I’m looking for an easy way to edit the background of a photo on my iPhone without paying. I want tips for apps or built-in features that can help me achieve this quickly and for free.
There’s actually a super easy way to change a photo’s background for free on your iPhone—it’s probably more accessible than you think. Have you tried the Magic Eraser-like feature in the Photos app or using third-party apps? First, if your iPhone is updated to iOS 16 or later, you can hold down on the subject of your photo, and boom—it lifts it right out of the background. Apple calls this ‘Lift Subject from Background’ and no, it’s not paywalled behind some subscription. Once the subject is isolated, you can paste it into a new photo or app to slap on a different background. Super fast and built right in.
For third-party apps, Snapseed (also free) has a background removal option that’s fairly straightforward, though it doesn’t auto-swap backgrounds. If you want an automated solution, try Adobe Express or Canva Free. Canva even comes with ready-made backgrounds to drop your subject into. They’ll beg you to upgrade to premium features, but the basics are totally usable without paying.
Also, let’s not forget the OG free background-removal tool: removing the background manually in iMovie by chroma keying (kidding, don’t torture yourself). Just go play with these free options, and you’ll find something that works!
Honestly, @suenodelbosque nailed some great suggestions, but let’s be real—iPhone features like ‘Lift Subject from Background’ (kinda fancy, right?) only work well in perfect conditions. If the background is too cluttered or the lighting’s off, the results can look a bit… let’s just say “abstract.” So, here are a few other options that might help, especially if you’re a perfectionist with free options:
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PhotoRoom App (Free Version): It’s like magic for background removal. Just upload your pic, and it gets rid of the background in seconds without lifting a finger. You can add new ones too, though some fancier features are locked behind a paywall.
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Remove.bg: Even though it’s technically a website, it works perfectly on Safari or any mobile browser. Upload your photo for a seamless cut-out—and yes, it’s free unless you need insanely high resolution.
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Picsart Free Version: Free, user-friendly, and has a removal tool that’s actually pretty decent. PLUS, fun editing tools you won’t find in Apple’s built-in stuff (filters, anyone?).
Look, if you’re fancying 0 effort, neither Snapseed nor Canva (in their free versions) will work unless you manually edit the background or kind of fake it with overlays. But hey, play with both approaches and decide for yourself what’s worth your time.
Alright, so building on what’s already been said, here’s something: while the iPhone’s Lift Subject from Background feature and apps like Snapseed or Canva might sound good for casual use, they’re not always flawless when it comes to precision. And let’s not forget, some of these tools subtly nudge you toward paid features, even if they tout ‘free.’
Now, if you want to go no-cost but slightly more advanced, here’s a workaround you might like:
1. GIMP via Your Browser (Free Power Tool)
Okay, yes, GIMP is technically for desktops, but platforms like RollApp let you use it for free from your mobile browser. It’s thorough, gives more manual control, and avoids those ‘oops, your free trial has expired’ moments. Pro: Full customization; Con: Could feel clunky on a small screen.
2. Background Eraser Lite Version
Not to be confused with a fancy premium app, this one specializes in—you guessed it—background removal. It’s not fully automated like Remove.bg, but for those pockets of time where precision is worth it, it’s a win. Pro: Pinpoint edits; Con: No extra fancy templates or auto-backdrop swaps like Canva.
3. Try Fotor-Free for a Seamless Look
Fotor edges into Adobe Express territory, offering easy editing tools without the hoops of account creation or bank-draining subscriptions (compare that to Picsart, which tries to sell premium flashy features every other click). Pro: Beginner-friendly UI; Con: Limits on ultra-high-res exports.
Some quick thoughts: Remove.bg (shoutout to @suenodelbosque) nails it for convenience, but you’re tethered to the internet; meanwhile, PhotoRoom is like cheating—it’s so fast, but meh, watermark in the free tier. If you need functionality over frills, go browser-based or lean into niche apps like Background Eraser for laser focus.
Happy editing! But seriously, sometimes, isn’t a cluttered background part of the charm? Not every frame needs a clean slate!