How To Remove a Photo Background With Preview

Introduction

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In my previous tutorials, I showed you how to use Pixelmator Pro and Affinity Photo for removing backgrounds. However, you can also use the Preview app that comes with your Mac for this task. While Preview lacks the sophistication of professional tools, it can still be effective for simple projects.

Let's dive into how to use Preview for background removal:

1. Starting with a Simple Image:

   • Open the image in Preview.
   • Activate the Markup tools.
   • Choose the Instant Alpha tool.
   • Click and drag to select the background. Adjust until the entire background is selected while the subject remains untouched.
   • Press Delete to remove the background. Because you're working with a JPEG, Preview will prompt you to convert it to a .png file.
   • Fine-tune remaining areas (such as behind glasses) using the same Instant Alpha tool.

2. Handling a Complex Background:

   • For images with more complex backgrounds, Instant Alpha won't be sufficient.
   • Opt for either the Lasso Selection or Smart Lasso tools.
   • For Smart Lasso:
     • Zoom in for better accuracy and start outlining the subject.
     • Select sections progressively and delete them.
     • Continue this process section by section.
   • Use the Undo feature if you over-select areas.
   • For Lasso Tool:
     • Zoom in and carefully trace the subject outline.
     • Delete the background once complete.

3. Combining Edited Image with Original or New Background:

   • After removing the background, you can copy and paste the subject onto different backgrounds.
   • Use the adjustment tools to modify the original image (e.g., desaturate background).
   • Paste the subject back onto the modified original image or onto a new background.

While Preview may not provide the level of control found in professional image editing applications, it still offers viable options for basic background removal tasks.

Keywords

• Preview app
• Background removal
• Instant Alpha
• Smart Lasso
• Lasso Selection
• Mac
• Image editing

FAQs

Q: What is Instant Alpha in Preview? A: Instant Alpha is a tool in Preview that allows you to select and remove areas of uniform color, such as a simple background.

Q: Can Preview handle complex backgrounds well? A: While Preview's Instant Alpha tool struggles with complex backgrounds, the Smart Lasso tool can be used to outline and remove the background in sections.

Q: Is it possible to add a new background to images edited in Preview? A: Yes, after removing the background, you can copy and paste the subject onto a new background or modify the original image and paste the subject back.

Q: Does Preview support editing JPEG images? A: Preview necessitates converting JPEG images to PNG format before proceeding with edits like background removal.

Q: How precise is the Lasso tool in Preview? A: The Lasso tool requires careful tracing of the subject's outline and can be challenging for detailed areas. Zooming in can improve accuracy.

Q: Are there limitations to using Preview for image editing? A: Yes, Preview lacks the refined control and advanced features found in professional editing apps like Pixelmator Pro or Affinity Photo, making it less suitable for intricate edits.