How to Remove Background in Illustrator

By Dave Published June 19, 2023

In the vibrant world of digital art and design, the ability to remove backgrounds from images stands as a cornerstone skill, pivotal in crafting visuals that are both compelling and clean. Adobe Illustrator, a titan in the realm of vector graphics editing, offers a suite of tools designed to seamlessly remove backgrounds, enabling artists and designers to isolate subjects, enhance compositions, and prepare artwork for diverse applications. Whether you're looking to refine product photos, create stunning graphic designs, or simply elevate your digital artistry, mastering background removal in Illustrator is a game-changer.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics of background removal in Illustrator, it's essential to grasp the fundamental distinction between vector and raster graphics. Illustrator excels in handling SVG images, which are scalable without loss of quality, making them ideal for logos, typography, and intricate designs. Conversely, tools like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP are tailored towards PNG images and other raster formats, which are best suited for detailed image editing and photo manipulation. This distinction is crucial when deciding how to approach background removal, as the techniques vary significantly between vector and raster graphics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Background in Illustrator

Removing backgrounds in Illustrator involves a blend of creativity and technical prowess. Here's how to do it, step by step:

1. Open Your Image

Start by importing your image into Illustrator. While Illustrator is primarily a vector-based application, it can handle raster images, allowing you to upscale images and convert them into vector format if needed.

2. Use the Magic Wand Tool

• Select the Magic Wand Tool from the toolbar.
• Click on the background to select areas of similar color.
• Adjust the tolerance in the Magic Wand options to refine your selection.

3. Employ the Pen Tool for Precision

• For intricate backgrounds or to add manual control, switch to the Pen Tool.
• Carefully trace around the subject you wish to isolate.
• This method is particularly effective for creating SVG images, offering unparalleled precision.

4. Leverage the Image Trace Feature

• For raster images, the Image Trace feature can convert them into editable vector shapes, making it easier to isolate and remove backgrounds.
• Select your image, then go to Window > Image Trace to fine-tune your trace settings.

5. Remove the Background

• Once your subject is isolated, either by selection or tracing, hit Delete to remove the background.
• For non-contiguous backgrounds, repeat the selection process as necessary.

6. Refine Edges and Export

• Use the Direct Selection tool to tweak any rough edges or to refine your subject's outline.
• Once satisfied, you may want to save your work as a PNG image to preserve transparency or as an SVG for scalable vector graphics.

Tips for Success

• Practice Makes Perfect: Becoming proficient in background removal requires practice. Experiment with different tools and techniques to find what works best for your specific project.
• Keep It Clean: Ensure your paths and selections are as clean and precise as possible for a professional finish.
• Use Layers: Working with layers can help you manage complex compositions more easily, allowing you to isolate and edit specific elements without affecting the rest of your artwork.

Beyond Illustrator: Exploring Other Tools

While Illustrator is a powerful tool for vector graphics, it's part of a broader ecosystem of image editing software. Knowing when to use Illustrator in tandem with other tools can significantly enhance your workflow and outcomes.

• Remove Background in Adobe Photoshop: For raster images requiring detailed photo editing, Photoshop's advanced tools offer granular control over background removal, making it a go-to for photo manipulations.
• Remove Background in GIMP: As a free and open-source alternative, GIMP provides a robust suite of tools for raster image editing, including background removal, catering to those seeking a cost-effective solution.
• Remove Background in Canva: A user-friendly online design tool, Canva offers a simple 'Background Remover' feature for its Pro users, making it ideal for quick edits without complex software.

Conclusion

The ability to remove backgrounds in image editing software like Illustrator is more than just a technical skill—it's a gateway to unleashing your creativity, enabling you to craft visuals that stand out. Whether you're preparing graphics for web design, marketing materials, or simply exploring the realms of digital art, the techniques outlined in this guide offer a solid foundation to refine your craft.

Embrace the journey of learning and experimentation, and remember, the only limit to what you can achieve with Illustrator and its counterparts is your imagination. Happy designing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to remove multi-colored backgrounds in Illustrator?

Yes, using the 'Pen Tool' to create a clipping mask can effectively remove multi-colored backgrounds.

What formats should I save my image in to maintain transparency?

PNG and SVG formats both maintain transparency.

Can I remove the background from text in Illustrator?

Yes, text in Illustrator doesn't have a background by default. However, if your text is within an image, you may need to use the methods described above.

What if the 'Magic Wand Tool' selects parts of the image I don't want to be removed?

You can adjust the 'Tolerance' setting of the Magic Wand Tool in the options bar to control the range of colors it selects.

Can I remove the background of an image in Illustrator and then use it in another program like Adobe After Effects?

Absolutely. After you've removed the background, save the image in a format that maintains transparency, such as PNG or SVG. You can then import this image into your other design or video editing software.