Best Photo Editor for Background Manipulation: 5 Options

Background removal and replacement techniques in photography have been around for a surprisingly long time, dating back to the 19th century. While we have moved miles further from the early composite photographers, who used the technique of combining multiple negatives in the 1850s or the Chroma Key (Green Screen) boom in the 1940s, the idea is still the same.

Making an image transparent or replacing the background can be a game changer for photographers looking for creativity in their edits, regardless of whether it's for commercial or hobby use. Luckily, the arrival of AI and automation has made this task more and more accessible for everyone, making simple edits a matter of just a few clicks.

In this article, we will look at 5 best background remover software for PC to help you find the perfect fit for your workflow.

1. Adobe Photoshop

Best for Professionals and Advanced Users

While Adobe Photoshop recently celebrated 35 years since its release, it still remains the gold standard for complex image edits, including changing a picture's background.

Long gone are the days when users had to rely solely on tools like Magic Wand, Pen, or Lasso. With the addition of AI-powered features, users can now take advantage of tools like Select Subject, Quick Selection, and Object Selection, which offer impressive accuracy.

When combined with the Remove Background function or the generative AI Replace Background tool, users can replace backgrounds in just a few minutes.

However, the main strength of Photoshop lies in the level of control it offers. Layer Masks and Refine Edge options allow for detailed adjustments, such as refining hair strands and soft edges.

Photoshop is perfect for professional work, advanced composites, and any project that demands precise photo manipulation.

2. Luminar Neo 

Best for AI-powered edits and Speed

Luminar Neo, thanks to its powerful Portrait Background Removal and Background Removal AI tools, stands out as one of the best software to remove backgrounds from images.

The software is designed for photographers who want to achieve professional-looking results quickly and easily. The built-in AI identifies and separates the subject from the background in just a few clicks.

Users can then fine-tune the selection with a simple, smart zonal brush, making adjustments intuitive and efficient.

From there, the Layers Panel makes it easy to replace or transform the background entirely.

Luminar Neo is a great choice for portrait, lifestyle, and product photography, especially for users who value speed and ease of use.

3. GIMP

Best Free and Open-Source Option

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a powerful, free alternative to paid photo editors.

While it doesn’t offer AI-powered background removal like some other tools on this list, it does provide several effective manual selection tools for the job.

The Fuzzy Select tool lets you select areas based on color, while the Path Tool enables precise cutouts. You can also use Layer Masks to blend edges smoothly and refine your result.

Overall, GIMP is a flexible and capable tool—ideal for users who are willing to invest some time into learning its features.

4. Canva Pro

Best for Beginners and Social Media Creators

While Canva might not be the first tool photographers think of for photo editing, its one-click Background Remover delivers surprisingly strong results.

Paired with access to a massive stock photo library and useful exporting options (like transparent PNGs), Canva has become a favorite among many creatives.

This cloud-based tool doesn’t offer the precision of Photoshop or the advanced AI remove background features of Luminar Neo. Still, it's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to quickly create eye-catching content with minimal effort.

5. Remove.bg

Best for Quick, Online Background Removal

There are countless online background removal tools, but only a few deliver results good enough for serious use—and Remove.bg is one of them.

This platform offers an instant, almost perfect photo background changer for beginners. How to remove the background? Just upload an image, and within seconds, the AI takes care of the rest.

While it doesn’t include manual adjustment tools, Remove.bg is perfect for quick edits. You can download the result as a transparent PNG and continue editing in another app if needed.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best app to change the background of a photo will depend on your needs. 

If you are a professional, Photoshop or Luminar Neo will give you amazing results. If you are looking for a free option, then GIMP will be a great option, while Canva Pro and Remove.bg are perfect for quick and simple edits. 

At the end of the day, regardless of which tool you are going to choose, mastering background removal will give you new creative possibilities for your photography.