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How to Remove Background Using Pixlr (Extremely Easy!)

September 3, 2024 434 views

There usually comes a time when you need a professional photo taken, especially for something like a resume or a professional profile. I’ve been there too—having a bunch of casual pictures from parties, restaurants, and outings with friends, but not a single one that would be suitable for a resume on short notice.

In such situations, photo editors can be incredibly helpful. You don’t need to be a professional; the right tools can make a significant difference. With AI-integrated photo editors like Pixlr, removing a background and replacing it with a solid color has become much easier. In this article, I will guide you on how to use Pixlr background remover for your picture, making it look polished and professional in just a few steps.

How to Remove Background Using Pixlr


What is the Pixlr Background Remover?

Pixlr is an online photo editing tool that serves as a fantastic, cost-effective alternative to more expensive desktop photo editing apps. It offers a range of quick and efficient solutions for various photo editing needs, including one of the most commonly required tools which is a background remover.

Pixlr Background Remover


Pixlr has a user-friendly interface and a dedicated background remover tool that you can access directly from its homepage. This means you don't have to look through the entire photo editor features to find the tool you need. The background remover is powered by AI, making the process incredibly simple.

Just upload your picture, and Pixlr's AI engine will automatically remove the background for you, saving you time and effort. Whether you're editing photos for professional use or personal projects, Pixlr provides an accessible and simple way to achieve your desired results without the steep learning curve or high cost associated with traditional photo editing software.

Key Features

I would certainly recommend exploring Pixlr for yourself, because it offers a lot more than a background remover tool. Some of its key features are as:

  • AI-Powered Tool: Pixlr includes AI features, such as automatic background removal, which streamlines complex editing tasks and enhances user efficiency.

  • Manual Adjustment: The tool provides various manual adjustment options for fine-tuning images, including sliders for contrast, brightness, saturation, vibrance, and more.

  • Layer Management: Pixlr supports layers, allowing users to manage, edit, and arrange multiple layers for advanced image editing and composition.

  • Multiple Export Options: Pixlr offers several export options, enabling users to save their edited images in different formats and resolutions based on their needs.

  • Integration with Pixlr Editor: Pixlr's background remover tool integrates seamlessly with Pixlr Editor, allowing users to transition easily between different editing functions.

  • Web-Based and Mobile Access: As a web-based tool, Pixlr is accessible from any device with an internet connection. It also offers mobile versions for on-the-go editing.

  • Free and Premium Versions: Pixlr provides both a free version with basic features and a premium version with advanced tools and additional functionality.

How to Remove Background Using Pixlr?

In this Pixlr review of 2024, I had a fantastic side view photo of myself that was perfect for my report—just the right angle to pair seamlessly with text. But when I tried to import it, the background completely spoiled the effect. Thankfully, Pixlr had the tools to provide me with an incredibly easy solution.

Pixlr is a fantastic tool for photo editing. I'll walk you through the Pixlr Editor version to show just how easily you can edit a photo, just as I did manually.Here’s how to remove background using Pixlr, and along the way, I’ll share some tips for Pixlr background remover that you can make use of.

Step 1: Open Pixlr and Upload Image

Now, regardless of whether you're using the online version of the Pixlr Editor or the desktop app, the first step is to upload an image:

  • First, choose the Pixlr editing tool by selecting the "Pixlr Editor" option.

Open Pixlr Editor


  • Next, upload the image you want to edit by clicking on the "Open Image" button.

Upload image on Pixlr Editor


  • Once you've selected the image, Pixlr will prompt you to resize it if needed. Choose a new size for your image and then click "Apply”.

Resize image before editing


Step 2: Auto Remove Background

Once the image is uploaded, it will open in the Pixlr Editor, where you can use the "Cutout/Mask" tool to remove the background of your image using AI.

  • To do this, click on the "Scissors" icon in the left tools pane to select the Cutout/Mask tool.

Pixlr Cutout/Mask tool


  • After selecting Cutout/Mask, click on the "AI Auto" button in the toolbar to allow Pixlr to process the image.

Pixlr AI Auto background removal tool


  • Pixlr’s AI background remover tool will then process your image and automatically remove the background, so you typically won’t need to do anything else.

Analyze the image to find any imperfections


Step 3: Adjust Image Manually (If Needed)

Pixlr's AI background remover might face some inefficiencies. In such cases, you can use the "Brush" or "Lasso" tools to edit your images for perfection.

  • On the left tool pane, click on the "Lasso" tool icon to select it.

Pixlr Lasso Tool


  • Use your mouse to outline the area you wish to remove from your image that the AI Auto background remover missed.

Select area to remove using mouse


  • Once selected, press the "Delete" key on your keyboard to remove the selected area from your image.

Remove unwanted background using Lasso Tool


Step 4: Preview the Result

Once the image has been edited, there might be a few inconsistent edges. Let’s address those to ensure a high-quality result after all your efforts.

  • To find inconsistent edges, use the “Zoom” tool or your cursor to zoom in on the image and examine it more closely.

Zoom image on Pixlr


  • Use the "Draw" tool to correct any inconsistent edges in your image. Adjust the size and softness of your brush if you need to make precise edits.

