Background removal

Background removal is the process of isolating a product from its original background, creating a 'cutout' that can be placed on any new background. It's one of the most fundamental and frequently used techniques in ecommerce image production.

Why background removal matters

A clean cutout is the foundation for virtually all product image work:

• Marketplace compliance: Amazon requires pure white backgrounds for main images
• Catalog consistency: Same background across all products creates a professional look
• Creative flexibility: Cutouts can be placed on any background for ads and campaigns
• Design assets: Transparent PNGs are essential for graphic design work

Traditional vs AI background removal

Traditional background removal in Photoshop can take 15-30 minutes per image, especially for complex products with fine details. AI-powered tools now accomplish the same task in seconds with comparable quality.

Quality markers to look for

• Clean edges: No halos or artifacts around the product
• Detail preservation: Fine elements like hair, laces, or jewelry chains intact
• Complete extraction: No missing product parts
• Smooth transitions: Natural-looking edges without jagged pixels

For best results, start with a well-lit image where the product contrasts clearly with its background. Busy or cluttered backgrounds make extraction more difficult.