How To Remove Background On Procreate

In the world of digital art and design, Procreate has established itself as a powerful tool for artists and creatives. One of the most sought-after techniques in this software is background removal. Whether you're looking to create a transparent background or replace it with something new, Procreate's background removal tool can make the process seamless and efficient. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of using the background removal tool in Procreate, providing you with a step-by-step guide and useful tips for achieving professional-looking results.

Understanding the Background Removal Tool in Procreate

The background removal tool in Procreate is a feature designed to help artists isolate subjects and remove unwanted elements from their artworks. By using this tool, you can easily eliminate backgrounds, allowing your subjects to stand out, or replace them with new environments to enhance your designs. It's an invaluable tool for creating clean, professional-looking compositions.

What is the Background Removal Tool?

The background removal tool is a powerful feature in Procreate that uses an intelligent algorithm to automatically detect and remove background elements from your artwork. It analyzes the image and separates the subject from the surrounding background, leaving you with a clean, transparent canvas to work with. This tool saves you time and effort, streamlining your workflow and allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of your artwork.

Imagine you're working on a digital painting of a beautiful landscape. The background removal tool can help you remove any distracting elements, such as buildings or people, that may take away from the natural beauty of the scene. With just a few taps, you can create a seamless composition that highlights the serene beauty of nature.

Additionally, the background removal tool is a great asset for photographers who want to enhance their images. Whether you're capturing portraits or product shots, having the ability to easily remove backgrounds can give your photos a professional touch. You can then add new backgrounds or simply let the subject shine against a transparent canvas.

Where to find the Background Removal Tool in Procreate

Accessing the background removal tool is straightforward in Procreate. To begin, open the image you wish to edit and navigate to the toolbar at the top of the screen. Tap on the "Actions" icon, which resembles a wrench, and select "Canvas" from the drop-down menu. From there, you will find the "Background Removal" option. Clicking on it will open the background removal tool, ready for you to start the editing process.

Once you've accessed the background removal tool, you'll notice an intuitive interface that allows for easy navigation and customization. Procreate understands the importance of a user-friendly experience, and they have designed the tool to be accessible to artists of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, you'll find the tool's layout and options to be intuitive and efficient.

Overview of the different options and settings in the Background Removal Tool

The background removal tool in Procreate offers various options and settings to customize your editing experience. The most important of these are the selection type, tolerance, and sensitivity. The selection type allows you to choose between "Automatic" and "Freehand" modes, allowing for automatic background detection or manual selection using your finger or an Apple Pencil. The tolerance and sensitivity settings help refine the selection by adjusting the tool's accuracy and responsiveness to your strokes.

When using the automatic selection mode, Procreate's intelligent algorithm analyzes the image and makes an educated guess on what constitutes the background and subject. It's a quick and convenient option for when you want to remove the background with minimal effort. However, if you prefer more control over the selection process, the freehand mode allows you to manually trace the subject using your finger or Apple Pencil. This mode is especially useful for complex or intricate subjects that require precise selection.

The tolerance and sensitivity settings give you the flexibility to fine-tune the background removal tool's behavior. Tolerance determines how forgiving the tool is when detecting the edges of the subject, while sensitivity controls how responsive the tool is to your strokes. By adjusting these settings, you can achieve the perfect balance between accuracy and ease of use, ensuring that the background removal process is tailored to your specific needs.

Procreate understands that every artist has their own unique style and preferences. That's why they have provided these options and settings in the background removal tool, allowing you to customize the tool to suit your artistic vision. Whether you're a meticulous artist who wants complete control over the selection process or a quick and efficient creator who prefers automatic detection, Procreate has got you covered.

Preparing Your Image for Background Removal

Before diving into the background removal process, it is essential to prepare your image to achieve optimal results. Taking a few extra steps can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of the background removal tool.

Choosing the right image for background removal

For the best outcome, selecting the right image is crucial when using Procreate's background removal tool. Look for images with clear edges, distinct subjects, and minimal complexity. Images with high contrast between the subject and the background often yield better results, as the tool can more easily distinguish between the two. Keep in mind that highly intricate or detailed backgrounds may pose challenges, requiring additional fine-tuning.

Adjusting the image size and resolution for better results

Resizing your image and adjusting its resolution can impact the precision of the background removal tool. If you intend to use the edited image in larger formats or print, it is advisable to work with a higher resolution. Conversely, for smaller digital formats or online use, reducing the image size can help improve the tool's speed and efficiency.

