Remove a background from an image step by step

By Support writer

Open the editor, add your image, let the automatic cutout finish, check the subject edge, correct visible mistakes, preview transparency, and download a PNG. These seven steps cover the complete one-image workflow.

What you need

• Easy Background Remover installed in Chrome
• one PNG, JPG, WebP, AVIF, HEIC, or HEIF image
• about two minutes for a simple subject; difficult edges can take longer

Steps

1. Open the editor. Click the extension icon. It opens in a full browser tab so the preview and refine controls have enough room.

2. Add the image. Drop the file onto the canvas, choose it from your device, or paste it. Use the best original available rather than a screenshot when possible.

3. Wait for background removal. The first session may download the on-device model before processing. Let the progress finish. Later sessions can reuse the cached model.

4. Check the complete silhouette. Compare the original and cutout. Confirm that the main subject is present and that large background areas are gone. Look inside gaps between arms, handles, legs, or leaves.

5. Refine visible mistakes. Use Add to restore missing subject areas and Erase to remove leftover background. Make short strokes. Reduce brush size around hair, glasses, fingers, and narrow object corners.

6. Preview the edge. The checkerboard shows transparent pixels. Also try a light and a dark background so pale or dark fringes cannot hide. Return to the intended viewing size before deciding whether more correction is useful.

7. Export the result. Choose Download PNG when you need transparency, or Copy for a quick paste into another compatible app. Open the exported file once and confirm its dimensions and background.

Result

You now have a cutout with either transparent pixels or the background you selected. Do not take a screenshot of the checkerboard; that captures a visual preview instead of exporting real transparency.

If the automatic result needs more work

• A large part is missing: restore it with Add, or start from a clearer image.
• Background remains inside a gap: zoom in and use Erase with a smaller brush.
• Hair looks too hard: use smaller, softer corrections and judge it at final size.
• The edge has a bright halo: preview over a dark fill and remove only the visible rim.
• The subject looks soft: return to the original image and avoid repeated screenshots or resaves.
• The file has a solid background elsewhere: confirm that you downloaded PNG, not a format without transparency.

For the decisions behind each check, read the full photo background removal guide. If this is your first use and you want more editor context, see Get started.