Have you ever tried creating a social media ad or product photo only to find that a messy background destroys it all? Indeed, it occurs frequently, and that turns out to be disturbing.
That's where Photopea comes in a free, web-based photo editor that functions similarly to Photoshop's background removal but without the hidden costs. Simply open it in your browser and begin editing; there is nothing to download.
This distinguishes it from other "free editors," which frequently conceal the true features behind paywalls. In this guide, you will get to know the most practical techniques: eliminating backgrounds in Photopea.
I'll cover the three proven techniques (Magic Cut, Remove BG, and Magic Wand), offer some expert advice, and even share a few AI tools that can help you get things done faster when you're pressed for time.
Everything you need to know about Photopea
Photopea is a free online photo editor you can use straight from your browser—no downloads, no installations. It was created by Ivan Kutskir and is often called the “free Photoshop alternative.” You just open the website, upload your picture, and start editing.
Key features of Photopea
- Works in your browser (no installation needed).
- Supports layers, masks, and filters.
- Include selection tools like (Magic Wand, Lasso, Quick Selection).
- Offers a Remove BG button for single-click background removal.
- Supports multiple file formats to download the output image, like PNG, JPG, PSD, etc.
Pros of Photopea
- Free to use with useful background features unlocked.
- Works on any device with a browser (Windows, Mac, Chromebook, even mobile).
- Cross-format support—you can open and edit Photoshop PSDs and export them back.
- Feels familiar if you’ve used Photoshop (no steep learning curve).
- No installation or heavy system requirements—good for low-end laptops.
Cons of Photopea
- Performance issues with large files, as it works on the browser without getting installed.
- Ads can be disturbing in the free version.
- Doesn’t support offline editing.
- Some advanced features, like smart editing or 3D editing, are missing that are offered by Photoshop and Illustrator.
- The interface is tough to understand for beginners who just want simple edits.
Methods to remove image backgrounds in Photopea
Photopea is primarily a photo editor, not a presentation/slides tool like PowerPoint or Google Slides. You can design slide-like images, but “slides” aren’t its main function. Whether you need to erase a complex background, remove a solid color, or clean up template images, these three proven methods will give you the manual control to remove the background of the image.
1. Using the Magic Cut tool
Magic Cut is one of Photopea’s simple and quick features to remove the background. It automatically detects the subject of your photo and separates it from the background with a single click. If the result is not up to the mark, then you get a preview option before finalizing, which makes it very beginner-friendly.
What makes Magic Cut stand out is the preview mode it offers. You can mark areas with a green brush (keep) or a red brush (remove) to clean the edges. It’s especially helpful while encountering complex details.
Steps to know
- Open your image in Photopea.
- Go to Select > Magic Cut.
- A new window will open with a preview of the cutout.
- Use the green brush to mark what you want to keep and the red brush for what you want to remove.
- Once happy, click OK to apply the changes.
Why use this method?
- Its quick and beginner-friendly.
- Gives you the free hand to preview before finalizing.
- Easy to refine tricky areas.
- Ideal for portraits or product photos.
2. Using the Remove BG tool
If you’re looking for the fastest way to erase a background in Photopea, the Remove BG option is the go to option. It’s literally a one-click AI-powered tool that instantly removes the background. No brushes, no selections it provides quick results in few steps.
This method works best when the image has clear edges or is well separated from the background, like product shots or portraits. While its impossible for any method to be always perfect, it saves tons of time and is great for quick projects.
Steps to know
- Open your image in Photopea.
- In the right-hand panel, click the Remove BG from the menu path - “Select” and then remove background.
- Wait a few seconds while Photopea processes the image.
- The background will disappear, leaving your subject isolated.
- Save/export your image as PNG to keep the transparency.
Why use this method?
- Fastest method as its based on a single click.
- AI-powered detection available.
- Best for quick edits like social media posts or thumbnails.
- Works great with product photos on plain backgrounds.
3. Using the Magic Wand tool
For those who prefer more control, the Magic Wand Tool is a classic. Instead of depending completely on AI, it lets you select parts of the background based on color. For example, if your photo has a solid white or green background, you can remove it almost instantly.
It is more flexible because you can adjust the tolerance and refine it manually. You can adjust the tolerance to capture only the areas you want, and combine it with manual cleanup for professional results.
Steps to know
- Open your image in Photopea.
- Select the Magic Wand Tool from the toolbar.
- Click on the background area you want to remove.
- Adjust the tolerance in the top bar (lower for solid colors, higher for mixed tones).
- Press Delete to remove the background.
- Deselect (Ctrl+D or Cmd+D) when done.
Why use this method?
- Gives you full control over selections.
- Perfect for images with solid or uniform backgrounds.
- Lets you adjust the tolerance for precise results.
- Useful when AI tools don’t give the accuracy you need.
Additional tips for background removal in Photopea
Use layer masks instead of deleting
Instead of erasing the background permanently, apply a layer mask. This way, you can hide parts of the image without losing them forever. If you make a mistake, just paint the area back in—it’s a non-destructive workflow that saves time.
Zoom in for precise edge refinement
When dealing with tricky areas like hair, fur, or fine edges, zoom in to at least 200–300%. Use a soft, round brush for smoother results. This extra step makes your cutouts look much more professional.
Adjust the magic wand tolerance
The Magic Wand tool depends on tolerance. For solid, clean backgrounds, keep it low (10–20). For images with shadows or multiple tones, increase it to 30–50. Adjusting tolerance gives you cleaner and more accurate selections.
