There may come a time when you need to remove the background from an image in Canva. It’s either because you only need a specific part of the image, or the background is distracting and you want to focus on the subject matter.
Fortunately, removing the background from an image in Canva is an easy process that only takes a few clicks. Background Remover in the design editor is included with paid plans; Canva also offers a separate background-remover page for free image removal. Here’s a step-by-step guide for the editor:
Contents
Step 1: Click “Edit Image”
Select the image you want to edit. The screenshot below shows the older “Edit Image” button; the current photo-editing toolbar uses “Edit”. If you see “BG Remover” directly on the toolbar, you can choose it without opening Edit first.
Step 2: Select “Background Remover”
Choose “BG Remover” and wait for Canva to process the photo. The older screenshot below calls it “Background Remover”. Use the tool name to find it, as the icon and panel arrangement may differ.
If the tool keeps or removes parts of the image incorrectly, select “BG Remover” again to open the “Erase” and “Restore” brushes. Adjust the brush size and paint over the missed areas. “Show original image” helps you compare the edges. Zooming in on tricky edges, such as hair or fine outlines, makes it much easier to brush accurately. Check fine details before leaving the tool.
Step 3: Save Your Changes
Once you’re happy with the results, return to your design. The older interface below has an “Apply” button; use it if your version shows it. From here, you can download your newly edited image or continue working on it. To keep the area around the subject transparent when exporting the whole design, choose “Share” > “Download”, select PNG, and turn on “Transparent background”. That download option requires an eligible plan. A photo with its background removed can still sit on a white design page, so removing the photo background alone does not guarantee a transparent download.
For a more natural touch to the image, you can add a shadow. Select the photo, open “Edit”, then “Shadows” and choose a style. Adjust its blur, direction and intensity to suit the design. The screenshot below shows the Shadows section in the older interface.
If the tool will not process a photo, check your plan and internet connection. Canva supports Background Remover for photos under 9MB, but not vector images. Photos over 10 megapixels are reduced to 10 megapixels during background removal.
And that’s all there is to it! By following these simple steps, you can remove the background from a supported photo using Canva.
Conclusion
Removing the background from an image can be a helpful way to focus on the subject matter or to make further edits. Even if you have never opened a design app before, Canva’s Background Remover tool keeps the whole job quick and simple. So next time you need to remove a background, don’t hesitate to give it a try. It will only take a few minutes of your time and the results are professional-looking.