Getting clean cut-outs: background removal tips
AI background removal is fast, but the photo you start with decides how clean the result is. These tips cover the most common subjects and what to do when an edge does not come out right.
Start with a good photo
The AI looks for the difference between the subject and what is behind it. The clearer that difference, the cleaner the cut. A person in a dark shirt against a pale wall cuts out almost perfectly; a person in a beige shirt against a beige sofa needs help. If you can retake the photo, put some distance and a contrasting colour between the subject and the background.
People and hair
Hair is the hardest part, because the background shows through fine strands. Leave Clean colour fringe on: it removes the old background's colour from the edges so hair does not look tinted when placed on a new background. If a loose strand is lost, paint it back with the Keep brush using a soft edge.
Products for online shops
- Shoot on a plain white or grey surface with soft, even light, and avoid strong reflections.
- Use the Best model; it handles objects of any shape.
- For marketplaces that want a white background, choose white and save as JPG. For your own website or designs, keep it transparent and save as PNG or WebP.
- Add a soft shadow if the product looks like it is floating; it looks more natural on white.
Pets
Fur behaves like hair. Use the Best model, keep colour fringe cleaning on, and check around the ears and whiskers. Whiskers are often too fine to keep; that is normal and rarely noticed at normal size.
Fixing mistakes
- Part of the subject removed: paint over it with Keep.
- Background left behind: paint over it with Remove.
- Edge looks jagged: raise Smooth. Edge looks like a cut-out sticker: raise Soften slightly.
Ready to try? Open the background remover. It runs on your device, so your photos are not uploaded.
Last reviewed October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the first cut-out take longer?
The first time, your browser downloads the AI model. It is stored on your device, so later cut-outs start almost instantly and work offline.