Pixlr Draw tool


  • If you want to add a new background after removing the old one, you can do so by uploading a new image and adjusting the layers accordingly.

Add new background


Step 5: Export the Image

Now that the background has been removed, let’s export the image to save it:

  • Click on the "Save" icon at the bottom right corner of the Pixlr Editor interface.

Pixlr Save image icon


  • Choose the file format in which you wish to save your image, then click on the "Save as" button to save your edited image.

Select Format to save image


As I used Pixlr manually with the Editor feature, I had to be precise when outlining the object I was working on. Despite having some experience in photo editing, achieving perfection in capturing every detail—like hair strands and shirt linings—seemed challenging. To fine-tune the edges near the bag and phone in the object, I relied on the lasso and brush tools, which turned out to be the perfect combination for getting the job done just right.

Pixlr Background Remover Results


Best Alternative to Pixlr - WPS Photos

Pixlr is a paid tool that requires an internet connection, and if these concerns are important to you, WPS Photos is a solid alternative you should consider taking a look into. Not only does it compete well with web-based photo editing tools like Pixlr, but it also holds its ground against industry standards such as Photoshop and Canva. WPS Photos can be operated offline, which means you can work without needing constant internet access.

WPS Photos is also powered by AI, and thus offers advanced features that streamline the editing process and produce picture-perfect results quickly. The background remover tool is a prime example of its excellence, showcasing the brilliance of its AI-driven editing capabilities.

Background Remover in WPS Photos

WPS Photos provides a comprehensive photo editing package that meets all your photo editing needs. Beyond its impressive background remover, the tool offers a rich array of features, including:

  • AI Eraser: Easily remove unwanted elements from your photos.

  • AI Background Blur: Create a professional depth-of-field effect with minimal effort.

  • Image Quality Enhancer: Improve the overall clarity and sharpness of your images.

  • Upscaler: Increase image resolution while maintaining quality.

  • Auto Straighten: Correct crooked photos with a single click.

  • Remove Watermark: Effortlessly eliminate watermarks from your images.

  • Black and White Colorizer: Add color to black and white photos for a vibrant touch.

  • AI Handwriting Remover: Remove handwritten notes or text from your photos.

Its efficiency and excellence make it a great choice, ensuring that once you start using WPS Photos, you'll find it hard to switch to another photo editor.

How to Remove Background Using WPS AI

WPS Photos comes with built-in AI, making it incredibly easy to achieve professional results with minimal effort. And the best part is that it is completely free.  I used the WPS AI background remover, which worked like magic with just a single click. Let me show you how effortlessly it transformed my photo.

Step 1: Open the image from which you want to remove the background in WPS Photos.

Step 2: Hover over the "AI Tools" button in the top right corner of WPS Photos, then select the "Background Removal" tool.

WPS Photos Background removal button


Step 3: The image will now open in WPS Photos Editor, where the WPS AI will process it to detect the background.

WPS Photos Editor


Step 4: Once the image has been processed, WPS AI will automatically remove the background by identifying any objects, people, or text in the image.

WPS Photos Background removal

Step 5: WPS AI offers several options for custom background removal. For example, if you’re doing product photography, simply click on the "Product Cutout" option on the toolbar on the right for more efficient background removal.

Background Removal option on WPS Photos


Step 6: If you wish to add a new background to your image, you can do so using the "Background Fill" option to add a new color background or a new image.

Add a new background

Step 7: Once you have successfully removed the background, save your image by clicking on the "Save" button in the bottom right corner.

Save image after background removal on WPS Photos


I was pleasantly surprised while using the background remover on WPS Photos. Unlike Pixlr, where the AI left some background near the bag area, WPS Photos perfectly identified the object and neatly cut out the background. On the other hand, Pixlr mistakenly identified the phone in the image as irrelevant and removed it as well. WPS Office, however, adjusted this part perfectly, giving me a flawless outline of my image that I could use seamlessly in my report and presentations.

WPS Photos Background Removal Results


FAQs

1. Is Pixlr’s background remover free to use?

Pixlr offers a free background removal tool that enables users to easily remove backgrounds from their images. For more advanced features, such as higher resolution exports and additional editing options, a premium version is available. This paid option offers enhanced capabilities for more detailed and professional image editing.

2. Is there a limit to the number of images I can process with Pixlr?

In the free edition of Pixlr, there might be restrictions on the number of images you can edit or the quality of the final outputs. Upgrading to the premium version provides access to increased limits and additional functionalities, such as enhanced image resolution and extra editing tools.

3. Can Pixlr handle complex images with multiple subjects?

Pixlr effectively manages various image types, including those with multiple subjects. However, for images with complex compositions or fine details, additional manual adjustments may be necessary to achieve the highest level of precision.

WPS Photos: Photo Editors Top Choice

Pixlr has been a strong player in the photo editing industry for quite some time,especially attributing to its Pixlr background remover features. However, with the rise of competitors like WPS Office, Pixlr faces significant challenges. WPS Photos, in particular, offers equally advanced features such as AI-powered background removal, all available for free and accessible offline. If you’re looking for a powerful, cost-effective alternative that doesn’t require constant internet access, WPS Photos could be the solution you need. Download WPS Office today to explore these features and more.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.