Cleaning up the image before removing the background (e.g., erasing unwanted elements)

Before activating the background removal tool, it is beneficial to clean up your image by manually erasing any unwanted elements or artifacts that may interfere with the tool's accuracy. Utilize Procreate's eraser tool to carefully remove distractions and enhance the clarity of the subject. This step ensures that the background removal tool can focus solely on accurately detecting and removing the intended areas.

Using the Background Removal Tool in Procreate

Now that your image is primed for background removal, it's time to explore the process step by step.

Step-by-step guide to using the Background Removal Tool

1. Open your desired image in Procreate and access the background removal tool as described earlier.

2. Choose the appropriate selection type based on your preference and the complexity of the image. For automatic background removal, select the "Automatic" mode. For manual selection, choose the "Freehand" mode.

3. Begin the selection process by swiping across the areas you want to remove. Pay close attention to the edges, ensuring you accurately capture the subject and exclude any undesired elements.

4. For intricate or complex backgrounds, take advantage of the zoom feature to fine-tune the selection. Use pinch gestures to zoom in and out, allowing for a more detailed view.

5. Refine your selection by adjusting the tolerance and sensitivity settings. Increase the tolerance for a broader selection or decrease it for greater precision. Experiment with the sensitivity to find the ideal balance between responsiveness and control.

6. Once you are satisfied with your selection, tap the "Apply" button to remove the background. Procreate will replace it with a transparent area, allowing you to experiment with different backgrounds or showcase your subject without distractions.

7. Preview your changes continually by tapping the "Background" button in the top toolbar. This will overlay the new background or transparency, providing visual feedback on how your artwork is progressing.

Selecting the background to be removed

When using the background removal tool, accuracy is key. Take your time to select the background areas you wish to remove carefully. Ensure that you fully encapsulate unwanted elements while excluding any important parts of the subject. Zooming in and utilizing the freehand mode can greatly assist in achieving precise selections, particularly around intricate details or complex edges.

Refining the selection for more accurate results

After the initial selection, refining it further can significantly improve the final outcome. Adjusting the tolerance and sensitivity settings allows you to fine-tune the tool's behavior, adapting it to the specific needs of your image. Take advantage of these settings to strike the right balance between inclusiveness and accuracy, ultimately leading to a cleaner and more refined selection.

Applying the background removal and previewing the changes

Once you have completed the selection and are satisfied with the refined outcome, applying the background removal is as simple as tapping the "Apply" button. This will remove the selected background and replace it with transparency. To get a better sense of the final result, regularly preview the changes by using the "Background" button in the top toolbar. This allows you to experiment with different backgrounds or evaluate the effect of a transparent background on your composition.

Fine-tuning the Background Removal

While Procreate's background removal tool is highly reliable, there may be instances where additional adjustments are required to achieve the desired outcome.

Adjusting the tolerance and sensitivity settings

The tolerance and sensitivity settings play a crucial role in achieving accurate background removal. If you find inconsistencies or unwanted remnants of the background, adjusting the tolerance setting can help refine the selection. Increasing the value widens the range of detected pixels, while decreasing it narrows it down. Additionally, the sensitivity setting can be fine-tuned to enhance the tool's responsiveness to your strokes, allowing for more precise selections.

Dealing with complex backgrounds and intricate details

In some instances, complex backgrounds or subjects with intricate details may pose challenges for the background removal tool. When encountering such scenarios, consider utilizing Procreate's eraser tool to manually refine the edges and further enhance the accuracy of the selection. This complementary operation ensures that no unwanted elements sneak into your final composition and allows for a seamless integration of new backgrounds or transparency.

Using the eraser tool to manually refine the edges

The eraser tool is a handy asset for fine-tuning the edges and refining the selection made by the background removal tool. Select a suitable size and hardness for the eraser, and gently erase any remnants of the background that may have been overlooked. Pay close attention to areas with intricate details or challenging edges, ensuring a precise and seamless transition between the subject and the transparent background.

HIVO: Streamlining Digital Asset Management

Efficiency is paramount when working with digital assets, and that's where HIVO comes in. HIVO is a powerful digital asset management platform that offers a comprehensive solution for storing, organizing, and sharing your creative work. With features such as advanced search functionality, customizable metadata, and team collaboration, HIVO simplifies the management of your digital assets, keeping you focused on your creative process.

Removing backgrounds is a crucial skill for any digital artist or designer. Procreate's background removal tool provides a simple and efficient way to achieve professional-looking results, whether you're creating transparent backgrounds or replacing them with new environments to enhance your compositions. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article and utilizing the tips and techniques shared, you'll be well on your way to mastering this valuable feature in Procreate.