How to Remove Background from Shutterstock Images

Have you ever come across an Shutterstock image that seems spot on only to discover that the background doesn't quite align with your vision? In situations like these background removal can be a true game changer. It's similar to adjusting a suit for a fit sometimes you have to cut away the elements to make it just right. Whether you're putting together a marketing brochure or creating a distinctive social media post removing the background from images can assist you in producing visuals that are more captivating and centered for your projects.

When using photos removing the background helps you focus on the main subject giving you more freedom in your creative work. Picture this you come across a beautiful picture of a woman with a product but the background is a crowded street. By getting rid of that background you can position her in front of a sleek and polished setting that aligns with your brands style. Its similar to setting up a scene that boosts your message and visual attractiveness.

Finding the Right Shutterstock Image for Your Project

The initial step in removing a background is picking the image. Not all images from Shutterstock are the same and selecting one that matches your vision can spare you a lot of editing trouble down the line. Consider it like selecting ingredients for a dish you need a quality foundation to achieve a fantastic result.

Here are some suggestions to assist you in locating the perfect image on Shutterstock.

• Focus on Simple Backgrounds: Opt for images with uncomplicated or solid backgrounds. This makes the removal process smoother and the end result more polished.
• Choose High-Resolution Images: Higher resolution images provide better detail, making the background removal process easier and the final image sharper.
• Look for Clear Subject Focus: Ensure that the main subject of the image is distinct and well-defined. This helps in achieving a clean background removal.

Based on what I've seen I believe that photos with simpler backgrounds need less effort and yield more impressive outcomes. So when you're browsing through Shutterstock remember these suggestions to make your editing smoother.

Read This: How to Sell Pictures on Shutterstock

Using Shutterstock Editor for Quick Background Removal

Have you heard about Shutterstocks built in editor for quick edits? Its a useful feature, particularly for removing backgrounds without diving into complicated software. I still recall my initial experience with it and was pleasantly surprised by its simplicity. Its akin to having a miniature photo editing studio right, at your convenience!

Here’s a guide on utilizing the Shutterstock Editor to remove backgrounds.

1. Open Your Image: Start by selecting the Shutterstock image you want to edit and open it in the Shutterstock Editor.
2. Select the Background Removal Tool: Look for the ‘Remove Background’ option in the editing tools. It’s usually a simple icon or option in the menu.
3. Adjust as Needed: The tool will automatically detect the background and remove it. However, you might need to fine-tune the edges using the brush tools provided.
4. Save and Download: Once you’re satisfied with the removal, save your edited image. You can download it in various formats as needed.

The Shutterstock Editor is a great tool for making edits quickly. Its easy to use interface makes it a good pick for people who want to complete tasks without getting into more complicated software.

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Free Online Tools to Remove Backgrounds from Shutterstock Images

You don’t always require software to get rid of backgrounds—there are free online tools that work wonders too. I recall a situation where I was pressed for time and couldn't use my go to photo editing program. That’s when I stumbled upon these free resources that proved to be incredibly helpful! They’re versatile like a knife when it comes to removing backgrounds providing various choices at no cost.

Here are a few of the best no cost web based tools at your disposal.

• Remove.bg: This tool is known for its ease of use. You simply upload your Shutterstock image, and it automatically removes the background. The results are often quite impressive, especially for straightforward backgrounds.
• PhotoScissors: PhotoScissors offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. It’s perfect for quick edits and allows you to refine the edges manually, which is great if you need a bit more control.
• Clipping Magic: With Clipping Magic, you get a bit more customization. It lets you mark areas to keep and areas to remove, which can be handy for more complex images.

When it comes to using these tools it usually involves just uploading your picture and letting the program handle the hard work. However in my experience they tend to be most effective with backgrounds. For more complex images you might still need to do some manual adjustments.

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Using Adobe Photoshop to Perfectly Remove Backgrounds

When it comes to having control over removing backgrounds Adobe Photoshop is the go to tool. I still recall the moment I used Photoshop for this task it was like trying to ride a bike. Initially it appeared daunting but with some practice I discovered its incredible capabilities.

Here’s a simple walkthrough on how to use Photoshop to remove backgrounds.

1. Open Your Image: Load your Shutterstock image into Photoshop.
2. Select the Subject: Use the ‘Quick Selection Tool’ or ‘Magic Wand Tool’ to select the subject. If needed, refine your selection using the ‘Select and Mask’ feature.
3. Remove the Background: Once you have your selection, you can delete the background or use layer masks to hide it.
4. Refine Edges: Zoom in and use the ‘Refine Edge Brush Tool’ to clean up any rough edges and make your subject blend seamlessly with new backgrounds.
5. Save Your Image: Save your work in the desired format, keeping a copy with layers if you need to make further adjustments later.

