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How to Remove a Background From a Picture on iPhone

The ability to remove a background from a picture directly on your iPhone has revolutionized mobile content creation. No longer are complex desktop software or clunky apps solely required. iOS has built-in functionalities and leverages advanced machine learning to make background removal surprisingly simple and effective.

The easiest way to remove the background from a photo on your iPhone is by utilizing the built-in Visual Look Up feature in the Photos app. Simply long-press on the main subject of the photo. If the feature recognizes the subject and can differentiate it from the background, a white outline will appear around the subject, and the option to “Copy Subject” will be displayed. Tapping this will copy the subject to your clipboard, allowing you to paste it into messaging apps, notes, or other creative applications as a standalone image with a transparent background. Alternatively, if you see the option to “Share…” you can tap it to save the subject as a new image without the background.

Built-in iPhone Background Removal Methods

While the “Copy Subject” feature is incredibly efficient, there are a couple more options baked right into your iPhone that are worth knowing.

Using the Markup Tool

The Markup tool offers a manual, albeit slightly less precise, method for background removal. Here’s how:

Open the image in the Photos app.
Tap Edit in the top right corner.
Tap the Markup icon (the pen icon) in the top right corner.
Select the Eraser tool.
Adjust the eraser size using the slider at the bottom.
Carefully erase the background around the subject.

This method requires patience and a steady hand, but it can be useful for photos where the automatic “Copy Subject” feature struggles, or if you need to fine-tune the selection. You can also zoom in for greater precision.

Leveraging iOS Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app provides a more advanced, automated route. You can find pre-built shortcuts specifically designed for background removal or create your own using the app’s visual scripting interface. These shortcuts often utilize the same underlying technology as the “Copy Subject” feature but offer more customization options and can be integrated into complex workflows. Searching for “background remover shortcut” on websites like RoutineHub will usually yield useful options. Once you have a shortcut installed, you can run it on a photo directly from the Photos app share sheet.

Third-Party Apps for Enhanced Background Removal

While the built-in tools are surprisingly capable, third-party apps offer additional features, precision, and customization options. These apps are particularly useful for complex backgrounds, intricate subjects, or when you need more control over the final result.

Popular Background Removal Apps

Some of the most popular and effective background removal apps for iPhone include:

Background Eraser: A straightforward and user-friendly app with a variety of tools for precise background removal.
PhotoRoom: An excellent choice for creating product photos and marketing materials with customizable templates and automatic background removal.
Pixelmator Photo: A powerful photo editor that includes a sophisticated background removal tool powered by machine learning.
PicsArt: This is a comprehensive photo editor that includes a magic cut-out tool for automatic background removal.

Choosing the Right App

The best app for you will depend on your specific needs and skill level. Consider factors such as:

Ease of use: How intuitive is the app’s interface?
Accuracy: How well does the app handle complex backgrounds and subjects?
Features: Does the app offer advanced editing tools, templates, or other useful features?
Cost: Is the app free, or does it require a subscription or one-time purchase?
Output quality: Are the resulting images high-resolution and free of artifacts?

Tips for Better Background Removal

Regardless of the method you choose, these tips will help you achieve better results:

Start with a high-quality image: The better the original image, the easier it will be to remove the background accurately.
Ensure good lighting: Well-lit images make it easier to distinguish the subject from the background.
Choose images with clear separation: Images where the subject is clearly defined against the background are ideal.
Use a stylus for precise editing: If you’re using the Markup tool or a similar manual method, a stylus can help you achieve greater precision.
Zoom in for detail work: Don’t be afraid to zoom in and work on small areas to ensure a clean result.
Don’t over-edit: Avoid erasing too much detail, as this can make the subject look unnatural.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is background removal on iPhone completely free?

No, not entirely. The built-in “Copy Subject” feature is free to use. However, many third-party apps offer in-app purchases or subscriptions for advanced features or to remove watermarks. Some apps may offer a free trial period, but eventually, you will likely have to pay.

2. Does the “Copy Subject” feature work on all photos?

Not always. It relies on machine learning to identify the main subject, so it works best on photos with a clearly defined subject and good contrast between the subject and the background. It might struggle with complex scenes or low-quality images.

3. What file format does the iPhone save the subject with after background removal?

When you use the “Copy Subject” feature and paste the result elsewhere, the iPhone automatically saves it as a PNG in most cases, which supports transparency. Saving directly will also result in a PNG.

4. Can I remove backgrounds from videos on my iPhone?

No, the built-in methods primarily focus on still images. To remove backgrounds from videos, you’ll typically need to use video editing apps that offer chroma keying or similar background removal features. Examples include CapCut and VN Video Editor.

5. Are there any privacy concerns with using third-party background removal apps?

Yes, it’s crucial to review the privacy policy of any app you install. Some apps may collect and share your data. Choose reputable apps with transparent privacy practices. Be wary of apps that request unnecessary permissions.

6. How do I undo a mistake when using the Markup tool to remove a background?

The Markup tool usually has an Undo arrow located at the bottom of the screen. Tap it to revert your last action. You can also use the Redo arrow to reinstate an undone action.

7. Can I restore the original photo after removing the background using the Edit feature?

Yes, as long as you haven’t saved over the original. When you edit a photo using the Markup tool, the Photos app saves the changes non-destructively. You can always revert to the original by tapping “Revert” in the Edit menu.

8. How accurate is the automatic background removal in third-party apps?

The accuracy varies depending on the app and the complexity of the image. Some apps use advanced AI algorithms that can accurately remove backgrounds even from complex scenes, while others may require manual refinement.

9. Can I use background removal for creating stickers or memes?

Absolutely! Removing the background from an image is a great way to create custom stickers for messaging apps or to isolate elements for memes. Many apps even offer built-in sticker creation tools.

10. What if the subject of my photo has fine details, like hair or fur?

Removing backgrounds around subjects with fine details can be challenging. Using a third-party app with advanced edge detection is recommended. You may also need to manually refine the edges using a small brush size. Look for tools specifically designed for selecting hair.

11. Is it possible to batch remove backgrounds from multiple photos at once on iPhone?

The built-in methods do not support batch background removal. However, some third-party apps offer batch processing capabilities, allowing you to remove backgrounds from multiple photos simultaneously.

12. Why is the “Copy Subject” feature not showing up on my iPhone?

This could be due to several reasons: your iPhone is running an older version of iOS (it needs to be iOS 16 or later), the photo is of very low quality, the subject isn’t well-defined, or the iPhone’s processor is struggling with the image. Ensure your iPhone is up-to-date and try a different photo. Restarting your iPhone can also sometimes resolve the issue.