How to Add a White Background to a Photo

By Scott Published June 12, 2023

In the expansive universe of digital art and photography, it is often the simplest changes that yield the most dramatic results. One such modification that often goes overlooked is the ability to add a white background to a photo. This relatively straightforward process can completely transform the mood and impact of an image, imbuing it with a clean, professional look or creating a high-contrast setup that allows your subjects to pop. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of adding a white background to a photo, offering insight into the best tools and techniques for accomplishing this task with ease.

Why Add a White Background?

Before we delve into the step-by-step instructions, let's take a moment to consider the reasons behind adding a white background to your photos:

• Product Photography: A white or light background is a staple of product photography. It eliminates distractions, puts the focus squarely on the product, and matches the clean, white backgrounds of most e-commerce platforms.
• Highlight the Subject: By isolating the subject on a white background, you draw the viewer's attention directly to the central focus of the image.
• Clean and Professional Appearance: White backgrounds convey cleanliness and simplicity, often lending a professional quality to images.
• Versatility: Images with white backgrounds are versatile and can be used across a wide range of platforms and formats without clashing with other design elements.

Adding a White Background Using Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop, widely regarded as the gold standard of image editing software, offers precise tools for adding a white background to your photo.

1. Open your image

Launch Photoshop and open the photo you want to edit.

2. Create a new layer

In the layers panel, create a new layer and drag it below the layer containing your image.

3. Fill the new layer with white

Select the new layer. Go to Edit > Fill, select white and click OK.

4. Select your subject

Using the quick selection tool, magic wand, or lasso tool, select the subject of your photo that you want to keep.

5. Invert the selection

Go to Select > Inverse to invert your selection.

6. Delete the original background

Hit delete to remove the original background. Your subject should now appear against a crisp white background.

Adding a White Background Using GIMP

GIMP, an open-source image editor, is a cost-effective alternative to Photoshop, offering a similar array of features and capabilities.

1. Open your image

Launch GIMP and open your photo.

2. Add Alpha Channel

If your image doesn't have an alpha channel, add one by going to Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel.

3. Select the subject

Use the free select tool or fuzzy select tool to select your subject.

4. Invert the selection

Go to Select > Invert.

5. Delete the original background

Press delete to remove the original background, leaving a transparent background.

6. Create a new white layer

In the layers panel, create a new layer, fill it with white, and move it below your image layer.

Adding a White Background Using Online Tools

If you don't have access to Photoshop or GIMP, don't worry! Free online background remover tools are also useful for adding a white background.

Wallpapers Background Remover

1. Upload your photo: Upload your photo to the our website's free online background remover tool and let it automatically remove the background.
2. Download the image: Download your image with a transparent background.
3. Add a white background: Use another image editing tool to add a white background to the downloaded image.

Canva

1. Upload your image: Open Canva and upload your photo.
2. Add a white grid: From the elements tab, select the first square (plain white color) and adjust its size to fit your image.
3. Upload your image: Drag and drop your image on top of the white grid.

Conclusion

Adding a white background to a photo may appear daunting at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be a straightforward and rewarding process. Whether you are a product photographer, a designer, or a social media enthusiast, mastering this skill can significantly improve the aesthetic and professional quality of your images.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a white background to a photo on my phone?

Yes, there are several mobile apps such as PicsArt, Adobe Photoshop Express, and Background Eraser that allow you to add a white background to a photo.

My white background looks dull or gray. How can I fix this?

This can happen due to poor lighting when the photograph was taken or due to the settings on your monitor. You can adjust the brightness and contrast of your image in the photo editing software to achieve a bright white background.

Can I add a white background to a photo in MS Paint?

MS Paint has limited capabilities and may not be the best choice for adding a white background, especially if the background of the original image is complex or detailed.

What if I don't have access to Photoshop?

There are many alternatives to Photoshop such as GIMP, Canva, and online background remover tools on our website that can help you add a white background to a photo.

How do I maintain the quality of my image while adding a white background?

To preserve the quality of your image while incorporating a white background, always start with upscaling images to minimize any loss of detail through the editing process. Moreover, employing a soft brush or feathering the edges during selection will facilitate a seamless integration of the subject with the white backdrop.