Photoshop is a tool that offers a range of possibilities. Although it may take some time to get used to, it’s definitely worth putting in the effort to learn if you often deal with visuals. The level of intricacy and accuracy it provides is unparalleled.

Read This: How to Get a Shutterstock Image for Free

Mobile Apps for Quick Background Removal on Shutterstock Images

In the hustle and bustle of life there are moments when you need to accomplish tasks while on the move. This is exactly where mobile applications prove to be handy. I have a memory of sitting in a coffee shop working on a project using my phone. To my delight I found these mobile apps to be quite efficient for swiftly removing backgrounds.

Here are a few top notch mobile applications that can help you eliminate backgrounds from Shutterstock pictures.

• Background Eraser (Android & iOS): This app is great for quick and easy background removal. You can use various tools to erase unwanted areas and refine the edges.
• Adobe Photoshop Express (Android & iOS): Adobe's mobile version offers background removal features along with other editing tools. It’s handy for those already familiar with Adobe’s ecosystem.
• Remove BG (iOS): An app that integrates with the popular Remove.bg tool, offering a straightforward way to remove backgrounds on your iPhone or iPad.

These applications are super handy, particularly when you’re out and about. While they might not provide the same degree of control as programs they are great for making quick adjustments and edits while you’re in a rush.

Read This: What Content You Can Sell on Shutterstock

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Backgrounds

Taking backgrounds out can be more challenging than it seems. Over time I've come across some pitfalls that are worth mentioning. It's similar to attempting to follow a recipe you have to steer clear of errors to achieve the desired outcome. Whether you're working with Photoshop or a complimentary web based tool knowing about these blunders can save you a lot of effort and annoyance.

Here are a few typical errors to be mindful of

• Ignoring Image Resolution: Using low-resolution images can result in a pixelated or blurry outcome. Always start with high-resolution images to ensure cleaner results.
• Overlooking Edge Details: It’s easy to miss out on fine details around the edges, which can lead to a jagged appearance. Make sure to zoom in and refine the edges carefully.
• Using Automatic Tools Without Adjustment: Automatic background removal tools are helpful, but they often miss small details. Always check and adjust manually to ensure accuracy.
• Not Checking for Artifacts: Sometimes, background removal tools leave behind small artifacts or remnants. Review your image thoroughly to clean up any leftover bits.
• Skipping Background Blur: If the image background is complex, applying a slight blur to the new background can help in blending the subject more naturally.

Based on what I’ve seen taking some time to review these elements can really have an impact. I’ve come to realize that a dash of patience and carefulness can elevate a decent picture to something truly exceptional.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When dealing with background removal its normal to have some inquiries. Throughout the years I’ve encountered numerous questions from other designers and creatives. In this article I’ll address some of the commonly asked questions to help clarify any uncertainties.

• Can I remove backgrounds from Shutterstock images for free? Yes, you can use various free online tools to remove backgrounds from Shutterstock images. Some popular options include Remove.bg and PhotoScissors.
• Is it legal to remove backgrounds from Shutterstock images? Yes, as long as you’re adhering to Shutterstock's licensing agreements and using the images in a manner allowed by their terms.
• What’s the best tool for removing backgrounds if I need high precision? For high precision, Adobe Photoshop is generally the best choice. It offers advanced tools and features that allow for meticulous background removal.
• Can I remove backgrounds from mobile apps effectively? Yes, mobile apps like Adobe Photoshop Express and Background Eraser are quite effective for background removal, though they might not offer the same level of detail as desktop software.
• What should I do if the background removal tool leaves artifacts? Use photo editing software to manually clean up any artifacts or remnants left behind by the removal tool.

I have discovered that tackling these frequently asked questions from the start can assist in overcoming obstacles and streamlining the overall journey.

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Conclusion

Taking backgrounds out of Shutterstock pictures can really make a difference in your creative work. With the tools and methods you can achieve it more easily than you may think. I’ve gone through this process and based on my own experience I can assure you that with some patience and careful observation you can transform an image into a valuable visual resource.

Whether you’re utilizing tools, Adobe Photoshop or mobile applications keep in mind that the objective is to improve your picture and ensure it aligns smoothly with your project. So be patient steer clear of errors and feel free to experiment with approaches until you discover what suits you best. Enjoy the editing process!