only, about 45MB)
4. Click Remove Background
5. Download your transparent PNG

The whole process takes about 10 seconds after the initial model download.

Pros:

• 100% free with no limits
• Images never uploaded to any server
• No account or signup required
• No watermarks on output
• Works offline after first use
• Handles hair and fur well

Cons:

• Requires modern browser with WebGPU or WebAssembly
• First use requires 45MB model download
• Less manual control than Photoshop

Method 2: Remove Image Background in Photoshop

Best for: Professional designers who need precise control and already have a Creative Cloud subscription.

Photoshop has multiple ways to remove backgrounds. The newest AI-powered method is surprisingly fast.

How to remove image background in Photoshop (AI method):

1. Open your image in Photoshop
2. Go to Window > Properties to open the Properties panel
3. Click Remove Background in the Quick Actions section
4. Photoshop automatically creates a layer mask
5. Refine edges if needed using Select and Mask
6. Export as PNG with transparency

How to remove image background in Photoshop (manual method):

1. Open your image
2. Select the Quick Selection Tool (W)
3. Click and drag over the subject you want to keep
4. Go to Select > Select and Mask
5. Use the Refine Edge Brush for hair and fine details
6. Set Output to New Layer with Layer Mask
7. Click OK, then hide or delete the background layer
8. Export as PNG

Pros:

• Highest quality results with manual refinement
• Excellent edge detection for complex subjects
• Part of professional workflow
• Works offline

Cons:

• Costs $22/month (Creative Cloud Photography plan)
• Steeper learning curve
• Slower than AI-only tools
• Requires installation

Method 3: Remove Image Background in GIMP (Free)

Best for: Users who want Photoshop-level control without the subscription cost.

GIMP is free, open-source software that can remove backgrounds, though it requires more manual work than AI tools.

How to remove image background in GIMP:

1. Open your image in GIMP
2. Go to Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel (required for transparency)
3. Select the Fuzzy Select Tool (U) for solid backgrounds, or Free Select Tool for complex ones
4. Click on the background to select it
5. Press Delete to remove the selected area
6. For better results, use Select > Grow or Select > Feather before deleting
7. Export as PNG (File > Export As, choose PNG format)

For complex backgrounds:

1. Use the Foreground Select Tool instead
2. Draw a rough outline around your subject
3. Paint over the foreground object
4. Press Enter to create the selection
5. Invert selection (Select > Invert) and delete

Pros:

• Completely free and open source
• Works offline
• Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux
• No file uploads

Cons:

• Steeper learning curve
• Manual selection takes time
• No AI assistance (unless using plugins)
• Interface feels dated

Method 4: Remove Image Background in Canva

Best for: Social media creators who already use Canva for design work.

Canva has a built-in background remover, but it requires a Pro subscription for full access.

How to remove image background in Canva:

1. Go to Canva.com and sign in
2. Create a new design or open an existing one
3. Upload your image or drag it onto the canvas
4. Click on the image to select it
5. Click Edit Image in the toolbar
6. Click BG Remover (Pro feature)
7. Wait for processing
8. Download as PNG with transparent background

Pros:

• Fast and easy to use
• Integrated with Canva design workflow
• Good quality results

Cons:

• Background remover requires Pro ($13/month)
• Images uploaded to Canva servers
• Requires account
• Limited free uses without subscription

Method 5: Remove Image Background in PowerPoint

Best for: Quick background removal for presentations when you already have Microsoft Office.

PowerPoint has a surprisingly capable background removal tool built in. It works best on images with clear contrast between subject and background.

How to remove image background in PowerPoint:

1. Open PowerPoint and insert your image
2. Click on the image to select it
3. Go to Picture Format tab (or Format on Mac)
4. Click Remove Background on the left side of the ribbon
5. PowerPoint highlights areas it will remove in magenta
6. Use Mark Areas to Keep and Mark Areas to Remove to refine
7. Click Keep Changes when satisfied
8. Right-click the image and select Save as Picture (choose PNG)

Pros:

• Already installed if you have Microsoft Office
• No additional cost
• Works offline
• Good for simple backgrounds

Cons:

• Limited AI capability
• Struggles with complex backgrounds
• Manual marking required for accuracy
• Not designed for batch processing

Method 6: Remove Image Background in Google Slides

Best for: Very simple cutouts when you only have access to Google Workspace.

