How to Remove Backgrounds from Complex Objects in GIMP

Removing backgrounds from complex objects, like trees or hair, can be challenging, especially when the foreground and background have contrasting elements. In this tutorial, we'll show you how to efficiently remove backgrounds from images with complex objects using GIMP. This method works best when there is a good contrast between the foreground (the object) and the background.

Step 1: Prepare Your Image

1. Open Your Image: Start by opening your image in GIMP. For this tutorial, we're using an image of a tree, but the method works for any object with a good contrast, such as hair or intricate designs.
2. Scale the Image: If your image is large, you may want to scale it down. Go to Image > Scale Image. Click on the chain icon to keep the aspect ratio linked. You can divide the width and height by 2 for a manageable size. Press Enter and then Scale.

Step 2: Create a Duplicate Layer

1. Duplicate the Layer: Click on the duplicate layer icon to create a copy of your image layer.
2. Desaturate the Duplicate Layer: Go to Colors > Saturation, move the saturation slider all the way down, and press OK. This will turn your image into a grayscale version, highlighting the contrast between the object and the background.

Step 3: Adjust the Contrast

1. Use Curves to Darken and Lighten: To enhance the contrast, go to Colors > Curves. Adjust the shadow slider to darken the dark pixels and the highlight slider to lighten the light pixels. This step is crucial for defining the edges of your object.
2. Preview the Changes: Press the + key on your keyboard to zoom in and preview the changes. Make sure most of the object is clearly defined. Once satisfied, press OK.

Step 4: Paint Over Areas to Keep

1. Select the Paintbrush Tool: Choose the Paintbrush tool and set the color to black. Increase the hardness and force to ensure strong coverage.
2. Paint Over the Object: On the black and white layer, paint over the parts of the object you want to keep, like the tree and the ground in this example.

Step 5: Invert the Colors

1. Invert the Colors: To turn the object white and the background black, go to Colors > Invert. This is necessary for creating an effective layer mask.

Step 6: Apply the Layer Mask

1. Duplicate the Layer Again: Create another duplicate of your original layer for reference.
2. Add a Layer Mask: Right-click on the duplicate layer, select Add Layer Mask, and choose White (full opacity). Click Add.
3. Copy the Black and White Layer: Select the black and white layer, press Ctrl + C to copy it, and then hide this layer.
4. Paste onto the Layer Mask: Select the layer mask on the duplicate layer and press Ctrl + V to paste. Anchor the floating selection by clicking the anchor icon.

Step 7: Refine the Edges

1. Zoom In and Check Edges: Press the + key to zoom in and check the edges of the object. If some areas appear gray or not fully opaque, you can add color to them.
2. Create a New Transparent Layer: Click on the new layer icon, ensure it's set to transparency, and press OK.
3. Paint Over the Edges: Use the Paintbrush tool to select the color from the object and paint over any gray areas. Change the layer mode to Overlay and adjust the opacity if needed.
4. Deselect the Selection: Go to Select > None.

Step 8: Replace the Background

1. Merge the Layers: Once you're satisfied with the object, merge the transparent layer with the masked layer by right-clicking and selecting Merge Down.
2. Add a New Background: Hide the original background layer and add a new image layer with the desired background. Adjust its size if necessary and position it behind the object layer.

Final Step: Save Your Work

1. Review the Changes: Compare the before and after to ensure the object is correctly isolated and the new background looks natural.
2. Save the Image: Go to File > Export As, choose your desired format, and save your work.

Watch the Tutorial

For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our YouTube video below. This video provides a visual guide to Convert Images to Outlines in GIMP.

And that's it! You've successfully removed the background from a complex object in GIMP. This method is versatile and can be used on various images, provided there's a good contrast between the object and the background.

Tree Image Link : Click Me

Road Image Link : Click Me

Download GIMP : Click Me