In today’s cutthroat competition for brand attention in the digital arena, having strong visuals is more crucial than ever before. In fact, 63% of marketers said they pivoted their visual marketing strategy in 2023.  

Enter Canva, a graphic design tool used by many to create visuals. But here’s a common question new users often ask when trying to develop clean visuals: How do you remove the background in Canva?

In this article, we’ll offer a step-by-step guide on how to remove background in Canva, whether you’re using a Free account or a Pro account. We’ll also throw in expert tips on how to make your visuals even more effective to ensure that you’re getting the best return on investment for your time, effort, and money. 

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Why Remove Backgrounds?

Before we discuss the steps for removing image backgrounds in Canva, let’s tackle a common question among graphic design newbies: Why remote backgrounds in the first place?

Whether you’re designing an infographic or building a brand illustration, here are a few reasons why you might need to remove an image background: 

  • Enhancing Visual Appeal. Removing the background from an image can eliminate distractions and focus on the main subject. This approach benefits product photography, where a clean, uncluttered background helps the product stand out more effectively.
  • Creating Professional Presentations. Background removal helps create sleek and professional presentations, marketing materials, and reports. By isolating the subject, you ensure your visuals look consistent and professional, which can help build trust and credibility with your audience.
  • Improving Branding Consistency. By removing backgrounds, you can ensure your images have a uniform look that aligns with your brand’s aesthetic. After all, uniform, clean images contribute to a cohesive brand identity, enhancing your overall branding efforts.

How to Remove Background in Canva Using a Free Account

It’s crucial to note that Canva’s free version allows users to perform background removal only once. This limitation makes it ideal for occasional use but may not suffice for more extensive needs.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Upload Your Image

Begin by logging into your Canva account. You can quickly sign up for free if you don’t have one. For best results, you may want to learn how to use Canva for beginners.

Once logged in, click the “Create a design” button and choose a template or a custom size for your project. For this example, I decided on a Facebook ad template.

Creating a design in Canva

Upload the image you want to edit by clicking on the “Uploads” tab in the left sidebar and selecting your file from your device. 

2. Select the Image and Click “Edit Image”

Drag and drop your uploaded image onto the blank canvas. Click on the image to select it. A toolbar with various editing options will appear above the canvas. Then, click “BG Remover” to remove the background.

Removing an image in Canva using a free account

Alternative step: Here’s a workaround if you don’t see a BG Remover credit in your newly created account. Google “Canva Online Image Background Remover” and click on the result. It will take you to the platform’s one-click image background remover that you can use for free once.

Canva’s Online Background Remover

Make sure that you’re still logged in to your Canva account. Upload the image; the link will take you to a Canva project. In the editing options, click the  “BG Remover” tool. Canva will automatically process and remove the background from your image. This process might take a few seconds, depending on the complexity of the image.

Using Canva’s Online Background Remover once for free

Once you’ve used your one-time free background remover credit, the “1” label alongside the Pro icon on the BG Remover tool will disappear. This means that you’ll need to subscribe to a Pro account to be able to use it again. 

You can only use Canva’s Online Background Remover once for free

How to Remove Background in Canva Using a Pro Account

Upgrading to Canva Pro offers several benefits, including unlimited background removals and advanced features.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove background in Canva with a Pro account:

1. Upload Your Image

Click the “Create a design” button and select your project’s template or custom size.

Creating a design on Canva Pro

Upload the image you want to edit by clicking on the “Uploads” tab in the left sidebar and selecting your file from your device. Click the image on your uploads to import it to your canvas.

Then, click on the image on the canvas to select it, and a toolbar with various editing options will appear above the canvas. Click “BG Remover” to remove the background.

Removing the image background on Canva Pro 

Alternatively, you can select “Edit” on the toolbar. Doing so will open the toolbar on the side of the canvas, where you can choose the “BG Remover” tool.

With the side toolbar open, you can apply other changes to the image, such as adjusting the image’s brightness, contrast, and saturation, applying filters, and more.

Canva Pro’s side toolbar features

Professional Visuals: Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to remember for professional-looking visuals.

1. Use High-Quality Images

Always start with high-resolution images. High-quality images ensure your final design looks professional and polished without pixelation or blurriness. This factor is significant for backgrounds, as a crisp, transparent background can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your design.

2. Add Depth and Dimension

Removing the background is usually not enough to create professional images. You must also incorporate shadows, gradients, and layering to add depth and dimension to your pictures. For example, adding a subtle drop shadow can make your text or objects stand out, while gradients can add a modern touch to your backgrounds.

3. Outsource to Experts for the Best ROI

While DIY design tools like Canva can be helpful, sometimes outsourcing to design experts can yield the best return on investment. 

Penji offers professional design services that save time, money, and effort. By outsourcing your design needs, you can focus on other important tasks and ensure that your visuals are of the highest quality.

View a demo now and learn how to make the most out of Penji’s unlimited graphic design services for a flat monthly rate.