Remove Backgrounds in GIMP: Complete Guide, Review & Alternative

If you’re new to GIMP’s background removal tools, this guide is just what you need! No more endless Googling or sifting through countless websites. We’ve got you covered with four easy methods to get you started. Ready to dive in? Let’s jump in and unlock your full editing potential!

How to get rid of a background in GIMP: 4 Essential methods

GIMP is a powerful, free tool that offers four versatile methods for removing backgrounds from images. The first and quickest is using the Fuzzy Select tool to swiftly eliminate the background. The second method, Select by Color, helps maintain consistency while removing similar tones. If you have a standout subject that contrasts clearly with the background, the third one is your prime choice. And for those tricky, complex images, the last method, Path Tool, is your best helper. Let’s now explore these four essential techniques to achieve a clean, professional look with GIMP.



Method 1: Delete background in GIMP quickly

The Fuzzy Select tool in GIMP is like a magic wand for quick background removal. This advanced auto-selection tool allows you to select and remove large areas of similar color, making it ideal for images with solid backgrounds. With just a few clicks, you can isolate your main subject and create a transparent background, saving time while still achieving a professional look.

Steps to creating transparent background in GIMP with Fuzzy Select

Step
1. Open the image in GIMP
2. Start by opening GIMP on your computer. To upload your image, click on "File," select "Open," and choose the picture with the background you want to remove. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the image onto the canvas. 
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4. Once your image is loaded, right-click on the layer and click "Add Alpha Channel." This step ensures any deleted areas become transparent.
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Step
6. Remove background using Fuzzy Select
7. Select the "Fuzzy Select" tool by clicking on it in the toolbar or pressing the "U" shortcut. Click on the background color, and GIMP will highlight the area. 
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9. If the selection isn't perfect, you can adjust the threshold by increasing the value by 5 or 10 until it captures more of the background. For a closer view, hold down "Ctrl" and scroll with your mouse to zoom in. If you find any leftover areas, hold "Shift" and right-click on each spot to include it in the selection. Once you're satisfied, press "Delete" to remove the background.
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Step
11. Download your transparent image
12. If the background removal looks clean, save your work by going to "File" and selecting "Export As…". Choose PNG as your file type to keep the transparency, then hit "Export" to download the final image to your device.
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Method 2: Delete backgrounds in GIMP seamlessly

The Select by Color tool in GIMP is perfect for images with consistent background colors. It allows you to select all pixels of the same color throughout the image, making it especially useful when you're dealing with solid or uniform backgrounds.

Steps to make background transparent with Select by Color tool

Step
1. Open the image and add an Alpha channel
2. Begin by uploading your image into GIMP. Once loaded, right-click on the layer and click "Add Alpha Channel." This will allow you to make the background transparent when it's removed.
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Step
4. Select the background & adjust the threshold for accuracy
5. Next, choose the "Select by Color" tool from the toolbar (or press "Shift + O" on your keyboard). Ensure that "Antialiasing" and "Draw mask" are both enabled in the tool options. 
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7. Now, click and hold any area with the background color you want to remove. While holding the right-click button, move your cursor up or down to adjust the threshold, refining the selection accuracy until the desired area is highlighted.
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Step
9. Remove the background and save
10. Once you're satisfied with the highlighted area, press "Delete" to remove the background. To save your transparent image, go to "File," select "Export As…," choose PNG as the file type, and hit "Export" to save it to your device.
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Method 3: Remove background from an image via GIMP with layers

The Foreground Select tool in GIMP is an excellent option for images where the subject stands out clearly from the background. This semi-automated tool helps you isolate your subject by creating a detailed selection around it, making it ideal for images with a clear subject-background distinction.

Steps to remove background from picture using Foreground Select tool

Step
1. Open the image and add an Alpha channel
2. Start by uploading your image to GIMP. Once the image is loaded, right-click on the layer and click "Add Alpha Channel." This ensures that any removed areas will be transparent.
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Step
4. Outline the subject with the Foreground Select tool
5. Select the Foreground Select tool and roughly draw an outline around your subject, then press Enter. This initial outline doesn't have to be precise; it just separates the background and foreground. GIMP will darken the background in blue, leaving a light blue area over your subject.
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Step
7. Mark the foreground areas
8. Use the brush to carefully mark the areas of your subject, avoiding the edges for a cleaner result. You can adjust the brush size with the left and right bracket keys on your keyboard (or by increasing the Stroke width) for more precise control. 
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10. Once you've marked the subject, toggle the preview setting to check the selection. If it looks good, press Enter to finalize the selection, then go to "Select"> "Invert" to switch the selection to the background, and press Delete to remove it.
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Step
12. Remove the background and save

If you're happy with the result, save your transparent image by clicking "File," selecting "Export As…," choosing PNG as the file type, and hitting "Export" to download the final image.



Method 4: Manually remove background from image in GIMP

The Path tool in GIMP is a precise, manual method for background removal, making it ideal for images with complex details or irregular shapes. By carefully outlining your subject, you have complete control over the selection, allowing for a clean cut even in challenging images.

