How to Remove Background in Canva

By Nathaniel Published June 16, 2023

In the digital era, image editing has become a necessity for both professional designers and casual users alike. Among the plethora of tasks one might undertake, learning how to remove backgrounds in image editing software stands out as a critical skill. Whether you're prepping graphics for a website, creating marketing materials, or just personalizing photos, the ability to isolate subjects from their backgrounds can significantly enhance your visual content. Today, we're diving into how you can achieve this in Canva, a popular design tool known for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Introduction

Removing the background from images is a task that, while seemingly daunting, can be easily mastered with the right tools. While professional-grade software like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP offer advanced features for this purpose, they often come with a steep learning curve. Similarly, basic tools like Paint provide limited assistance for such a sophisticated task. Canva, on the other hand, strikes a perfect balance by offering a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. Whether you're working with PNG images or SVG images, Canva has got you covered.

Why Remove Backgrounds?

Before we dive into the "how," let's briefly discuss the "why." Removing backgrounds can help in:

• Highlighting the subject of your photo
• Creating uniformity in product photos for e-commerce
• Preparing artwork for promotional materials
• Designing creative and personalized content

With the ability to upscale images and maintain high-quality results, removing backgrounds can transform your designs from good to great.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Backgrounds in Canva

Step 1: Sign Up or Log In to Canva

First things first, access Canva by signing up or logging into your existing account. Canva offers both free and Pro versions, but the good news is, background removal is accessible in the free version for basic use.

Step 2: Choose Your Design Type or Upload an Image

Once you're in, you can either start with a new design by selecting a template or upload the image you wish to edit. To upload, simply click on the "Uploads" tab on the left sidebar, then "Upload an image or video," and select your file.

Step 3: Access the Background Remover Tool

With your image selected, look for the "Edit image" option on the top toolbar. Clicking on this will open a side panel with various editing tools. Here, you'll find the magical "Background Remover" button.

Step 4: Remove the Background

Click on the "Background Remover" and watch Canva work its magic. The tool automatically detects and removes the background from your image. It's like magic, but better, because it's real and you're in control.

Step 5: Fine-Tune Your Image

Although Canva's background remover is impressively accurate, you might occasionally need to make minor adjustments. Use the "Erase" and "Restore" brushes to fine-tune the edges of your subject or bring back parts that were mistakenly removed.

Step 6: Save Your Image

Once you're satisfied with the result, don't forget to save your masterpiece. Canva allows you to download your image in various formats, but for background-free images, PNG is your best bet, especially if you want to maintain transparency.

Creative Tips and Tricks

• Layering: Experiment with layering your newly isolated subject over different backgrounds or images to create unique compositions.
• Text Effects: Use the removed background as an opportunity to play with text placement, wrapping text around your subject for dynamic effects.
• Branding: Consistently removing backgrounds for product images or promotional material can create a clean, unified look that enhances brand identity.

Comparing Canva with Other Software

While Canva is excellent for quick and efficient background removal, it's also helpful to understand how it compares to other software. For instance, removing the background in Adobe Photoshop offers more control and precision, ideal for complex images. Similarly, removing image backgrounds in GIMP provides advanced editing features but with a steeper learning curve. On the other hand, basic tools like Paint are more limited in functionality.

Conclusion

Removing backgrounds from images doesn't have to be a chore reserved for those with professional editing software and skills. Canva democratizes this process, making it accessible, quick, and surprisingly fun. Whether it's for a professional project, social media, or just for the joy of creating, mastering this tool can open up a world of creative possibilities.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you experiment with Canva's background remover and other features, the more proficient you'll become. So, go ahead, unleash your creativity, and elevate your designs with background-free images that stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the background removal feature free on Canva?

The background removal feature is part of Canva Pro, which is a premium subscription. However, Canva offers a 30-day free trial of Canva Pro where you can use this feature.

Can I remove the background from any image on Canva?

Yes, you can remove the background from any uploaded image in Canva. However, the success rate will depend on the complexity and quality of the image.

What do I do if the background isn't completely removed?

If the background isn't entirely removed, you can manually fine-tune the image using the erase and restore buttons in the 'Background remover' options.

Can I use the image with the removed background outside Canva?

Yes, after removing the background, you can download the image and use it in any other application or platform.

How can I improve the results of the background removal?

Using clear, high-resolution images will improve the results of the background removal. Also, images with a contrast between the subject and the background tend to give better results.