Google Slides has basic background removal, but it is the most limited option on this list.

How to remove image background in Google Slides:

1. Open Google Slides and create a new presentation
2. Insert your image (Insert > Image)
3. Click on the image to select it
4. Click Format Options in the toolbar (or right-click > Format Options)
5. Expand Adjustments
6. Use the Transparency slider to fade the background (this affects the whole image)

Note: Google Slides does not have true background removal. For actual transparent backgrounds, you need to use a different tool first, then import the transparent PNG into Slides.

Alternative approach:

1. Use QuickTools.one or another method to remove the background
2. Download the transparent PNG
3. Insert the transparent image into Google Slides

Pros:

• Free with Google account
• Works in any browser
• No installation needed

Cons:

• No actual background removal feature
• Only adjusts transparency of entire image
• Very limited compared to other options

Bonus: Remove Image Background on Mac (Preview)

Mac users have a hidden option in the Preview app that works for simple backgrounds.

How to remove image background on Mac:

1. Open your image in Preview
2. Click the Markup toolbar button (pencil icon)
3. Click the Instant Alpha tool (magic wand icon)
4. Click and drag on the background color you want to remove
5. Press Delete to remove the selected area
6. Repeat for other background areas
7. Save as PNG to preserve transparency

Pros:

• Built into macOS, no download needed
• Works offline
• Fast for solid color backgrounds

Cons:

• Only works on Mac
• Struggles with complex backgrounds
• No AI assistance
• Manual selection required

Which Method Should You Use?

Choose QuickTools.one if:

• You want the fastest free option
• Privacy matters (images stay on your device)
• You do not want to install software or create accounts

Choose Photoshop if:

• You need professional-quality results
• You already have a Creative Cloud subscription
• You need to process many images with consistent settings

Choose GIMP if:

• You want free desktop software
• You are comfortable with manual selection tools
• You need advanced editing beyond background removal

Choose Canva if:

• You already pay for Canva Pro
• You are creating social media graphics
• You want background removal integrated with design tools

Choose PowerPoint if:

• You are making a presentation
• The image has a simple, contrasting background
• You already have Microsoft Office

Avoid Google Slides for background removal. It does not actually remove backgrounds.

Tips for Better Background Removal

No matter which method you use, these tips will help you get cleaner results:

1. Start with good photos. High contrast between subject and background makes removal easier.
2. Use images with clear edges. Blurry photos produce blurry cutouts.
3. Solid color backgrounds are easiest. White, green, or any uniform color works best.
4. Hair and fur need AI. Manual tools struggle with fine details. Use QuickTools, Photoshop AI, or Canva for portraits.
5. Check edges at 100% zoom. Look for halos or rough edges before saving.
6. Save as PNG. JPG does not support transparency. Always export as PNG for transparent backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove image background for free without Photoshop?

Yes. QuickTools.one removes backgrounds for free using AI in your browser. No Photoshop subscription needed. GIMP is another free option if you prefer desktop software.

What is the best free background remover?

For most people, QuickTools.one offers the best combination of quality, speed, and privacy. It uses AI for accurate edge detection and processes images locally so your photos are never uploaded to servers.

How do I remove background from image on Mac?

Mac users can use Preview's Instant Alpha tool for simple backgrounds, or use QuickTools.one in Safari for AI-powered removal. Both options work without additional software.

Can I remove background in Google Slides?

Google Slides does not have a true background removal feature. You need to remove the background using another tool first, then import the transparent PNG into your presentation.

Is Canva background remover free?

Canva's background remover requires a Pro subscription ($13/month). They occasionally offer limited free uses, but full access requires payment.

How do I make a transparent background?

Upload your image to QuickTools.one, click Remove Background, and download the result. The output is a PNG file with transparent background that works in any design software.

Summary

Removing backgrounds from images is easier than ever in 2025. For most users, QuickTools.one provides the best free option with AI-powered removal that keeps your images private.

If you need professional control, Photoshop remains the gold standard. GIMP offers similar capabilities for free but requires more manual work.

For quick tasks in presentations, PowerPoint works well enough. Skip Google Slides for background removal since it does not actually have that feature.

Ready to remove your image background? QuickTools.one/remove-background