Some of us might consider removing the background of an image a daunting task. You might assume that you will need programs like Adobe Photoshop Or rely on websites that require you to upload your image but charge a subscription fee. Additionally, uploading images to a website can compromise your privacy. The Preview app on your Mac is a convenient enough option to get the job done and is preloaded into the system. MacOSWe'll show you how to remove an image background on Mac using Preview.
What is the PREVIEW app?
When you open an image on a Mac, you'll need an image viewer to view the images. Unlike Windows, which has a straightforward name forPhotos app macOS tries to keep it a little different. When you click on the image icon, the Preview app opens.
Besides being an image viewer, the Preview app also packs enough image editing features to get you started. One such feature is that it lets you remove the background from an image. Don't worry, the process is very simple, and you don't have to jump through hoops to do it.
Remove image background when previewing using INSTANT ALPHA
To make the option easier to remember, Apple calls it Instant Alpha. It can be used to edit the background of an image. The Instant Alpha feature of the Preview app is very easy to use. Follow these steps to do the same.
Step 1: Double click Image To open it in Preview on your Mac.
Step 2: Click Description toolbar icon in the upper right corner.
You will see a toolbar with some options.
Step 3: of Toolbar Options , Locate Instant Alpha.
Step 4: Click on the empty area and drag the pointer to select the background of your image.
You have to be careful while choosing the background and deleting your subject.
Step 5: Release the pointer after selecting the desired area of the background.
The snake lines around the subject will indicate that it has been selected to separate it from the background.
Step 6: Click on Delete in keyboard To remove the background.
Step 7: Click a file and select save.
This is how you can use the Instant Alpha tool to remove the background of an image. Please keep in mind that this feature will not work with images with low contrast between the background and the subject.
You may have an image where background removal can be difficult. There may be a lot of content in the image that may not be possible with Instant Alpha alone. The good news is that you can customize the Instant Alpha selection to suit your image. Here are three different types of selections to choose from.
1. Instant Alpha Using Elliptical and Rectangular Marquee
You can choose either selection depending on the look of your theme. Follow these steps to use either of these tools.
Step 1: After determining Show the description toolbar , Click Selection icon on the far left.
Step 3: Click and drag to select the area you want to crop.
Step 4: Click on Command + X To delete the selected part of the background.
Step 5: If you are asked Convert JPG to PNG , choose Transformation.
You will see that both the selection part and the image background have been removed.
Step 7: To redo the selected part, press Command + V.
Step 8: Click a file and select save.
2. Instant Alpha using freehand selection.
The Lasso tool will help you focus on the smallest details. Using this tool, you can create any shape and remove an object or subject from the background. This tool is useful for photos like you holding an ice cream cone or a plate of your favorite dish.
In such cases, the Freehand Selection tool will help you maintain the defined shape of your subject. Follow these steps to use this tool.
Step 1: Click Selection icon and select Lasso Selection from the list.
Step 2: Drag the mouse pointer and draw a selection around Limits of your topic.
Make sure you join the snake line with the point where you started the selection.
Step 3: freedom mouse pointer To see your selection area.
Step 4: Click on Command + X To remove the selection.
Step 5: Click on Cmd+A To select the remaining background and press Delete.
Step 6: To redo the selected part, press Cmd+V.
Step 7: Click on Cmd+S To save the file.
3. Instant Alpha Using Smart Lasso Selection
Last but not least, you can choose Smart Lasso Selection. It's a combination of all the selection tools with the power of Instant Alpha. If you find the above tools a bit cumbersome, you can use Smart Lasso Selection to isolate your subject more effectively.
Follow these steps.
Step 1: Click Selection icon and select Smart Lasso.
Step 2: Click and hold to drag an outline of an area close to the borders of your subject.
Step 3: Release the cursor to display your selection.
Step 4: Click on delete To remove the selection.
Step 5: Continue repeating this process until you have completely removed the image background.
Step 6: Save your file.
Remove image background easily
These were the different ways to remove an image background on a Mac using Preview. You can choose any selection tool to remove the background. This depends on how isolated or occupied your subject is in the image.
