Do you have photos with distracting or lackluster backgrounds? With the right editing tools, you can instantly transform them into eye-catching images that make your subjects truly stand out.
Advances in artificial intelligence have put the power of professional-grade background replacement into anyone‘s hands. Machine learning algorithms can now accurately cut out subjects like people, pets, cars, products – you name it.
In this expert guide, we‘ll compare the top 10 free online tools to remove, replace or blur image backgrounds with a few simple clicks. You‘ll also get tips to seamlessly match new backdrops and create visually stunning photos. Soon you‘ll wonder why you didn‘t start utilizing these amazing editors sooner!
Why Change Image Backgrounds?
Before we dig into the tools, let‘s discuss some of the top reasons to swap backgrounds on your photos:
Remove Distractions
Sometimes the background has unnecessary or distracting elements. By changing it, you put all eyes on the main subject. For example, removing clutter behind a product shot focuses attention on what‘s most important – the item being sold!
Cohesive Branding
Using consistent backdrops across marketing images creates a unified brand aesthetic. For example, always placing products on white backgrounds gives a clean, recognizable look.
Seasonal Themes
Swapping to holiday color schemes or patterns allows companies to creatively celebrate special times of year. This builds excitement and keeps content fresh.
There are endless creative reasons to utilize background changing tools. It‘s an easy way to take photos from boring to spectacular fast!
Now let‘s compare the top options and see them in action…
How Background Removal Tools Work
The machine learning algorithms powering automated background changing tools have come a long way. By analyzing vast image datasets, they can accurately identify subjects and remove backgrounds most of the time.
Machine learning allows the tools to cut out difficult subjects like hair accurately
The process generally involves:
- Upload the image
- Detect key subject/foreground
- Remove original background
- Apply new background
Advanced options will allow refining edges and blending for a seamless look.
Now let‘s see it in action with the top 10 tools…
1. Remove.bg
Background: Remove.bg utilizes AI from Kaleido to perform lightning fast removal powered by machine learning.
Key Features:
- Automatic subject detection
- 350+ background templates
- Bulk processing options
- Simple drag and drop interface
- Mobile app also available
- Free tier allows 50 images/mo up to 1MB size
Benefits:
- Extremely easy to use
- Very fast processing times
- Handles tricky subjects like hair well
- Natural looking results
Limitations:
- Less customizable than fuller photo editors
- Free tier limits on image sizes and monthly batches
Remove.bg is one of the most popular options because it produces quality results in seconds. It may not provide the advanced customization of some tools, but the convenience factor is hard to beat!
2. Canva
In addition to its graphic design tools, Canva offers a versatile built-in background editor powered by machine learning algorithms.
Key Features:
- 100,000 background templates
- Resize tool
- Filters
- Drag & Drop
- Graphic design capabilities
- Free version available
Benefits:
- Huge template library for endless options
- Recognizable styles ideal for social posts
- Easy for beginners through advanced users
Limitations:
- Distinct Canva aesthetic isn‘t always appropriate
- Advanced customization requires paid tiers
Canva makes the entire image creation process intuitive. While the backgrounds have a signature style, their high quality and quantity streamline post production for everyone.
3. LunaPic
This free online editor offers a toolbox of modifications – including handy background controls. The straightforward interface simplifies complex edits like subject isolation.
Key Features:
- Color fills
- Customizable patterns
- Subject isolation slider
- 100‘s of bonus filters and effects
- Free with no signup required
Benefits:
- Simple yet powerful isolation tools
- Applies changes in real time for easy tweaking
- Unlimited use for all features
Limitations:
- Smaller library of templates/patterns
- Requires more precision to isolate subjects
LunaPic proves you don‘t need fancy AI or a paid subscription to swap backgrounds effectively. A testament to intuitive software, it makes isolation editing simple for any level.
4. Adobe Express
With deep roots in creative software, Adobe Express offers a refined background editing experience leveraging their Sensei AI.
Key Features:
- Automatic subject detection
- Hundreds of high quality backgrounds
- Complementary color schemes
- Various export options
- Free tier with limited monthly exports
Benefits:
- Leverages Adobe‘s advanced AI
- Clean, professional background templates
- Easily adjusts colors to match
Limitations:
- Less control over templates than standalone tools
- Watermarks on free exports beyond cap
Counting on Adobe‘s decades of imaging expertise, Express modernizes their signature post-production prowess for easy access. It‘s the gold standard for polished background swaps.
5. PhotoScape X
PhotoScape X packs a full suite of editing tools with excellent background removal capabilities into a free download.
Key Features:
- Automatic subject detection
- Color fills and gradients
- Blurring and vignette options
- Full editor integration
- Free download (no watermarks)
Benefits:
- Tight integration between tools
- Top notch selection refinement
- Multi-step customization potential
Limitations:
- Interface less intuitive than web apps
- Advanced features have learning curve
PhotoScape X proves robust editing versatility needn‘t require a subscription. With some practice, users gain professional style control to craft custom backgrounds.
6. GIMP
This open source editing software has pro-grade capabilities – including layer powered background mastery.
