How can you remove background in Illustrator? In graphic design, the ability to isolate an image from its background opens up a wide range of design possibilities. This post will show you different online and offline ways you can use to remove backgrounds.
Adobe Photoshop is the best application you can use to remove backgrounds from comlex images. If you have simple images, it is possible to use Adobe Illustrator for the same purpose.
Methods You Can Use to Remove Background in Illustrator
- Using the Pen Pen tool on Adobe Illustrator
- Using image trace on Illustrator
- Using Remove Bg online (Paid)
- Using Adobe Express online (Free)
Using the Pen tool on Adobe Illustrator
This method is best when dealing with mathematical shapes or irregular shapes. You need to know how to use the pen tool and clipping mask in Illustrator.
Step 1: Open your image in Illustrator by going to File > Open and clicking on your image. The image will be opened on your artboard.
Step 2: Lock the image by going to Object > Lock > Selection with the image selected. Shortcut: Control+2 or Command + 2 on MAC.
Step 3: Open the Pen tool shortcut P, then carefully trace around the subject. To draw straight lines, click once, and for curves, click and drag the mouse.
Step 4: Unlock all by going to Object > Unlock All or using the shortcut Control + ALT + 2 on PC or Command + Option + 2 on Mac.
Step 5: After the path around is complete, choose selection tool V and click and drag to select both the path and the image behind.
Step 6: Make sure the shape is in front. Go to Object > Make > Clipping Mask. The background will disappear, leaving only your traced object visible.
Using image trace on Illustrator
If you have a simple image, you can use Illustrator’s image trace option.
Step 1: Create a new artboard by going to File > New in Illustrator. Set the size and specifications.
Step 2: Go to File > Place and select your image to import in Illustrator.
Step 3: Select the image by clicking on it. Navigate to Window > Image Trace to bring up the Image Trace panel.
Step 4: Choose the most relevant setting, e.g., High Fidelity Photo or Black and White Logo.
Play around with the options until the best option comes up.
Step 5: Click Expand on the top menu to make all elements vectors.
Step 6: Click A to choose the Direct Selection Tool. Click on the background and parts you do not want and hit delete.
Remove Bg
The most common website you can use to do this is RemoveBG. Although it is free, you will need to buy credits to get a high-resolution image.
Click on Upload image, then navigate to where your image is saved. Click on it and choose remove background.
Click download to save the image without a background. You can also change the background to a custom image or solid color on the site.
Step 1: Go to the Remove.bg website.
Step 2: Upload Your Image
Step 3: Remove the Background
Step 4: Customize the Background (Optional)
Step 5: Download the Edited Image
Adobe Express
If you want a free high-resolution background remover, I recommend Adobe Express. It is a full editing suite with a free background remover.
Simply go to Adobe Express and choose to upload an image. Navigate to where your image is saved. The background is auto-removed for free, and you can download a high-resolution image.
Step 1: Go to Adobe Express
Step 2: Upload Your Image
Step 3: Navigate to Where Your Image Is Saved
Step 4: Wait for the Background to Be Auto-Removed
Step 5: Download the High-Resolution Image
Saving a transparent file in Illustrator
To get the file without a background, you need to save it in PNG format. After removing the background, get File>Export and choose PNG format from the drop-down menu.
A pop-up comes up with PNG options. PNG file format in full stands for Portable Network Graphics.
If the artboard size is too big, for example, 500 x 5400 pixels, you will face lags as you try to export using the above method. To save a large file, go to File>Save for WeWeb, and a pop-up menu will appear.
Adjust the settings to PNG with transparency.
How can you save a PNG file in Illustrator?
Step 1: Remove the Background
Step 2: Go to File > Export
Step 3: Choose PNG Format from the Drop-Down Menu
Step 4: Adjust the PNG Options in the Pop-Up Window
Step 5: If the artwork is Large (e.g., 4500 x 5400 pixels), use File > Save for Web
Step 6: Adjust Settings to PNG with Transparency in the Pop-Up Menu
Related Illustrator Tutorials
- Embedding an image in Illustrator
- How to Copy in Illustrator
- How to flatten in Illustrator
- Removing backgrounds in Illustrator
- Make an image black and white in Illustrator
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you save A transparent background file in Illustrator?
The first step to export a transparent PNG in illustrator is to get rid of the background from your artwork. Then, Export to PNG from the File > Export dropdown menu. A pop-up box with settings for PNG will pop up set them to your liking.
For larger files like 4500 x 5400 Pixels, use File > Save for Web. In the pop-up menu set the format to PNG and check if Transparency on. This may guarantee that the background clear in the last image.