How-to guide / PowerPoint
How to remove a background in PowerPoint
PowerPoint shares Word’s background removal tool, so you can cut out pictures without leaving your slides.
You’ll need: PowerPoint for Microsoft 365, 2010 or later on Windows, or 2011 or later on Mac.
Select the picture on the slide
The Picture Format tab appears on the ribbon.
Click Remove Background
PowerPoint highlights the parts it will remove in magenta.
Fix the selection
Use Mark Areas to Keep / Mark Areas to Remove to correct it.
Keep Changes
Click Keep Changes. Right-click → Save as Picture to export a PNG.
One flat colour?
Picture Format → Color → Set Transparent Color, then click the background colour.
What PowerPoint can’t do well
Struggles with hair, fine detail and busy backgrounds. Not available in PowerPoint for the web.
Questions people ask
Can I remove a background in PowerPoint online?
No, PowerPoint for the web doesn’t include Remove Background. Cut the picture out with QuickCut and insert the transparent PNG instead.
Why does the cutout look jagged on a dark slide?
The tool makes hard edges with no partial transparency. A cutout with soft, semi-transparent edges blends better on dark backgrounds.
Is there a faster way than PowerPoint?
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 PowerPoint.