That perfect vacation photo would be flawless if not for the stranger photobombing in the background. Or maybe you captured a beautiful landscape, but a few tourists wandered into the frame at the last second. Sound familiar?
Removing unwanted people from photos used to require expensive software like Photoshop and hours of painstaking editing. Not anymore. Thanks to advances in AI technology, you can now eliminate people from your images using free online tools that do most of the heavy lifting for you.
Whether you’re dealing with accidental photobombers, want to create cleaner compositions, or need to remove people for privacy reasons, these tools can help you achieve professional-looking results without spending a dime. Let’s explore the best free options available and learn how to use them effectively.
Why Remove People from Photos?
Before diving into the tools, it’s worth understanding the common scenarios where photo editing becomes necessary. You might want to remove people from photos to create cleaner architectural shots, eliminate distractions from nature photography, or protect someone’s privacy by removing them from images you plan to share publicly.
Professional photographers often face this challenge when shooting in busy locations. Even casual photographers encounter situations where removing a person or two could transform a good photo into a great one. The key is having the right tools at your disposal.
Top Free Online Tools for Removing People
Remove.bg
While primarily known for background removal, Remove.bg offers basic object removal features that work well for simple people removal tasks. The tool uses AI to automatically detect and remove subjects from images.
Pros:
- Extremely user-friendly interface
- Fast processing times
- No registration required
- Works well with clear subject boundaries
Cons:
- Limited to basic removal tasks
- May struggle with complex backgrounds
- Fewer manual editing options
Best for: Quick removal of people with clear edges against simple backgrounds.
Photopea
This browser-based editor closely mimics Photoshop’s interface and functionality. Photopea provides powerful tools like the Clone Stamp and Healing Brush, making it excellent for manual people removal.
Pros:
- Professional-grade editing tools
- Supports layers and advanced techniques
- No download required
- Completely free
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve
- Requires more manual work
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Best for: Users comfortable with photo editing who want professional results.
Canva Magic Eraser
Canva’s Magic Eraser feature uses AI to intelligently remove objects and people from photos. Simply brush over the area you want to remove, and the tool fills in the background automatically.
Pros:
- Intuitive brush-based interface
- Good AI-powered background reconstruction
- Part of a larger design platform
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons:
- Requires free Canva account
- Limited to Canva’s ecosystem
- May not handle complex scenes well
Best for: Content creators already using Canva who need quick edits.
Fotor Object Remover
Fotor’s object removal tool combines AI technology with manual editing options. You can mark the people you want to remove, and the algorithm attempts to seamlessly fill in the background.
Pros:
- Balances automation with control
- Multiple editing tools available
- Good results on varied backgrounds
- Free tier available
Cons:
- Watermark on free version
- Limited resolution in free tier
- Some features require premium subscription
Best for: Users who want AI assistance with some manual control options.
GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)
While not browser-based, GIMP deserves mention as a completely free, downloadable alternative to expensive photo editing software. It offers professional tools for complex people removal tasks.
Pros:
- Completely free forever
- Professional-grade tools
- Extensive community support
- No usage limitations
Cons:
- Requires download and installation
- Steep learning curve
- Time-intensive for complex edits
Best for: Serious photo editors willing to invest time in learning powerful tools.
Cleanup.pictures
This AI-powered tool specializes in object and people removal. Simply upload your image, brush over the unwanted elements, and let the AI reconstruct the background.
Pros:
- Purpose-built for object removal
- Good AI reconstruction
- Simple brush interface
- Fast processing
Cons:
- Limited free usage
- May require account creation
- Less effective on complex scenes
Best for: Straightforward people removal with minimal editing experience required.
Pixlr
Pixlr offers both basic and advanced editing modes. Its AI-powered remove tool can eliminate people from photos while attempting to recreate realistic backgrounds.
Pros:
- Multiple editor options (basic and advanced)
- Good balance of features and usability
- Cloud-based with no downloads
- Mobile app available
Cons:
- Some advanced features require subscription
- Interface can feel cluttered
- Limited free export options
Best for: Users who want flexibility between simple and advanced editing modes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing People
Regardless of which tool you choose, the general process follows similar steps:
Step 1: Choose the Right Photo
Select images where people are clearly separated from important background elements. Photos with simpler backgrounds typically yield better results.
Step 2: Upload and Assess
Upload your image to your chosen tool. Take a moment to evaluate the complexity of the removal task.
Step 3: Mark or Select
Use the tool’s selection method (brush, lasso, or automatic detection) to identify the people you want to remove.
Step 4: Process and Review
Allow the AI to process your request, then carefully review the results. Look for unnatural patterns, missing details, or obvious editing artifacts.
Step 5: Refine if Necessary
Use manual tools to touch up any imperfections. This might involve cloning nearby textures or adjusting colors to match the surrounding area.
Step 6: Export and Save
Download your edited image in the highest quality available from your chosen tool.
Tips for Better Results
Work with High-Resolution Images: Higher quality source images provide more detail for AI algorithms to work with, resulting in better reconstruction of removed areas.
Choose Simple Backgrounds: Tools perform better when reconstructing uniform textures like sky, water, or grass rather than complex patterns or architectural details.
Remove One Person at a Time: For multiple subjects, process them individually rather than trying to remove everyone at once. This approach typically produces cleaner results.
Consider the Background: Before taking photos, think about positioning people against backgrounds that would be easier to recreate if removal becomes necessary.
Practice Patience: Complex removals may require multiple attempts or different tools to achieve the best results.
When to Consider Professional Help
While free tools have become remarkably capable, certain situations still benefit from professional editing:
- Commercial photography requiring perfect results
- Complex scenes with intricate backgrounds
- Images where people overlap important architectural or natural features
- High-stakes situations where editing artifacts could be problematic
For personal use, social media, and casual photography, the free tools discussed above should meet most needs effectively.
Transform Your Photos Today
Free online tools have democratized photo editing, making it possible for anyone to remove unwanted people from their images. Whether you choose an AI-powered solution for quick results or invest time learning more comprehensive tools like Photopea or GIMP, you now have the knowledge to clean up your photos without spending money on expensive software.
Start with the simpler tools if you’re new to photo editing, then gradually work your way up to more advanced options as your skills develop. Remember that practice makes perfect—the more you experiment with these tools, the better your results will become.
Your perfect photo might be just a few clicks away. Choose a tool that matches your skill level and start transforming those almost-perfect shots into images you’ll be proud to share.