How to Remove Image Background Using GIMP

Using GIMP became very popular, as it is a reliable and versatile, easy to use, free graphic tool. It is therefore widely used as a photo processing tool. If you are using it too, you will certainly want to know how to remove background GIMP. From my own experience, I must point out that I do recommend using GIMP to complete this action, as the process is rather simple. It is not time-consuming, and the result is satisfactory, depending on your precision and the effort you make.

Follow the steps to remove the background using GIMP.

1. Opening the photo and set the size.

Open the photo you wish to process, i.e. to remove the background. As with most of the other programs, the opening part is done by selecting File and clicking Open. Select your image from the list. After displaying your image in the working area, I recommend using the Zoom tool to magnify the image to the right size. It will make the path points setting process much easier. The level of precision depends on the magnification level. Some of the ways to zoom into the image are:

– Using the Zoom Tool located in the Toolbox.

– Using a keyboard shortcut [Shift] + [Ctrl] + J.

– Selecting or entering the desired zoom percentage from the drop-down menu at the bottom of the work window and the key confirmation [Enter].

2. Setting the path points.

Use the Create and Edit paths tool and set the path points. It is very important to set the points along the edge of the background that you want to remove. Click between the points you set and move the lines to accurately follow the edges of the background. You can use the handles to further precisely adjust the curve.

3. Making a selection and removing the background.

When you have completed the path you wanted, use the Shift + V keys to select based on the path. Then press the combination of the Ctrl + I keys to reverse the selection. Then select the Layer > Transparency > Add Alpha Channel command, and finally press Ctrl + K to remove the background.

4. Additional options.

After you have deleted the background, you may want to leave your photo without a background or create a new, different one. The easiest way to do this is to create a new layer and insert a new background you opt for. Furthermore, I recommend the Clone Tool if you want to remove the object or part of the background from your image and insert a new background instead of that object. Select the brush, hold down the Ctrl key and left-click to mark the closest part of the image you want to copy. This part requires a bit of exercise, some adjustments, e.g. opacity, brush size, etc., and a skill to blend the new background with the original image.