How to Remove a Background in Canva (2026)
Canva’s Background Remover isolates a subject from its background in one click. Here’s how to use it, refine the cutout, and the free-plan alternative.
1. Remove the Background
- Click the image on your canvas.
- In the top toolbar, click Edit image.
- Under the tools panel, click BG Remover (Background Remover).
- Wait a moment — Canva erases the background and leaves your subject on transparency.
2. Refine the Edges
If the cutout missed spots or removed too much:
- With BG Remover still open, click Erase or Restore.
- Adjust the brush size.
- Paint over areas to remove leftover background (Erase) or bring back parts of the subject (Restore).
3. Place the Subject on a New Background
Once cut out, the subject sits on transparency. Drop a new color, photo, or gradient behind it, or set it over your design. To keep transparency on export, download as PNG with the Transparent background option.
4. Free-Plan Alternative
Background Remover is a Canva Pro / Teams feature. On Free, you can:
- Use a free third-party remover, then upload the transparent PNG to Canva.
- Or place the subject inside a frame/shape to crop out unwanted edges manually.
5. Troubleshooting
BG Remover isn’t showing
It requires Canva Pro. Confirm your plan, and make sure you clicked Edit image with a photo (not a vector element) selected.
The cutout has rough edges or holes
Use Restore to paint back missing pieces and Erase for stray background. Zoom in for fine control around hair and thin details.
My exported file still has a white background
Download as PNG and tick Transparent background (a Pro option) — JPG and non-transparent PNG bake in a white fill.
Related Canva guides: How to make a collage · How to add a video · How to outline text · How to download as PDF. To turn raw images into finished designs automatically, see Carly’s Canva integration.
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