Image and video advertising would not have come this far without background removal.
Here’s the main reason why background removal apps exist; to transform the context of your image into whatever you want it to be.
Sometimes, it’s essential to remove the background from your photos, but it’s not always easy. This leaves us with one question:
Do you have to be good at graphic design to use background removal tools?
Well, obviously not because there are apps that it easy for amateurs to edit their photos at a professional level. Having graphic design knowledge, however, can help you take your background removal game to the next level.
Read on to uncover more reasons why background removal is important and the best tools for the job.
Why is Background Removal Important?
We use images and videos on social media to interact, to advertise, to inform, as well as to educate each other.
To send the right message, graphic designers use techniques like the rule of thirds, color correction, and background removal.
The ultimate goal is to enhance visual appeal.
By altering the original background to something more visually appealing, you also increase the usability of your videos and images.
With a transparent background, for instance, you can blend images onto your posters and billboards in a unique way.
Here are more reasons why background removal and replacement are important:
For Branding Purposes
Did you know that audiences rarely ever remember what they see?
Viewers are likely to recall 80% of what they see and 20% of what they read. And then there is the issue of time.
You have about 3 seconds to make an impression before your audience scrolls onto the next image.
Yeah, we know. It can be a lot to deal with.
Here is a simple tip to keep in mind:
Your images need to pop. Advertising on social media means grabbing the attention of your viewers almost instantly. Background removal apps come in handy whether you are designing a YouTube thumbnail for your next video or simply editing a photo for Instagram.
Up the Product Photography Game
Background removal is one of the major techniques graphic designers use to direct a viewer’s attention to what matters.
Unless taken on a professional set, product photos may appear to have unnatural and badly-lit backgrounds.
You can give your images clearer backdrops and enhance their impact on the viewer.
What if you take a nice photo that just happens to have your competitor’s logo in the background?
You can quickly replace the background with a design that aligns with your corporate image. A lot of companies may choose to go with white/ transparent backgrounds for their product photography.
Making your images more focused (with minimal distraction in the background) can attract more customers to your business.
Ecommerce images pop more on a clean background (preferably white or light grey). Amazon has it as part of their regulations that all image backgrounds must be pure white. eBay may not have the same strict rules, but solid color backgrounds are used by sellers across multiple platforms to ensure their images pop.
It’s Fun
Fake vacation pictures anyone?
Who says you have to go there physically for it to be real? Photoshop exists for a reason; to fool your online friends into thinking that you can afford to fly on a private jet.
Background removal might just be the golden ticket you’ve been looking for.
But it’s not just about photoshopping yourself shaking hands with the president.
Give your images unique backdrops and clear outlines to make them more appealing to your audience.
With the right background altering tools, you can create the stunning pictures you have always wanted. A princess in an enchanted forest; on top of Mount Everest – you can go anywhere.
Can You Remove Background Without Green Screen?
Yes, there are tools and apps you can use to remove the background from your videos and images without using a green screen.
If you are looking to invest in a green screen, a simple piece of cloth will do as you start.
Chroma-Key
Background removal apps use chromakey to enable users to isolate and relace any near-solid colors. Some apps allow you to adjust the strength of the chromakey effect.
Online Background Removal Tools
A lot of online apps used for background removal work the same. They are easy to use, usually with a drag and drop mechanism. The most you will do is click and slide a few buttons.
Here are some basic guidelines you can follow:
Stand in front of a solid color wall and wear clothes with contrasting colors.
You don’t need a green screen to remove backgrounds, but it makes it easier. The idea behind this is to stand in front of a color that is different from your clothes and skin tone so you can isolate it later on.
To avoid shadows, leave some clean space between yourself and the wall.
There should also be some space on your sides and above your head.
And remember to stabilize your camera for the cleanest shots.
And one more thing…
Some apps can decrease the resolution of our images and videos once you remove the original background.
The solution to this is to use tools that give you the freedom of controlling the quality of the video or image.
You should also note that not all apps and online photo editing tools are automatic. For more precision, graphic designers use highlighting tools to mark the areas they want to keep.
Now let’s look at some tools you can use to edit your images and videos:
Unscreen
An example of an app that gets the job done with just a few clicks. You don’t even need to register to use Unscreen.
You simply upload your video or image and select to either have a transparent or artistic background from the selection on the app.
VideoStir
This is another easy-to-use background removal tool that works on both Mac and Windows OS. VideoStir is fast and can automatically detect the main object in a video.
Canva Pro
There is a free version of Canva, but users have to pay for the power of background removal. This online-based application is simple and comes with a ton of templates you can use for inspiration.
Adobe Spark
There is something assuring about seeding the name Adobe, and this app does not disappoint.
PhotoScissors
It’s all in the name. Shape your backgrounds into anything with tools such as the Transparent Marker and the Magic Wand. You can accomplish anything in just a few clicks.
InPixio
It doesn’t get any easier than InPixio.
This tool comes with incredible precision, and it all works without affecting your image quality.
Background Removal in Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is among the top-ranked graphic design software. This rank is well deserved as the photo editing capabilities of this software remain unmatched.
You can create digital paintings, create motion graphics and export them as gifs, resize and restore images, and remove parts of an image you don’t like.
Photoshop can do it all, and here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to remove an image background using the software:
Adobe Photoshop – Remove Image Background
Import your image into the program.
Once imported, apply a transparent mask over the image. You can find this under ‘Select’ > “Select and Mask’
Now it is time to use the eraser tool and delete the mask from the foreground. You may have to zoom in for complex images for more precision.
After ensuring your transparent mask is only in the background, select the layer you are currently working on and click on ‘Apply Layer Mask’
To add a new background to your image, make sure you create a new layer and place it underneath the first layer. You can then import an image of your choosing into the new layer.
Don’t forget to save your image.
Adobe Premiere Pro – Remove Video Background
Adobe Premiere Pro is a great editing tool that can support multiple video types. Here is how to remove background from your videos using this software:
- Take a shot in front of your background
- Take another shot of your background on its own.
- Next, you have to layer your shots – think of it like building a burger. Your original background goes on the bottom, the new background in the middle, and the shot of the subject goes on top.
- The next step involves applying a different matte or color key filter over your video clip and editing the settings until you achieve the desired effect.
The only downside to using Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro is that you need some training. With other online apps, all you have to do is upload your video or image and automatically remove the background.
Photoshop allows you more control over what you want to do with your image.
You can adjust so much more and even work on selected parts of an image or a video at a time.
Looking for Background Designers?
Photo and video editing involve a lot of people, and that’s the way it should be. To achieve the best results, you need to consult the services of expert background designers who specialize in creating stunning backdrops for media.
Background removal is essential for advertising and marketing.
But what matters more is what you do with the image after removing the background. You need designers that are creative, understand your brand, and can stick to the color scheme you prefer.
Take your videos and images to the next level by hiring expert pros at Bunny Studio.
Submit your project today and work with the best graphic designers.
