How to Remove Image Background in GIMP

Cluttered backgrounds can make the subject of your image go unnoticed or unattractive. This is the main reason why most creatives remove the background or change it to a different one, ensuring their subject pop. If you are eager to learn how to remove image background in Gimp, we have got you covered in this ultimate guide. In it, we will explore five different methods via which this platform can help you achieve background removal goals without any hassle. Let’s begin exploring!

How to Remove Image Background in GIMP with the Fuzzy Select Tool

With this method, you can create a selection of pixels similar to the sample selection in the area. You can rely on it if there's a bit of distinction between the foreground and background. 

• Launch Gimp editor and click on the File option in the top left corner. 

• Select “Open” and open the image whose background needs to be remove. 

• Select the Fuzzy Select tool and enable Antialiasing, Feather edges, and Draw masks options.

• Click the background of the image, and tick the boxes under “Fuzzy select tool”.

• Now, press Delete to remove the background. Repeat the same steps a few times until you get a cleaner cut out of your desired subject with no background. 

How to Remove Image Background in GIMP with the Color Tool

The color tool enables you to pick every pixel of the same color on your image to make background removal in Gimp a bit easier. Here’s how it works:

• Turn ON Antialiasing and Draw masks for even results. If you're working with a photo, also enable Feather edges to soften the cutout.

• Now, hit the Color Select tool icon. 

• Click and hold on the area you want to remove. Then, drag the tool up or down to fine-tune the selection manually.

• Hit Delete and repeat the process for accurate background removal.

How to Remove Image Background in GIMP with the Paths Tool

Paths tool takes time and effort but ensures accurate results. Let's explore its working. 

• Hit the Paths tool icon. 

• Start clicking point by point around the subject to outline the background you want to remove. 

• To create curves, drag the endpoints and adjust them to match the edges of the subject closely.

• Keep clicking from your last point to outline the full edge of your subject. 

• Once done, close the path to complete the shape.

• Now, press Enter to form a selection around your main subject. 

• Navigate to “Select” option on the main toolbar → Choose “Invert” to invert your selection from the subject to the background. 

• Hit the “Delete” key.

How to Remove Image Background in GIMP with the Layer Masks Tool

This method is a bit more complicated but gives best results when you have tricky bits like hair or fine edges to deal with. Here’s how it works:

• Right-click on your image and hit Duplicate Layer. 

• Click on Colors and choose Saturation. Drag the scale all the way down to zero, then hit OK to apply it.

• Now, navigate to Colors and select Curves. 

• Move the top and bottom nodes until your subject turns black and the background appears mostly white. This helps separate the two more clearly.

• Go again to Colors and select Invert. 

• Now, navigate to the “Edit” option and choose “Copy Visible”. 

• Click the Visibility layer icon on the bottom right of the editor. It shows up as a small eye next to your image and lets you hide or show the layer.

• Right-click on the original layer and choose Add Layer Mask. 

• Change “settings” according to your preference and click the “Add button”. 

• Navigate to the Edit option and choose Paste. 

• Now, press the small “anchor” icon marked in green located at the bottom right of the editor. This will lock your changes and make the white background transparent.

• You can now select the White brush tool to clean up any spots on your subject or areas where the transparency grid is showing.

• This will make your image cleaner. Now its ready to save.

How to Remove Image Background in GIMP with the Foreground Tool

If your subject has intricate detail, we recommend trying out the Foreground tool. Let’s explore its working. 

• Navigate to the Foreground Select tool icon and choose it.

• Draw a rough outline around your subject by hand. 

• Press Enter, and the editor will display a dark blue background with a light blue foreground.

• Brush over your subject carefully, making sure to stay inside the edges. When done, turn ON the Preview mask and press Enter to confirm.

• Now, hit the Select option and choose Invert. 

• Press Delete to remove the background. 

Alternatives to Remove Image Backgrounds

If you want an easier way to remove image backgrounds without complicated steps, X-Design Background Remover is a great choice. It’s an AI-powered tool that quickly cuts out backgrounds and lets you edit and customize your images. Here’s a detailed guide on how X-Design Background Remover works: 

• Visit https://www.x-design.com/ and sign in with your account.

• In your workspace, find and select the AI background remover tool under the AI Tools section.

• Upload your logo from your device.

• In just a few seconds, your logo will appear in editing mode.

• You can add “background color” of your choice or create a custom one.

• The left menu offers options for resizing, retouching, enhancing, and more. 

Conclusion

Removing image background might seem challenging, but not with the comprehensive features of the Gimp platform. From the Fuzzy Select tool to the Layer Masks tool, there are several options one can consider depending on the image type and the distinction between the foreground and background. However, if you don't feel like downloading a designed tool for image background removal or editing, check out X-Design's comprehensive background remover, which gives precise results within a few minutes.