Key Features:
- Layer based editing
- Fully customizable
- Extensive docs/guides
- Free & open source
- More advanced interface
Benefits:
- Extreme control over backgrounds
- Space to get creative
- Price can‘t be beat
Limitations:
- Steeper learning curve
- No automation features
While GIMP isn‘t the most accessible, patient users gain sophistication lacking in basic tools. If unique style is your objective, GIMP empowers imagination through customization.
7. PicMonkey
With a focus on quick, elegant touch ups – PicMonkey enables instant background transformations through smart automation.
Key Features:
- Automatic deletion
- Hundreds of stylish templates
- Intuitive touch up tools
- Simple drag & drop
- Free trial available
Benefits:
- Huge catalog of polished backgrounds
- Convenient correction tools
- Cloud storing & sharing
Limitations:
- Less fine tuned control
- Watermarks unless subscribed
PicMonkey removes the struggle from show stopping image edits. With little effort, users access abundant backgrounds and filters for instant social media brilliance.
8. Fotor
Fotor has spent a decade honing its automated tools – including pro-tier background changing powered by AI.
Key Features:
- AI identification
- 200+ template library
- Batch processing
- Tilt-shift effect
- Free & paid plans
Benefits:
- Quick yet polished edits
- Easy batch workflow
- Natural final images
Limitations:
- Less stylized results
- Occasional falsely detected subjects
Fotor balances automation with creative choice beautifully. By predicting needs around high volume posting, it amplifies productivity with style.
9. Background Burner
True to its branding, this tool excels at burning new backgrounds while keeping subjects crisp.
Key Features:
- Automatic subject detection
- Hundreds of templates
- Categories to guide choice
- Recoloring options
- 14 day free trial
Benefits:
- Intuitive template organization
- Handy recolor effect
- Straightforward workflow
Limitations:
- Less control over templates
- Limited customization tools
Background Burner streamlines even first-time background replacement through smart template grouping. By focusing solely on swapping backdrops, the platform makes experimentation completely unintimidating!
10. Editor.Pho.to
This aptly named editor provides a fun filled background changing experience – with plenty of customization power.
Key Features:
- Automatic subject detection
- 100+ pattern/texture templates
- Stickers & textures
- Customizable light effects
- Free version with watermark
Benefits:
- Whimsical background options
- Good control over final edits
- Quickly swap out elements
Limitations:
- Cartoonish template styles
- Large free watermarks
Editor.Pho.to unleashes creativity through playful, highly adaptable templates. With diverse options and easy personalization, it brings joy back to editing.
Compare Background Changers
| Tool | Subject Detection | # Templates | Customization | Learning Curve | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remove.bg | Excellent | 350 | Low | Minmal | Freemium |
| Canva | Very Good | 100,000 | Medium | Minimal | Free & paid plans |
| LunaPic | Very Good | Low | Medium | Minimal | Free |
| Adobe Express | Excellent | High | Low | Minimal | Free & paid plans |
| PhotoScape X | Excellent | Medium | High | Moderate | Free |
| GIMP | Manual | N/A | Maximum | High | Free |
| PicMonkey | Very Good | High | Low | Minimal | Free trial & paid only |
| Fotor | Good | High | Medium | Minimal | Freemium |
| Background Burner | Very Good | High | Low | Minimal | 14 Day Free Trial |
| Editor Pho.to | Good | Medium | Medium | Minimal | Free with watermark & paid plans |
Now that you‘ve seen top performers in action, assessing your use case and skill level helps determine the best choice.
For quick, foolproof swaps go with Remove.bg or Canva. Maximum creative control? GIMP can‘t be beaten. And tools like LunaPic and Photoscape balance automation with customization nicely.
The variety of quality offerings ensures beginners and professionals alike can locate their ideal utility.
Tips for Choosing and Enhancing New Backgrounds
While these tools make background changing easy, here are some pro tips to take results to the next level:
Match Lighting Conditions
Pick replacements mimicking the original‘s brightness. A daytime picnic backdrop won‘t match a dimly lit portrait. Keep it consistent.
Resize Appropriately
Scale new backgrounds to fit the frame fully without awkward stretching or squishing. Leave breathing room around key subjects.
Refine Edges
Look closely for halo effects around complex textures like hair indicating an imperfect cutout. Refining these edges makes a difference.
Enhance Blending
Run subtle filters like Gaussian blur to better incorporate replaced backgrounds. This maintains cohesion between elements.
Take the extra time to finesse details and backgrounds will truly look natural.
Give Your Images a Background Makeover!
As this guide demonstrates, there is no shortage of options for taking image backgrounds from boring to eye catching quickly and easily!
So whether you need to remove visual distractions, establish cohesive branding, celebrate seasonal themes or simply refresh stale images, put these transformative tools to work.
Just tap a few buttons and witness ho-hum shots turn into captivating graphics sure to engage viewers.
What unique ways will you utilize the power of automated background changing for your photos? Which tool seems like the perfect fit? Share how these editors help take your images to the next level!
