How to Remove Background from an Image

Remove image backgrounds quickly using built-in tools on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Step-by-step guide with specific instructions for each platform.

1. Choose your platform and open the image. On Windows 11, right-click the image and select 'Edit with Paint'. On Mac, open the image in Preview by double-clicking. On iPhone, open the Photos app and select your image. On Android, download the free Background Eraser app from Google Play Store.
2. Access the background removal tool. In Windows Paint, click the down arrow under 'Image' and select 'Remove background'. In Mac Preview, go to Tools > Instant Alpha. On iPhone, tap and hold the subject until you see the glowing outline, then tap 'Copy' or 'Share'. In Background Eraser, tap 'Auto' for AI removal.
3. Select the subject to keep. Windows Paint automatically detects the main subject with a pink overlay showing areas to remove. Mac Preview requires you to click and drag over similar colors you want to remove. iPhone automatically selects the subject. Android Background Eraser highlights the subject in green.
4. Refine the selection. In Windows Paint, click 'Mark areas to keep' or 'Mark areas to remove' to fine-tune the selection. In Mac Preview, hold Shift and click to add more areas, or use Command+click to remove areas from selection. Mobile apps typically handle this automatically.
5. Apply the background removal. Windows Paint removes the background immediately when you click elsewhere. Mac Preview removes selected areas when you press Delete. iPhone creates a cutout you can paste elsewhere. Android apps process the removal automatically after confirmation.
6. Save the transparent image. In Windows Paint, click File > Save as > PNG to preserve transparency. Mac Preview saves transparency when you choose File > Export > PNG. iPhone saves cutouts to Photos when you tap 'Add to Photos'. Android apps typically save as PNG automatically.
7. Verify the results. Open the saved image in a photo viewer or web browser. Transparent areas should show as a checkerboard pattern in most editors, or blend with the background when placed over other content.