How to Remove Background in Photopea

By Troy Published February 23, 2024

In the vast expanse of digital artistry and graphic design, the ability to remove backgrounds in image editing software becomes an invaluable skill. Whether you're a professional designer aiming to isolate subjects for a composite, a marketer crafting visually striking graphics, or simply someone looking to enhance personal photos, mastering this skill in Photopea can set your work apart. Photopea stands as a powerful, web-based tool that rivals traditional desktop applications like removing background in Adobe Photoshop and offers functionalities akin to removing background in Canva, but with the added advantage of being accessible from anywhere, without the need for installation.

Why Remove Backgrounds?

Removing backgrounds from images is more than just a technical step; it's an art form that breathes life into visuals. It allows creators to focus on the subject, merge various elements seamlessly, and even upscale images for higher quality. Whether it's for creating engaging social media content, professional product listings, or just for personal projects, the ability to cleanly extract your subject from its background is key to achieving a polished and impactful result.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Backgrounds in Photopea

Removing backgrounds might seem daunting at first, especially for beginners. However, with Photopea, the process is straightforward. Follow this detailed guide to transform your images from mundane to magnificent.

1. Open Your Image

Launch Photopea in your web browser.
Go to File > Open, or simply drag and drop your image into the workspace.

2. Select the Subject

Use the Quick Selection Tool from the toolbar. It's perfect for grabbing the parts of your image you wish to keep.
Click and drag over your subject. Photopea will intelligently select the subject. For fine adjustments, use the [ and ] keys to resize the brush.

3. Refine the Edge

After selecting the subject, click on Select > Refine Edge. This opens a new window.
Use the various sliders to adjust the edge detection, feathering, and smoothing. This step is crucial for achieving a natural-looking separation from the background.

4. Remove the Background

Once you're happy with the selection, invert it by going to Select > Inverse.
Hit the Delete key. Voila! The background disappears, leaving only your selected subject.

5. Fine-Tuning

Sometimes, the initial removal might leave behind some remnants or not perfectly capture the edges.
Use the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush tools for any necessary touch-ups.

6. Export Your Work

Go to File > Export As and choose your preferred format (PNG is recommended for maintaining transparency).
Adjust the settings as needed and click Save. Your image is now ready to be used anywhere, background-free!

Creative Uses of Background Removal

With the background gone, the possibilities are endless. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Composite Creation: Combine your subject with entirely new backgrounds to create imaginative scenes or realistic settings.
Product Photography: Cleanly present products against a white or solid color background for a professional look.
Graphic Design: Incorporate your subject into designs, flyers, and more without the distraction of the original background.
Personalization: Make personalized gifts, such as mugs and t-shirts, more special by featuring just the subject.

Tips for Success

Good Selection is Key: Spend time refining your selection for the best results.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you use Photopea's tools, the better you'll get.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different tools and techniques to see what works best for your image.

Conclusion

Removing backgrounds from images doesn't have to be a chore reserved for professionals. With Photopea, anyone can achieve stunning results with a bit of practice and creativity. From enhancing personal photos to crafting professional-grade designs, the ability to isolate subjects and upscale images opens up a world of possibilities. So, dive into Photopea, and start transforming your images into works of art today.