How to Remove the Background in Inkscape

Remove the image background effortlessly without any design skills.
Tonny Franzen · August 20.2025
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Product images with cluttered backgrounds are a big turn-off! They can repel users rather than inviting them to your website. But ‘Background Removal’ is one such feature that can not only make your product image better, but also repurpose it for ads and print!

Inscape is a popular photo editor tool that helps you remove the background of the image. You can use it manually, and also add a new background to your visual. Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics tool that defines the image and eliminates imperfections. Let's understand how to remove the background in Inkscape and show how alternatives like X-Design can help you achieve clean, precise results.



How to Remove Background in Inkscape

Inkscape removes the background from images and converts them into PNG or editable vectors. Here are the quick steps that help you get the transparent image. 

Step 1. Import the Image

Open the Inkscape application and click on Files > Import, and bring your image to the editing area. The image now appears on the canvas. Click on it. Choose an image with high resolution for better results.

inkscape

Step 2. Click on Trace Bitmap and Create Your Vector 

Now go to Path > Trace Bitmap and choose from the settings. You can choose brightness cutoff, edge detection, autotrace, and more to get a clear and clean preview. Click on and generate the outline of the vector.

inkscape

Step 3. Remove the Original Background 

You get the traced vector now. Select the features like smoothing of jagged lines, and fine-tune the edges if needed with the node tool.

remove background in inkscape

Step 4. Export Image with a Transparent Background

Click on Files > Export PNG image, and you are good to go. Ensure the background is completely transparent. Select the export location and save the file. Now you have a background-free PNG image.

Best Alternatives to Inkscape for Background Removal

While Inkscape is a popular tool that helps remove background from images, it requires skills and is a little complicated to use. However, there are many other alternatives that fulfill the creative needs and remove background images without any hassle. Here are some great options you can trust:

1. X-Design

While the above-mentioned tools require installation, X-Design Background Remover is a web-based tool that can be used anywhere without installation. The AI-powered tool is quite simple to use and removes the background in a few clicks. It has an intuitive user interface that makes it easier to use for anyone. With background removal, it also offers features like shadow, refine cutout, and refine product to make the images sharper and cleaner. Here’s what this tool can do:

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X-Design allows you to remove image backgrounds instantly without any design skills. Let AI remove image backgrounds in one click.
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  • Remove your image background without learning design skills. Just upload the image, and the background is removed instantly.

  • Use the retouch features to tweak the details. Add a new gradient background or adjust the visual appeal.

  • Resize the image within the same tool, and let go of areas that create clutter.

  • Add a new premium background to your image in a single click.

X-Design creative suite goes beyond background removal. It can also help you add AI-generated backgrounds to your image, and upscale your images instantly. The tool is free to use, and gives premium results without watermarks!

2. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

GIMP is a free, open-source platform that helps with image editing. It is somewhat of a free alternative to Photoshop. GIMP has ample options for removing the image background with ease. However, if you want to do it repetitively, you might need design skills. GIMP can be result-driven, but it is also a bit complicated for beginners. Here are the features of GIMP:

  • Diverse editing tools that go beyond background removal. They allow you to work on layer masking and customization of the interface.

  • Easy export options for beginners. The final image will be saved as a PNG or JPG on your device.

  • The tool is community-driven and free to use. You just need to install it on your device.

  • The tool offers plugin support so that you can expand the tool’s functionality.

3. Canva

Canva is known for its simplicity. It is a free graphic design tool and is quite beginner-friendly. It also has a pro version that instantly allows for background removal and cropping objects from the image. It is a visual suite and can be used by anyone to prepare product photos, social media images, carousels, graphics, banners, and more. You can place the edited image into the template for a complete design. Canva has the following features:

  • Large presets for image and video creation. This allows you to customize your visual according to a specific website or e-commerce store.

  • Multiple options and image files to export in, so that you are not dependent on one single type of file.

  • A cloud-based storage facility that allows you to access your designs from any device with ease.

  • Thousands of ready-to-use templates for free! Just tap and start customizing.

4. Google Slides

Google Slides is a web-based tool by Google that allows you to create presentations easily. You can also edit and share existing presentations with ease. It has a number of editing tools that also help you to add new backgrounds to your transparent images. Use Google Slides to do the following:

  • Adjust the image background transparency with ease.

  • Add your custom backgrounds by simply sliding them behind the subject.

  • Masking certain areas can help to make them transparent without hassle.

  • Add shape-based layers to the image design and add colors or custom images to them.

How to Use X-Design for Background Removal

X-design is one of the simplest, AI-based tools that removes the background from images effortlessly. It requires no downloads. Just instant results that can be exported and used anywhere. Here are quick and easy steps that help remove the background from the images using X-Design. 

Step 1. Upload or Drag the Image 

Upload the image or simply drag and drop. The tool supports many formats, including JPG and PNG. Add an image with higher resolution and get started. 

X design background remover 122

Step 2. Select the Background Removal from the Toolbar 

On the left-hand side, you find a toolbar. Click on the background removal option. Now select the area of the image you want to remove. 

remove background

Step 3.  Smart AI Removes the Background in Seconds

AI will remove the background instantly. If needed, adjust the shadow or refine the cutout. You can adjust the sensitivity slider according to the image requirements. You get the background free image.

remove image background

Step 4. Refine the Edges and Export

You can use other features, such as feather edges, to further smooth it. When satisfied, export the image that has a transparent background.

image background remover

To make this process faster for all your product images, you can use the batch image processing feature. You do not need to repeat the process whenever you try to remove the background from your images.

Quick Comparison between X-Design and Inkscape 

Feature 

X-Design

Inkscape

Ease of Use

Very beginner-friendly, minimal learning curve

Moderate learning curve, better suited for experienced designers

Background Removal Method

AI-powered, automatic in a few clicks

Manual using Bezier Tool, Paths, and node editing

Speed

Very fast, almost instant

Slower, requires manual adjustments

Edge Precision

High as AI detects fine edges and hair details

High, but depends on user's skill and the time spent

Platform

Web-based, and no installation is required 

Desktop software that needs installation

Best For

Freemium with paid upgrades

Free and open-source tool


Final Thoughts 

Removing background from the images may be a challenging task, but not anymore with the list of tools provided above. Inkscape can be somewhat complicated to use and requires some skills. X-Design, on the other hand, is a powerful AI-based tool that offers a user-friendly way to remove the background. It does not require any editing expertise. So whether you're a beginner or a professional, using X-Design can simplify your workflow and produce impressive results quickly.