How to Remove Background from Photo in Canva, by Howfinity on YouTube. 3 min 26 s.
- Video length
- 3 min 26 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Open Canva and start a new design or open an existing one. Any size works, such as a YouTube thumbnail or an Instagram post.
Click Uploads in the left sidebar, then Upload files and pick your photo. Drag it from the panel onto the canvas.
Click the photo on the canvas to select it. A toolbar appears above it with the editing options.
Choose Edit photo in the toolbar to open the editing panel on the left of the screen.
Click Background Remover. Canva works for a few seconds and removes the background automatically, with no settings to adjust.
Zoom in with the slider and check the edges. Use Eraser to rub out leftover background, or Restore to bring back parts that were removed by mistake.
Move or resize the cut-out on the canvas, then add a new colour, gradient or photo behind it if you want one.
Click Share, then Download, and choose PNG as the file type. PNG keeps the empty area transparent, while JPG fills it with white.
Tips and common mistakes
The Background Remover is a Canva Pro feature, so free accounts see a crown icon next to it.
Photos with a clear subject against a plain, contrasting background cut out much more cleanly.
Always download as PNG. Saving as JPG flattens the image and turns the transparent area white.
Fix hair and thin edges with Eraser and Restore while zoomed in, not at full-page view.
Questions
Is the background remover free in Canva?
No, it is part of Canva Pro. Free accounts see a crown icon on the tool and need a Pro subscription or trial to use it.
Why does my downloaded image still have a white background?
You most likely saved it as a JPG. Download the design again, choose PNG and the transparent area will stay transparent.
Can I put a new background behind the cut-out photo?
Yes. Add a colour, gradient or photo from the Background or Elements tab, then right-click the cut-out, open Layer and send it to the front.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