Export in PNG Format
Always save your image in PNG format, since it supports transparency. JPEG adds a white or black fill, which ruins the clean cutout look.
How to remove background in the Photopea mobile app (bonus tip)
Happy news for all Android users. Photopea works on Android (and iOS) through the mobile browser. Here’s how you can remove a background:
- Open the search browser on your phone and go to photopea.com.
- Tap the folder icon to upload your image.
- From the top menu, tap Select > Remove BG for one-click background removal.
- Wait a few seconds for the AI to process your image.
- Once the background is gone, tap File > Export As > PNG to save with transparency.
How to remove background using AI tools
AI background removers are hassle-free options by delivering fast, clean results in a few seconds. These are ideal for detailed images, product shots, or bulk tasks, and some also provide limited manual refinement options. Below are four tested AI tools that provide great results with high speed and user-friendly features.
Pixelbin AI Background Remover
Ever wished you could get a clean, professional background removal in a single click? That’s where Pixelbin AI background remover is claimed to be one of the best. It’s not only a background remover but also a full image toolkit built for both regular users and businesses that need bulk edits.
The best part? It works just as well in your browser as it does through their API, so even developers can plug it into workflows. Whether you’re cleaning up product shots or prepping images for a website, Pixelbin gives you consistent results without the trial-and-error of manual editing.
Why do I like the tool?
- Works with multiple formats: PNG, JPG, WEBP, and HEIC.
- Supports bulk background removal and API integration for businesses and e-commerce workflows.
- Delivers high-resolution results up to 5,000 × 5,000 pixels, which is great for ads or print.
- This feature lets you replace backgrounds with solid colors, custom images, or AI-generated templates.
Erase.bg
If you want something quick, then Erase.bg is probably the simplest tool out there. You don’t need any design skills—just upload your image, and within seconds the background is gone.
It’s the kind of tool you’d keep bookmarked for quick edits, especially if you don’t want to dive into something more complex like Photoshop. It’s lightweight, super-fast, and works just as well on your phone as it does on a desktop. Perfect for ID photos, profile pictures, or quick online projects.
Why do I like the tool?
- Removes backgrounds instantly with AI in one click.
- Supports HD to 4K image quality without losing sharpness.
- Works online—no software or sign-up needed.
- Allows you to replace backgrounds with solid colors or themes.
- Offers bulk removal and API support for businesses and developers.
Fotor Background Remover
Fotor is more of an all-in-one design platform than just a background remover. It started as a photo editing app but has developed into a creative suite with AI tools that make editing simple and quick.
If you’re someone who likes making social posts, flyers, or product mockups, Fotor lets you do all that in one place without switching apps. The background remover is clean and accurate, and it even gives you options to swap the background instead of just deleting it.
Why do I like the tool?
- Remove backgrounds automatically with AI.
- Replace backgrounds with colors, patterns, or custom images.
- Built-in photo editor with filters and retouching tools.
- Create social media posts, banners, and ads with templates.
- Works online and no need to install any software.
Photoroom
Photoroom is one of the favorite tools of online sellers and influencers. Why? Because it doesn’t just remove backgrounds—it transforms your photo into a ready-to-use design.
After the AI cleans your subject, you can drop it into stylish templates for e-commerce, ads, or social media. It’s especially useful if you’re selling products on platforms like eBay or Etsy, where clean, professional images make a big difference.
Why do I like the tool?
- Remove backgrounds instantly with AI.
- Replace with solid colors, custom images, or templates.
- 1,000+ ready-to-use templates for product photos and social media.
- Batch editing for multiple images at once.
- A mobile app is available for iOS and Android.
- High-resolution exports for ads, prints, and e-commerce.
- Pro version unlocks watermark-free editing and advanced tools.
Final thoughts
Removing backgrounds no longer has to feel like a chore. With Photopea, you get a free, browser-based editor that feels a lot like Photoshop—only lighter and more accessible. Whether you’re using the quick Remove BG, the semi-automatic Magic Cut, or the detailed Magic Wand, there’s a method that fits every type of project.
But sometimes, when you need speed and hence quick results, AI tools are a great choice. Pixelbin stands out for bulk edits and professional results, while Erase.bg is great for quick personal use, Fotor for all-in-one editing, PhotoRoom for e-commerce templates, and Pixelcut for mobile-first creators. Together, these tools give you options—whether you need precision, automation, or polished designs in seconds.
FAQs
Yes! Photopea lets you remove backgrounds completely free. Both manual tools (like Magic Wand and Eraser) and the Remove BG AI option can be used without paying. The only limitation is ads in the free version—but they don’t affect functionality.
Yes, Photopea has a built-in Remove BG feature powered by AI. It’s accessible under Select > Remove BG, and works in one click. This tool automatically detects the subject and removes the background, saving you time compared to manual methods.
If the AI removes too much detail (like hair strands or thin objects), you can use a Layer Mask with a soft brush to paint those areas back in. Zooming in and refining edges also helps restore important details.
- Remove BG: One-click AI background removal—fast and automatic.
- Magic Cut: Semi-automatic—you mark areas to keep or remove, giving you more control but requiring extra steps.
This usually happens if you export in the wrong format. Make sure you select File > Export As > PNG (not JPEG). JPEG doesn’t support transparency, so it fills the empty background with white by default.
No, Photopea doesn’t natively support batch background removal. You’ll need to remove backgrounds one image at a time. If you want bulk editing, AI tools like Pixelbin or PhotoRoom are better alternatives.