Steps to remove image background with the Path tool

Step
1. Open the image and add an Alpha channel
2. Start by uploading your image to GIMP. Once the image is open, right-click on the layer and click "Add Alpha Channel." This will make the deleted background areas transparent.
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Step
4. Outline the subject with the Paths tool
5. Select the Path tool and begin clicking around the edges of your subject to place points, creating an outline. To curve the lines between points, click and drag the points to shape the path, adjusting the handles as needed for a precise outline. Continue this process until you've fully outlined your subject, then close the path by holding "Ctrl" and clicking the starting point. Press "Enter" to convert the path into a selection.
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Step
7. Convert path to selection and invert
8. Since you're removing the background, you'll need to invert the selection. Go to "Select" and choose "Invert" to switch the selection from the subject to the background.
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Step
10. Remove the background and save
11. Press "Delete" to remove the background, leaving a transparent area around your subject. To save your edited image, go to "File," select "Export As…," choose PNG as the file type to preserve transparency, and click "Export" to save it to your device.
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Deep review of GIMP's background removal tools

GIMP's background removal tools offer great flexibility, but the manual steps and steep learning curve can be challenging, especially for beginners or those short on time. If you are the very beginner we refer to, fear not: Dreamina is a perfect alternative. Instead of spending time on intricate adjustments, it lets you achieve clean, professional results with one click. Let's go on to see magic for yourself.

Meet Dreamina: An easy option with one-click background removal

Unlike traditional editing software like GIMP, Dreamina was born as an advanced AI picture editor. With photography algorithms, it cuts out the background, leaving a clean, transparent result perfect for professional use. Besides, Dreamina provides other AI features, ranging from Inpaint to HD Upscale, allowing users to polish work to heart's content. Whether isolating products for online listings, creating visually appealing ads, or designing business cards, Dreamina can deliver the exact result you want at your fingerprint.



Steps to remove backgrounds with Dreamina

Removing backgrounds in Dreamina is super easy; you can do it in 3 simple steps. But before we get started, click the link below to create an account on Dreamina:

Step
1. Upload your photo
2. After joining Dreamina, click on "Canvas" to enter Dreamina's canvas editor. In the editor, click "Upload image" and select the photo with the background you want gone. Once you do that, your photo will be positioned on the canvas. That means that your photo is now ready for edits.
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Step
4. Remove background
5. With your photo on the canvas, click on "Remove background." Dreamina's AI will now analyze your photo and highlight the subject you want to remove. If there are additional details you want to leave behind, you can use the paintbrush to mark the area before clicking the "Remove background" button again.
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Step
7. Download
8. After hitting the button, Dreamina will bring you the edited image in seconds. If you are happy with the result, you can save it on your computer by clicking "Export," then choose a preferred file type (PNG is for transparent images), size, and export option. Finally, click on "Download."
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More AI-enhanced features

• AI Inpainting
• This tool is like having a digital brush that intelligently fills in missing or altered parts of an image. You can use it to add new elements, like a floral hat decoration, or make changes to an already existing photo, like changing the color of your clothes. It's perfect for giving your images a professional touch by adding or adjusting details in seconds.
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• Smart remover
• Dreamina's Remove tool is designed to take unwanted objects out of your photos effortlessly. Simply select the undesired object, and the AI will analyze the surroundings, remove the highlight, and fill in the space naturally. This feature is ideal for clearing up busy backgrounds, removing photobombers, or eliminating small distractions, all without complex adjustments.
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• Image blender
• Blending images is easy with Dreamina's Blend feature, which lets you overlay or merge two photos to create a seamless look. Great for designing collages, unique composites, or even background effects, the Blend tool uses AI to balance colors, shadows, and edges to fuse layers into a cohesive one. This feature is especially handy when you need to create polished visuals that stand out.
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• One-click retouching
• Need an instant touch-up? Dreamina's Retouch feature optimizes your photo's brightness, contrast, and sharpness in one go. It also clears blemishes and enhances washed-out or blurry areas, making it perfect for refining portraits or adding vibrancy to any image quickly. It's perfect for last-minute improvements or enhancing photos for decent use.
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• HD upscaling
• Dreamina's HD Upscale feature improves image resolution, making it possible to enlarge smaller images without losing detail. This tool uses AI to enhance every pixel so your upscaled images look clear and sharp, even at higher resolutions. Whether you're preparing photos for print or simply want a crisper look, HD Upscaling is a fast way to achieve high-quality results.
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Conclusion

In this guide, we explored several methods for using GIMP to remove backgrounds, from quick auto-selection tools to precise, manual options like the Paths tool. While GIMP offers powerful capabilities for background removal, its complexity and time requirements can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's where Dreamina stands out—providing a streamlined, AI-powered solution that removes backgrounds with a single click. With Dreamina, you get professional-quality results quickly, saving you time and effort. Don't just sit to watch; try Dreamina's magic AI tools and become the photography pro you aim at.

FAQs

1. How do I remove white background with GIMP?
2. To remove a white background in GIMP, start by opening your image and adding an Alpha channel to create transparency. Use tools like Select by Color or Fuzzy Select to click on the white area, adjust the threshold for accuracy, and then press Delete to remove the background. For a simpler, faster approach, Dreamina offers a one-click background remover that instantly creates transparent cutouts, saving time and effort. Visit Dreamina now and try its one-click background remover for free!
3. What's the method of creating an HD transparent background in GIMP?
4. Creating an HD transparent background in GIMP involves removing the background as usual, then saving the image in a high-quality format like PNG. However, if you're looking for a one-click alternative, Dreamina comes to help. It not only removes backgrounds with one click but also offers HD upscaling to enhance image quality instantly. So, what are you waiting for? Get started with Dreamina's HD background removal today and get high-quality cutouts every time.
5. How long does GIMPremove an image background?
6. The time it takes to remove a background in GIMP depends on the method and the complexity of the image. Simple backgrounds can take a few minutes, while detailed images may require longer, especially with tools like the Paths tool. For a faster solution, Dreamina's AI-powered background remover completes the task in seconds (mostly 10 to 20), providing a high-quality cutout effortlessly. Try Dreamina today for quick, professional results in seconds.