Effortlessly Remove Backgrounds from Pictures on Your iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever needed to isolate a subject in a photo, removing the distracting background for a clean, professional look? Whether you’re creating social media graphics, designing product images, or just want to get rid of clutter in your pictures, the ability to remove backgrounds from photos is a powerful tool. Luckily, iPhones have made this incredibly easy, with several methods available, from built-in features to third-party apps. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different ways to remove backgrounds from your pictures directly on your iPhone, providing detailed steps and instructions for each approach.

Why Remove Backgrounds from Photos?

Before we dive into the ‘how,’ let’s explore why removing backgrounds from photos can be beneficial:

• Clean and Professional Look: Isolating the subject allows it to stand out, creating a more polished and visually appealing image.
• Social Media Content Creation: Perfect for creating eye-catching graphics, product showcases, or memes where the subject is the main focus.
• E-commerce: Essential for product photos, allowing you to place them on different backgrounds or create transparent images for online marketplaces.
• Creative Projects: Ideal for digital art, photo manipulations, and collages where you want to combine different elements.
• Eliminate Distractions: Removes unwanted background elements that might take attention away from the main subject.

Methods to Remove Backgrounds on Your iPhone

There are several ways to remove backgrounds from pictures on your iPhone. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and the complexity of the image. Here are the main approaches:

1. Using the Built-in Visual Look Up Feature (iOS 16 and Later): This is the quickest and easiest way for straightforward backgrounds.
2. Using the Files App (iOS 16 and Later): Similar to the Visual Look Up feature, but allows for more saving options.
3. Using the Shortcuts App (for more advanced batch processing): Offers more customization and automation for background removal.
4. Using Third-Party Apps (for more complex edits): Provides a wide range of editing tools for intricate backgrounds.

Method 1: Using the Built-in Visual Look Up Feature

This method is incredibly simple and efficient for images with relatively clear subjects and backgrounds. It’s perfect for everyday use and requires no additional apps.

Steps:

1. Open the Photos App: Navigate to the Photos app on your iPhone and open the image you want to edit.
2. Press and Hold on the Subject: Carefully press and hold your finger on the subject of the photo. After a second, you’ll see a white glow outlining the object. Your iPhone is now using its AI to detect the subject.
3. Lift Your Finger: Once the subject is highlighted, a menu will pop up.
4. Choose Copy or Share:
   • Copy: Select “Copy” to copy the subject with a transparent background to your clipboard. You can then paste it into any app that supports image pasting, like Messages, Notes, or a third-party design app.
   • Share: Select “Share…” to open the iOS share sheet. You can choose to save the subject as a new PNG image with a transparent background, send it through different messaging apps, save to your files, or open it in another application. Choosing to save to files will retain the transparency.
5. Pasting or Saving:
   • Pasting: If you chose “Copy,” tap where you’d like to insert the subject in another app and then choose “Paste.”
   • Saving: If you chose “Share…,” select an option like “Save to Files” and choose a destination on your iPhone to save the isolated image.

Tips for Best Results with Visual Look Up:

• Good Lighting: Ensure the photo is well-lit with good contrast between the subject and the background. This helps the AI accurately detect the subject.
• Clear Subject: The subject should be clearly defined and not too cluttered. A complex subject with lots of small details might not be processed perfectly.
• Simple Backgrounds: This feature works best with backgrounds that are not too visually complex or similar in color to the subject.

Method 2: Using the Files App (Similar to Visual Look Up)

This method provides a slightly different approach to saving the image, using the Files app. It follows similar principles as the Visual Look Up feature but allows you to save the isolated subject directly as a PNG with a transparent background.

Steps:

1. Open the Photos App and Select Image: Navigate to the Photos app and select the image that you would like to edit.
2. Share the Image to Files: Tap the share icon (box with up arrow) in the lower-left corner of the screen. From the share sheet select “Save to Files”
3. Navigate to Your Files: Open the Files app on your iPhone. Choose the location where you saved the file.
4. Press and Hold on the Image: Find your picture in the Files app. Then press and hold on the image to bring up a menu.
5. Select “Quick Actions”: In the Menu, look for “Quick Actions” and select that option.
6. Select “Remove Background”: Select “Remove Background” from the quick actions. A transparent version will appear.
7. Share or Save the Transparent Image: Once the background is removed, tap the share button and you can save the image as a PNG to your device. Alternatively, choose another share option.

Benefits of Using the Files App Method:

• Direct Saving as PNG: This method directly saves your image as a PNG with a transparent background, ready for use.
• Easy File Management: Saving to Files provides a structured way to organize your edited images on your iPhone.

