How to Remove Background in Corel PHOTO-PAINT

By Christopher Published February 23, 2024

Today, removing the background from photos on image editing software has almost become a rite of passage for designers and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're transitioning from Remove Background in Adobe Photoshop or figuring out How to Remove Background in GIMP, the quest for that perfect cut-out is universal. Corel PHOTO-PAINT, with its robust toolkit, offers a seamless approach to removing backgrounds that rivals its counterparts. This guide will walk you through the process with a mix of creativity and precision, ensuring that your images stand out—whether you're aiming to upscale an image or simply clean it up for a professional look.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics, it's crucial to grasp the importance of background removal. It's not just about isolating the subject; it's about giving your image a new dimension, a fresh context, or preparing it for complex compositions. Corel PHOTO-PAINT, a component of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, excels in offering tools that make this process as intuitive as it is effective.

Step 1: Open Your Image

Start by launching Corel PHOTO-PAINT and opening the image from which you want to remove the background. Go to File > Open and select your image.

Step 2: Choose Your Tool

For background removal, Corel PHOTO-PAINT provides several tools, but the Magic Wand Tool and the Mask Tool are particularly effective. Your choice depends on the complexity of your background and the level of precision you need.

The Magic Wand Tool

Ideal for backgrounds with solid colors or minimal variation, the Magic Wand Tool allows for quick selections based on color and tone.

Select the Magic Wand Tool from the toolbar.
Click on the part of the background you wish to remove. Adjust the tolerance to refine your selection.
Press Delete to remove the selected area.

The Mask Tool

For more intricate backgrounds, the Mask Tool offers greater control, allowing you to paint over the areas you want to keep or remove.

Choose the Mask Tool from the toolbar.
Adjust the brush size and start painting over the background. Use the options to switch between adding to or subtracting from your mask.
Once your background is fully masked, hit Delete to remove it.

Step 3: Refine Your Edges

After the initial removal, there might still be some rough edges or areas that need fine-tuning. Corel PHOTO-PAINT's Cutout Lab feature is perfect for this.

Go to Image > Cutout Lab.
Use the Highlighter Tool to outline the edges of your subject.
Apply the Inside/Outside Edge option to refine your selection.
Preview the result and make adjustments as needed before clicking OK to apply.

Step 4: Save Your Work

With your background removed, it's essential to save your work in a format that preserves transparency. PNG is a popular choice for maintaining the quality of your image without the background.

Go to File > Export.
Choose PNG as the format and ensure that the Transparency box is checked.
Name your file and click Save.

Tips for Success

Zoom In: For detailed work, zooming in can help you make more precise selections.
Layer Work: Use layers to separate your subject from the background. This makes adjustments easier and non-destructive.
Practice Patience: Particularly with complex images, patience is key. Take your time to refine your selection for the best result.

Beyond the Background

With the background out of the picture, your creative possibilities widen. From here, you can upscale your image, add it to another composition, or apply effects to make your subject stand out. Corel PHOTO-PAINT's suite of tools provides everything you need to take your images from good to great.

Conclusion

Removing backgrounds in Corel PHOTO-PAINT is a blend of art and technique. Whether you're preparing product photos for an online store, creating marketing materials, or crafting visuals for social media, the ability to isolate your subject seamlessly is invaluable. By following these steps, you can achieve professional results that breathe new life into your images. Remember, every image is unique, so use these guidelines as a starting point and let your creativity lead the way.