Watermarks can be annoying. While they serve a purpose for photographers and artists to protect their work, as a consumer, you may want to remove the watermarks from photos you find online. Thankfully, there are easy ways to remove watermarks without expensive software like Photoshop.
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Why Remove Watermarks?
There are a few reasons you may want to remove a photo’s watermark:
- Improve aesthetics – Watermarks can be distracting and take away from the beauty of a photo. Removing it helps you better appreciate the image.
- Use for personal projects – If you want to use a watermarked image for a school assignment, presentation, or personal website, the mark may not be appropriate. Removing it lets you use the photo freely.
- Avoid paying for stock photos – Stock photos often have watermarks unless you pay for a license. Removing the mark lets you access stock images for free.
Is It Illegal to Remove Watermarks?
Removing watermarks without permission is technically illegal. However, laws are rarely enforced for personal use. As long as you’re not selling or redistributing the photos, you likely face no legal consequences for deleting watermarks.
That said, removing watermarks to steal commercial photos or artwork is unethical. Whenever possible, support artists by paying for their work.
Easy Online Tools to Remove Watermarks
You don’t need Photoshop to delete watermarks. Several free online tools make watermark removal simple:
1. Watermark Remover
Watermark Remover (watermarkremover.io) uses AI technology to detect and erase watermarks automatically. Just upload your photo, and the watermark disappears in seconds.
Pros:
- Completely automatic
- Works on any watermark type
- Free to use
Cons:
- Must upload photos to third-party site
2. Fotor
Fotor is a free online photo editor with a dedicated watermark removal tool. Using a smart “object removal” brush, just paint over the watermark to erase it.
Pros:
- Intuitive brush for manual removal
- Many other editing features
- Works on mobile
Cons:
- Takes more effort than automated tools
3. ImgPlay
ImgPlay is another free online editor with an “eraser” tool ideal for deleting watermarks. Using a brush, simply color over the mark just like in Fotor.
Pros:
- Easy to use eraser
- Lots of filters and effects
- No account required
Cons:
- Less accurate than AI removers
- Fewer features than Fotor
How to Remove Watermarks in Photoshop
Don’t have access to Photoshop? No problem! Here are two easy methods to remove watermarks using free Photoshop alternatives:
Use GIMP
GIMP is a free open-source photo editor with many of Photoshop’s key features. To remove a watermark in GIMP:
- Open your photo
- Select the Clone Stamp tool
- Set your brush size
- Hold Ctrl and click the area you want to clone
- Paint over the watermark
GIMP clones nearby pixels to cover the mark perfectly. It takes some practice but removes watermarks seamlessly!
Use Pixlr
Pixlr is a free Photoshop alternative online. Like Fotor, its “erase” tool lets you manually paint over watermarks.
To delete watermarks in Pixlr:
- Import your photo
- Select the eraser
- Adjust size as needed
- Brush over the watermark
It’s that easy! The eraser allows you to see the photo underneath so you can accurately remove the mark.
Other Tips for Watermark Removal
Beyond online tools and Photoshop alternatives, here are a few other quick tips:
- Crop out the watermark – If the mark is on the edge, cropping may be the easiest removal method
- Use the Spot Healing tool – Some basic editors have this tool that automatically covers marks by blending nearby pixels
- Adjust opacity – In some apps, reducing watermark opacity can make it practically invisible
The next time you need to remove an annoying watermark, don’t waste money on Photoshop. Use these free online tools and tips to seamlessly delete watermarks instead. Removing that ugly mark can let you better appreciate a beautiful photo!
