How to Remove an Image Background in Canva

Cutting a subject out of its background is the single most useful editing move for thumbnails, product shots, and stickers. Canva does it in one click with its BG Remover. This guide covers the cutout and how to clean up the edges.

What you need

• A Canva Pro account (BG Remover is a Pro feature)
• An image with a reasonably clear subject
• A few minutes

Step 1: Upload and select the image

Open any design, go to the Uploads tab, and drag your image onto the canvas. Click the image once to select it; you will see a thin border and the floating toolbar appear above it.

Step 2: Open Edit image and run BG Remover

Click Edit image in the toolbar, then click BG Remover at the top of the effects list. Canva processes the cutout in a few seconds and the background disappears, leaving only the subject.

Step 3: Fix the edges

If the cutout left bits of background or erased part of the subject, click BG Remover again and use the Erase and Restore brushes. Paint over leftover background with Erase, and bring back missing pieces with Restore. Lower the brush size for fine areas like hair.

Step 4: Export as transparent PNG

Place the cutout on its own page or design sized to the subject. Click Share, Download, choose PNG, and tick Transparent background. That preserves the see-through area so the cutout drops onto any color.

Result

You get a transparent PNG of just the subject, ready to layer into thumbnails, posters, or product mockups. Reuse the same cutout across multiple graphics to keep a consistent look.