Removing the background is one of those small tweaks that makes a big difference, whether you’re cleaning up a product photo or trying to make social media posts look less like they were shot in a messy kitchen.
Adobe Express offers an easy way to do this for free, without delving into the complexities of Photoshop.
The browser editor and mobile apps include a quick background removal action that uses Adobe’s AI to select your subject and remove everything else with just a few clicks.
The free plan currently includes background removal, basic editing features, and a limited set of AI credits, so you can try out a few images before deciding if you need something more advanced.
Let’s see how to remove backgrounds easily with Adobe Express.
What you need before you start
Before you can crop backgrounds, you need a free Adobe account and access to Adobe Express in your browser or through the iOS or Android app.
Once you’re signed in, the current free plan gives you access to the Background Removal quick action, basic editing tools, and a limited set of AI credits.
Remove a background in Adobe Express
Once set up, removing a background in Adobe Express is mainly a matter of pointing to the right image and letting the AI do the work.
On your desktop, log in to Adobe Express websiteGo to the Home screen and find the Quick Actions panel, where you will find Background Removal along with other tools.
You can also open a new project, add your image to the canvas, and select the same option from the image editing controls.
Node Android and iOS mobile appsThe process is much the same: create a new project, add a photo from your camera roll or files, tap to select it, and find the Remove Background control in the toolbar.
In either case, drag a JPEG or PNG file into the upload area, or choose an image from local or cloud storage.
The tool’s first pass typically appears within seconds, and in testing it tends to be more reliable on bright subjects: a person against a flat wall, a gadget on a table, or a logo on a plain background.
If the result is still not good, it is often faster to undo the original image, crop or adjust it so that the subject stands out more clearly, and then run Background Removal again, rather than fighting against a messy mask.
Once you’re happy with your cutout, you can download it in PNG format with a transparent background.
Pro tips for cleaner, more professional results
For best results, it’s helpful to start with the right type of image.
Higher resolution photos with a bright subject and decent contrast between foreground and background generally produce sharper crops, so avoid small, heavily compressed files if you can.
Cropping the image before running Background Removal can also make a difference, as it forces Adobe Express to focus on the person, product, or logo rather than guessing between multiple objects in the frame.
In Express you can also add shadows or subtle outlines so your subject doesn’t look like it’s pasted on.
Limitations of free background remover
Although Adobe Express makes it easy to remove backgrounds with the free plan, there are some limitations to keep in mind.
For starters, background removal uses the same set of generator credits as other AI functions.
Quality is the other major limitation. The tool is generally very effective on simple subjects, but can still have problems with fine hair, glass, motion blur, or very busy, low-contrast backgrounds.
For most everyday tasks, the free version should be sufficient, but if you work at higher volumes or need finer control, that’s where a paid Express subscription or a full Creative Cloud app starts to make more sense.
Is Adobe Express Background Removal Really Free?
As it stands, you can use the tool on the free plan, without needing any card details, as long as you reach your monthly AI credit limit.
Frequently asked questions
- Does Express change the size or quality of my image? Some compression may be applied during export, so check the downloaded file.
- Can I use my clippings in commercial projects? Yes, in many cases, but you should always check Adobe’s current licensing terms.
- Does background removal also work for logos and images? This is often the case, but you’ll get the best results with simple, high-contrast designs.
- Can I process multiple images at the same time? Adobe Express is designed to work with one design or template at a time.
- Do I need to install other Adobe apps for this to work? No.
