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How to Easily Change the Background Color of an Image Without Photoshop

Key Takeaways:

  • You can change image backgrounds for free using online tools like Canva and PhotoScissors
  • Movavi Photo Editor is an affordable desktop alternative to Photoshop for background removal
  • The process generally involves marking the foreground object, refining the selection, then choosing a new background color or image

Have you ever found the perfect photo, only to wish it had a different background? Changing image backgrounds used to require expensive software like Photoshop and advanced editing skills. But now, anyone can easily swap out an image background in just a few clicks using free online tools or affordable desktop apps. Here’s how:

Using Canva to Change Image Backgrounds

Canva is a popular free online graphic design tool that makes it simple to edit photos, no skills required. Here’s how to change a photo background in Canva:

  1. Upload your image to Canva
  2. From the bottom toolbar, go to “Background” (you may need to click “Apps” first to find it)
  3. Use the background color picker to select your desired background color
  4. Adjust the brightness, contrast, and other image settings if needed
  5. Download your edited image

That’s it! In just a few taps, you’ve replaced the image background with a new solid color of your choice. Canva has an intuitive interface that makes background removal quick and easy.

Removing Backgrounds with PhotoScissors Online

For more advanced background removal and replacement, try the free PhotoScissors web app. It uses AI to automatically detect and cut out the subject from your photo. Then you can choose a new background color or image.

  1. Go to photoscissors.com and upload your image
  2. PhotoScissors will remove the background automatically
  3. Refine the selection using the green Foreground Mask brush if needed
  4. Switch to the Background tab
  5. Choose a solid color or upload a new image to use as the background
  6. Download your edited photo

PhotoScissors handles the complex task of selecting the foreground subject for you using AI. This makes it great for trickier images where the subject and background colors are similar. The whole process takes less than a minute.

Changing Backgrounds in Movavi Photo Editor

For those who prefer a desktop app, Movavi Photo Editor provides Photoshop-like background removal tools for an affordable one-time fee. It’s more powerful than online editors while still being easy to use.

  1. Open your image in Photo Editor and go to the “Change Background” tab
  2. Mark the foreground object and background using the Brush or Lasso tool
  3. Refine the selection edge using the Mask Brush as needed
  4. Choose a new background color, transparency, or image
  5. Adjust the edge blur, color matching, and positioning of the object on the new background
  6. Save your edited image

Movavi gives you granular control over selecting the subject and fine-tuning the final result. The Adjust Colors to Background tool is especially handy for making the object blend with the new background realistically.

Tips for Changing Image Backgrounds

  • For best results, choose an image where the subject has clear, sharp edges distinct from the background
  • If the foreground and background are similar colors, you may need to do more manual refinement of the selection
  • A subtle edge blur can help the subject look natural on the new background
  • Color adjustment is key to matching the lighting and tone of the subject to a new background image
  • Resize and position the subject thoughtfully on the new background for a realistic final composite

With these tips and the right tools, anyone can achieve convincing background replacements in any image. It’s fun to get creative and experiment with different looks.

FAQ

What’s the easiest way to change a photo background?

Using a tool like Canva or PhotoScissors Online is the simplest method, as they handle most of the background removal process automatically. With just a few clicks or taps, you can replace the background with no technical skills needed.

Do I need Photoshop to change image backgrounds?

No, there are now many free and low-cost alternatives to Photoshop for background removal. Online tools like PhotoScissors and desktop apps like Movavi Photo Editor make it accessible to everyone.

How do I make the subject match the new background?

Adjusting the edge blurring and colors of the subject to match the new background is key for a realistic result. Look for Color to Background or Edge Blur adjustment tools in your photo editor. It also helps to choose a new background that is lit similarly to the original image.

Can I use a transparent background?

Yes, most photo background removers let you download an image with a transparent background. This is useful for creating stickers, logos, and graphics with no background to overlay on other designs. Look for the checkerboard pattern or Transparent option when selecting your new background.

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