Method 3: Using the Shortcuts App

The Shortcuts app enables you to create custom automation sequences. While it requires a bit more setup, this method is incredibly powerful, especially if you need to process multiple images at once or want more control over the background removal process. We’ll be using a free shortcut available online for this method.

Steps:

1. Install the Remove Background Shortcut:
   • Open the Safari app on your iPhone and search for a ready-made “Remove Background Shortcut.” A good one is often available through various online sources like MacStories or ShortcutsGallery. Make sure to choose a shortcut with good reviews and from a trusted source.
   • Once you find one click the button to “Get Shortcut.” This will open the shortcut app.
   • Press “Add Shortcut” to install the shortcut to your library.
2. Run the Shortcut:
   • Go to your Photos app and select the picture you want to remove the background from.
   • Click the share button, and find “Shortcuts” in the share sheet.
   • Select the “Remove Background” shortcut you installed.
3. Adjust Options (If Available): Some shortcuts might offer additional options, like saving format or whether to save the original.
4. Save the Result: The shortcut will typically save the processed image back to your Photos app, usually as a new image, leaving the original untouched.

Tips for Using the Shortcuts App:

• Explore Available Shortcuts: Many online communities create and share shortcuts. Search for ones specifically designed for background removal and find the one that best meets your needs.
• Customize Shortcuts: If you are comfortable, you can edit existing shortcuts or create your own to tailor the background removal process to your specific requirements.
• Batch Processing: Once you have a good shortcut you can use the shortcut on many images at once. Making it ideal for those who have multiple images.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps provide the most extensive set of tools for background removal. These apps often utilize more advanced AI algorithms and allow for finer control over the process. They are ideal for more challenging images with complex backgrounds or intricate subjects. Here are a few popular third-party options:

• Background Eraser: A free app with in-app purchases that offers manual and automatic background removal tools.
• Magic Eraser Background Editor: This offers quick and effective background removal, along with other editing features.
• Pixelmator: A powerful image editor with robust background removal tools, though it’s a paid app.
• Adobe Photoshop Express: This is a mobile version of Adobe Photoshop. It can be used for basic background removals and is available for free.
• Remove.bg: This website has a free app with a very advanced AI background remover. It is very easy to use and also can be used in your browser.

How to Use a Third-Party App:

1. Download and Install: Choose an app that fits your needs and download it from the App Store.
2. Open the App and Import the Photo: Launch the app and import the image you want to edit, usually through a “+” or “Open” option.
3. Use the Background Removal Tools: Most apps offer both automatic and manual tools:
   • Automatic Removal: The app’s AI will try to automatically detect and remove the background.
   • Manual Removal: Tools like the eraser, lasso tool, or magic wand allow you to select and remove specific areas.
4. Refine the Edges: After the initial removal, use the available tools to refine the edges, ensuring a smooth transition between the subject and the transparent background.
5. Save or Export: Once satisfied with the result, save the image in a format with transparency (usually PNG) and share it as you wish.

Benefits of Third-Party Apps:

• Advanced Features: They offer powerful AI algorithms and refined manual tools for difficult background removal situations.
• Control: They provide users with granular control and precision over the editing process.
• Additional Editing Features: Many apps include other photo editing features, like color correction, filters, and text tools.

Choosing the Right Method

Selecting the best method depends on the specific image, complexity of the background, and your desired outcome:

• Simple Images, Quick Results: For everyday use with straightforward images, the built-in Visual Look Up feature is often the most convenient.
• Direct PNG Saving: The Files app method is ideal for those who want to quickly save transparent images.
• Batch Processing and Customization: If you need to process many images or want automation, the Shortcuts app is the best option.
• Complex Edits, Fine Control: Third-party apps are the way to go for challenging backgrounds, complex subjects, or advanced editing capabilities.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with these tools, you might encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

• Poor Subject Detection: This usually happens when the subject and background are too similar in color or lighting. Try using a different method or manually refine with an eraser tool.
• Rough Edges: If the edges are jagged or uneven, use manual editing tools in third-party apps to smooth them out.
• Transparency Issues: Ensure you save the image as a PNG to preserve the transparency. JPG does not support transparent backgrounds.
• Slow Processing: Background removal can be resource intensive. On an older iPhone with lower processing power, the results might take longer.

Conclusion

Removing backgrounds from photos on your iPhone has never been easier. With multiple built-in features and a wide range of third-party apps, you have the tools to achieve professional-looking results. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional creator, these methods will significantly enhance your ability to manipulate and edit photos on the go. Experiment with each method and see which one best suits your style and needs. With practice, you’ll be a background-removal pro in no time, transforming ordinary pictures into extraordinary visuals.