How-to guide / GIMP
How to remove a background in GIMP
GIMP is free and can do precise cutouts, but there’s no one-click AI option.
You’ll need: GIMP 2.10 or later on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Add an alpha channel
Layer → Transparency → Add Alpha Channel. Without it, deleted areas turn white instead of transparent.
Select the background or subject
Use Fuzzy Select for flat backgrounds, or Tools → Selection Tools → Foreground Select for photos: roughly outline the subject, then paint over it.
Delete the background
If you selected the subject, invert with Select → Invert, then press Delete.
Export as PNG
File → Export As, name it .png and export.
What GIMP can’t do well
Foreground Select is slow on large images, and hair needs careful manual work.
Questions people ask
Why does GIMP fill with white when I press Delete?
The layer has no alpha channel. Add one via Layer → Transparency → Add Alpha Channel, then delete again.
Does GIMP have an AI background remover?
Not built in. Third-party plug-ins exist, but most people use an online remover and open the PNG in GIMP for retouching.
Is there a faster way than GIMP?
If you just need the cutout, drop the picture into QuickCut’s free background remover: no signup, a transparent PNG in seconds, with edge controls and erase/restore brushes. Then open the PNG in GIMP.