How to Remove White Background in Paint

By Noel Published June 16, 2023

In the bustling world of digital art and design, removing backgrounds in image editing software has become an essential skill. Whether you're crafting a logo, designing a website, or simply making your photos stand out, the ability to eliminate a white background can significantly enhance your work. While Paint might not be the first tool that comes to mind for this task, it offers a straightforward approach for those who tread in the realm of creativity and simplicity.

Introduction to Background Removal

Before diving into the specifics of Paint, let's acknowledge the broader context: removing backgrounds is a common task across various platforms, from Adobe Photoshop to GIMP, and even online tools like Canva. Each software brings its flair to the table, offering a range of functionalities from basic cuts to complex masking techniques. However, for many, the simplicity and accessibility of Paint remain unbeatable.

Starting Out: Understanding the Basic Tools

To navigate this tutorial efficiently, you should familiarize yourself with these essential Paint tools:

• Select: The Select tool allows you to choose a specific part of your image. You can find it in the 'Image' section of Paint's toolbar. There are different types of selections, but for this guide, we will focus on 'Free-Form Selection' and 'Transparent Selection'.
• Eraser: The Eraser tool does precisely what its name suggests: it erases parts of your image. You can adjust the eraser's size to fit your needs.

Getting Rid of White Backgrounds in Paint: Step-by-Step

Although Paint is traditionally seen as a basic tool, it can be wielded with creativity to remove white backgrounds effectively. Here’s how to turn your images into versatile PNG images or even SVG images, ready for any project you have in mind.

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Paint

Begin by launching Microsoft Paint on your computer. You can do this by typing 'Paint' into your Windows search bar and clicking on the app.

Step 2: Open Your Image

Click on 'File' in the upper left corner, then click on 'Open'. Navigate to the location of your image file, select it, and click 'Open' again.

Step 3: Use the 'Select' Tool

In the 'Image' section of the toolbar, you'll find the 'Select' tool. Click on the dropdown arrow and select 'Free-Form Selection'.

Step 4: Choose 'Transparent Selection'

Underneath the 'Select' dropdown, you will see a checkbox for 'Transparent Selection'. Ensure that this box is checked.

Step 5: Outline Your Image

With 'Free-Form Selection' and 'Transparent Selection' enabled, click and drag your mouse around the part of the image you want to keep, staying as close to the image as possible to avoid cutting off any details.

Step 6: Cut and Paste

Once your image is selected, hit 'Cut' from the top toolbar or simply press Ctrl + X on your keyboard. Next, click on 'File' then 'New' to open a new Paint canvas. Ignore the prompt to save changes to the original image. On the new canvas, hit 'Paste' or press Ctrl + V.

Step 7: Save Your Image

Now that you've successfully removed the white background, go to 'File', then 'Save As', and choose the 'PNG' format. PNG allows for transparency, which is crucial when you're removing backgrounds.

Beyond Paint: Exploring Other Horizons

While Paint is a great starting point, the digital world is vast. For those looking to upscale image quality or undertake more sophisticated projects, exploring other software might be beneficial.

• Remove background in Adobe Photoshop: Photoshop offers advanced tools like the Background Eraser and Quick Selection for precise control over background removal.
• Remove background in GIMP: As a free and open-source option, GIMP provides a range of functionalities similar to Photoshop, including sophisticated selection and masking tools.
• Remove background in Canva: For those looking for a user-friendly, web-based option, Canva allows for quick background removal with minimal effort, ideal for social media posts and marketing materials.

Final Thoughts

The journey of removing white backgrounds in Paint serves as a testament to the power of creativity. It shows that even the most basic tools can achieve remarkable results when wielded with imagination and skill. As you venture forth, remember that the essence of art lies not in the complexity of your tools but in the vision you bring to life. Whether through Paint or more advanced software, the ability to remove backgrounds opens a world of possibilities, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Paint to remove backgrounds other than white?

Yes, the method described above can be used to remove any solid color background, not just white.

Why should I save my image as a PNG?

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a file format that supports transparency. This makes it ideal for images where you've removed the background.

I can't find the 'Transparent Selection' option in my version of Paint. What should I do?

The 'Transparent Selection' option is available in Paint on Windows 7 and newer. If you're using an older version, consider updating your operating system or using a different image editing tool.

What if the background isn't entirely removed?

If the background isn't completely removed, you may need to repeat the process or use the 'Eraser' tool to manually remove any remaining background.

Is there a quicker way to remove backgrounds in Paint?

Unfortunately, as a simple program, Paint doesn't have an automatic background removal tool. For more complex tasks, consider using software like GIMP or Photoshop.

Becoming proficient at removing backgrounds in Paint can be a helpful skill. Whether you're preparing an image for a presentation, creating content for social media, or just exploring your creative side, knowing how to get rid of the white background on a picture in Paint is a valuable trick to have up your sleeve! Happy editing!