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As digital photographs continue to dominate in modern times, it’s not just about the camera or the photographic skills anymore, but it’s also about image manipulation after the shot is captured. One of the tasks that most photographers face is removing the background of a picture. While this activity can be tedious, it’s essential for enhancing the image’s visual appeal.
Luckily, Mac users have access to a plethora of photo editing software solutions. Background removal tools, in particular, make this task more manageable. However, choosing the best one for your needs can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a detailed list of the best background remover apps for macOS X.
Video Tutorial:
What is a Background Remover Tool?
A background remover tool is an image editing software that allows users to remove unwanted background colors or elements from images. In simpler terms, it’s a tool that removes backgrounds from an image, leaving just the foreground element. With a background remover, you can isolate and extract an object from the overall image. Removing or changing the background of an image allows you to place the object on any background easily. Several background remover tools available for macOS X range from free to paid versions, and we’ll cover them in this article.
Top 6 Best Photo Background Removers for Mac
Top 1: Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the best background remover for Mac and has been one of the most popular image editing software for more than two decades. It’s a big favorite for professional photo editors and photographers who need advanced capabilities. Photoshop has a wealth of features that empower users to create amazing compositions and designs. Photoshop’s background removal tool is seamless, precise, and straightforward to use. Simply select the object you want to keep, and Photoshop will use AI technology to generate a selection outline around the element and remove the background.
Pros:
– Easy to use and customize.
– Offers advanced features for professional photo editors.
Cons:
– Not beginner-friendly.
– High learning curve.
Top 2: Pixelmator Pro
Pixelmator Pro is a popular background remover for Mac users who need to do quick image editing. It has an intuitive interface designed to minimize distractions and let users focus on the image they’re editing. Pixelmator Pro’s primary tool for background removal is the Magic Eraser, which uses advanced algorithms to find and remove the background from images.
Pros:
– Fast and simple to use.
– Offers a wide range of features and effects.
– Affordable pricing.
Cons:
– Limited learning resources.
Top 3: Affinity Photo
Affinity Photo is another powerful background remover for Mac that caters to professional photo editors and photographers. Affinity Photo boasts advanced editing tools and features, making it ideal for complex backgrounds, such as those with hair and fur. Similar to Photoshop, Affinity Photo uses advanced AI technology to remove backgrounds with stunning precision.
Pros:
– Offers professional-grade image editing capabilities.
– User-friendly, especially if you have prior Photoshop knowledge.
– Priced one-time with no monthly subscription.
Cons:
– Advanced design options could be overwhelming for beginners.
Top 4: GIMP
GIMP is a free, open-source background removal tool that allows users to edit photos and graphics. It’s a popular option for Mac users on a budget who still need advanced features. GIMP’s background removal tool is called the “Foreground Select” tool, and it can accurately find and remove the background.
Pros:
– Free to download and easy to use.
– Offers advanced features to edit photos and graphics.
Cons:
– Not as user-friendly as commercial software.
– Learning curve could be a challenge for beginners.
Top 5: Remove.bg
Remove.bg is an online AI-powered tool that uses computer vision algorithms to detect and remove the backgrounds of images. The process is quick and straightforward. All you have to do is upload your image, and Remove.bg will remove the background automatically.
Pros:
– Very user-friendly and easy to use.
– Quick and seamless.
Cons:
– Only useful for simpler backgrounds.
– Resolution can be lost during background removal.
Top 6: Photo Background Remover
Photo Background Remover is a dedicated app for Mac users that specialize in removing backgrounds in images. The app offers a simple user interface, making it ideal for beginners. Additionally, it uses AI-powered algorithms to remove backgrounds automatically. Its dedicated background removal tool offers several customizations, such as erasing, painting, and zooming, making it an excellent option for removing complex backgrounds.
Pros:
– Offers an intuitive user interface.
– AI-powered background removal tool offers accurate results.
Cons:
– Fewer features than other software options.
Comparison of the Best Photo Background Removers for Mac
| Software | Free Trial | Price | EASE-OF-USE | VALUE FOR MONEY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | No | $20.99/month | Complex | Low |
| Pixelmator Pro | Yes. Free trial period of 30 days | $39.99 | Easy | High |
| Affinity Photo | Yes. Free trial period of 90 days | $49.99 | Complex | High |
| GIMP | Yes | Free | Complex | Low |
| Remove.bg | Free 10 basic edits per month, and paid Pro and API versions. | $5.99 monthly subscription for the Pro version | Easy | Low |
| Photo Background Remover | No | $9.99 | Easy | High |
Our Thoughts on Photo Background Remover for Mac
As noted, background removal tools offer excellent capabilities for Mac users looking to personalize and enhance their images. The choice of a background remover ultimately comes down to an individual’s needs, skills, and budget. For users with professional skills who are willing to invest in their work, Adobe Photoshop, Affinity Photo, and Pixelmator Pro offer the best options. Meanwhile, users who need a free background remover can check out GIMP, while the most user-friendly tools include Remove.bg and Photo Background Remover.
5 FAQs about Photo Background Removers
Q1: Will my edited photos lose their image quality?
A1: It depends on the software you use and the skills of the editor. Some software can decrease image quality when saving, but most are designed to maintain the same quality.
Q2: Can I recover deleted backgrounds after an edit?
A2: It’s not easy to recover a deleted/removed background. However, some software options offer ‘undo’ capabilities to reverse the changes before saving the final image.
Q3: Can I use a background remover for free?
A3: Yes, there are many free background remover options such as GIMP and Remove.bg that offer a wide range of functionalities for no charge.
Q4: Can I use a background remover to edit any type of image?
A4: Yes, you can use background remover tools in images of any genre, including human, pets, landscapes, and objects.
Q5: Is it possible to extract a background from a video?
A5: It is possible to extract a background from a video using specialized video editing software. However, it’s not task-friendly to do so with photo background remover tools.
In Conclusion
Opting for a background remover is the best decision to make your image look cuter. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional photographer, having a good background eliminator can increase your productivity and reduce your editing time. Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro, and Affinity Photo are our top picks for professional editors, while GIMP is an excellent option for users on a budget, and Remove.bg and Photo Background Remover are great for ease of use. Take your time and choose the best software that suits your budget, skills, and assignments.