Removing distracting backgrounds from images is a great way to make them stand out more in your Google Docs documents. With just a few clicks, you can delete backgrounds to highlight the main focus of any image.
Whether you want to remove a solid color background or even selectively erase complex backgrounds, Google Docs has the tools to help. Read on to learn how to remove backgrounds from images right within Google Docs.
Prepare Your Image
Before uploading an image to Google Docs, make sure it will work well with the background removal tool.
- The image should have good contrast between the main subject and background. Images with gradual transitions between the subject and background are harder to separate.
- Avoid images with intricate, complex backgrounds. The background removal works best on solid color backgrounds.
- For best results, make sure the main subject does not blend too much into the background. Distinct edges help the tool detect and erase the background accurately.
Once you’ve selected a suitable image, save it to your computer so you can upload it to Google Docs.
Add the Image to Google Docs
To get started, open the Google Docs document where you want to use the image. Follow these steps:
- Click Insert > Image in the Docs toolbar.
- In the upload window, select the image file from your computer and click Open.
- Click the image to select it. Look for the blue resizing handles to confirm it is selected.
The image is now placed in your document, ready for background removal.
Use the Remove Background Tool
Here is how to access and use the useful Remove Background tool:
- With your image selected, click the Adjust image icon in the toolbar (looks like a diagonal arrow inside a box).
- In the sidebar that opens, scroll down and click the Remove background tool.
- By default, Docs will attempt to automatically detect and delete the background. Review the results:
- If it removed too much, use the Restore button and brush to recover areas.
- If it missed spots, use the Erase brush to manually erase.
- Zoom in as needed for precise editing along the edges.
- Click Done when you are satisfied with the background removal results.
If the automatic process does not work well, click Erase manually in step 3 to erase the whole background with the Erase brush.
It takes practice to cleanly erase backgrounds manually. Work slowly and zoom to check edges. Having a graphics tablet can help for more precise control.
Tips for Tricky Images
Erasing intricate backgrounds can be challenging in Google Docs. For best results:
- Use high resolution images so small details do not get blurred or distorted.
- Stick to solid color backgrounds whenever possible, as gradients are hard to erase cleanly.
- Avoid busy backgrounds with lots of variation and detail. Simpler backgrounds make the job easier.
- For portraits, carefully trace the outline of hair and other complex edges. Zoom way in for precision.
- For products against white backgrounds, increase Contrast under Adjustments to see edges clearly.
- If you just can’t get a clean result no matter what, consider using advanced image editing software like Photoshop instead.
Enhance the Cutout Image
With the background erased, a flat image can look unnatural just floating on the white page. Here are some quick tips to make cutout images look better:
- Add a drop shadow in the Adjustments sidebar to add depth.
- For portraits, desaturate slightly and add a black vignette overlay to keep focus on the face.
- Place the image over a subtle background color or texture to blend it in.
- Outline the image with a matching colored border to ground it visually.
Take a minute to experiment with options like these until the image looks natural on the page, drawing viewers to the focal point.
Use Background Removal to Stand Out
Removing distracting backgrounds is an easy way to make images stand out on the page. The Remove Background tool in Google Docs does the hard work for you with just a few clicks.
As you can see, getting a perfect cutout on complex images takes some practice. But the power to erase image backgrounds right within Docs means you can quickly test options and highlight your best photos.
