How To Remove Photo Backgrounds in Snapseed Mobile App Editor

Snapseed is a popular and powerful photo editing app for mobile devices that offers a range of tools to help you create stunning images. One of these tools is the ability to intelligently remove backgrounds from images.

An Introduction to Snapseed

Snapseed is a complete and professional photo editor developed by Google that is available for both iOS and Android devices. It offers the following key features:

  • 29 Tools and Filters, including: Healing, Brush, Structure, HDR, Perspective
  • Opens JPG and RAW files
  • Save your personal looks and apply them to new photos later
  • Selective filter brush
  • Tutorial cards with tips and tricks about Snapseed and general photography

The app has received numerous awards and accolades, including being named iPad App of the Year 2011 by Apple. It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it a favorite among amateur and professional photographers alike.

Now let’s look at how to utilize Snapseed’s background removal capabilities.

Removing Photo Backgrounds in Snapseed

Removing distracting or cluttered backgrounds from photos is a breeze with Snapseed’s powerful and intuitive tools.

Here are the steps to follow:

  1. First, download Snapseed if you don’t have it already. It’s free and available for both iPhones and Androids[7].
  2. Once installed, open the app and find the photo you want to edit. Tap on it to open the image.
  3. Tap on “Tools” at the bottom center to open the list of editing tools.
  4. Select the “Healing” tool to remove unwanted objects and backgrounds.
  5. Brush over the areas you want to remove. Snapseed will intelligently fill in the background. Pay close attention to edges.
  6. Adjust the brush size as needed to accurately remove smaller or trickier areas.
  7. Tap “Apply” when you have removed the entire background as desired.
  8. Export or save your edited image from the main Snapseed screen.

And you’re done! The background has been neatly and intelligently removed, with smooth edges around the main subject.

Tips for Removing Tricky Backgrounds

Some backgrounds can be tricky to remove depending on the composition of the image. Here are some tips:

  • Zoom in on tricky edges and patiently brush over them multiple times for the best results.
  • Use the “Dodge and Burn” tool to precisely lighten or darken difficult areas[1].
  • For photos with people, use the “Face Pose” tool to ensure facial features remain natural looking[23].
  • Changing backgrounds completely is possible too using layers and blending[4][18].

Why Snapseed is So Popular for Removing Backgrounds

There are several reasons why Snapseed has become a go-to app for removing photo backgrounds[9]:

  • It’s completely free to download and use on iOS and Android
  • The tools are intuitive yet powerful
  • Results are precise and professional looking
  • No expertise is required to get excellent results after some practice
  • Has advanced capabilities like RAW editing that aren’t found in many mobile apps

While desktop apps like Photoshop offer more advanced background removal, Snapseed provides an easy way to edit on the go.

Alternatives to Snapseed for Removing Backgrounds

Snapseed removes backgrounds easily, but there are alternatives to consider as well with their own pros and cons[9]:

  • Adobe Photoshop Express: More advanced features but not as intuitive and mobile friendly.
  • Background Eraser: Specialized background removal app but fewer editing tools overall.
  • PhotoDirector: Great balance of editing tools and background removal capability.
  • Pixelmator: Full-featured photo editor with lots of control over backgrounds.

So while Snapseed remains a top choice, there are other options based on your specific needs.

Final Tips on Snapseed Background Removal

Here are some final tips to take your Snapseed background removal skills to the next level:

  • Utilize YouTube tutorials to see removal techniques in action[2][6][10][17].
  • Experiment with all the Tools to discover new ways to touch up tricky backgrounds.
  • Save your edited photos to the Snapseed app gallery for easy future access.
  • Apply Looks and Filters after removing backgrounds for fun artistic effects.

Removing distracting backgrounds in Snapseed is fun, easy, and produces professional results. With some practice, you’ll be able to transform your photos and take your mobile photography to the next level.