How to Remove Background in Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a powerful graphic design tool used by professionals and hobbyists alike to create vector-based artwork. Whether you're designing logos, illustrations, or product images, sometimes the background can distract from the main subject of the design. If you’re looking to create cleaner designs, remove backgrounds from images, or simply need to isolate an object, Illustrator offers a variety of techniques that can help you achieve these tasks with precision and ease.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the most effective methods for removing backgrounds in Illustrator. Whether you’re working with raster images, vector graphics, or just looking to refine your skills in background removal, we have the tools and step-by-step instructions you need. 

Why Remove Backgrounds in Illustrator?

Removing the background from an image or object is essential for several reasons:

1. Creating Transparency for Logos and Products

Removing the background allows the object to stand alone with a transparent background. This is particularly useful for logos, product images, and promotional materials where the object needs to be placed on different backgrounds without a visible box or color behind it.

2. Improving Focus on the Subject

When you remove the background, it helps draw attention to the main subject of the image. This can make your designs cleaner and more professional, especially if the background is cluttered or distracting.

3. Enhancing Design Flexibility

Once the background is removed, you can place the object on any other background. It also gives you more flexibility when editing images in future projects—whether for online stores like those on Spocket or other platforms.

4. Optimizing for E-Commerce and Marketing

For product images, having a clean background that isolates the item can make it more visually appealing. 

Tools and Techniques for Removing Backgrounds in Illustrator

Illustrator offers several tools and techniques for removing backgrounds, from simple clicks to more manual approaches. Depending on the complexity of your image and the level of precision you need, these methods can be tailored to suit your design goals.

1. Using the Image Trace Tool

The Image Trace tool is one of the most efficient ways to remove the background of a raster image (like a JPEG or PNG) in Illustrator. It converts raster images into vectors, which can then be easily manipulated. This method works well for high-contrast images, such as logos or illustrations, where the object and background are clearly distinguishable.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Open the Image: Begin by opening your image in Illustrator. Go to File > Open and select the image from your files.
• Select the Image: Click on the image to select it.
• Apply Image Trace: Navigate to the top menu and click Window > Image Trace to open the Image Trace panel. Then click on the Image Trace button at the top of the panel.
• Choose a Preset: Choose a preset that works best for your image. For example, use the Black and White Logo preset for high-contrast images like logos. For more detailed images, use the High Fidelity Photo preset.
• Expand the Image: Once the tracing is applied, click the Expand button in the top toolbar. This will convert the tracing into a vector path that can be edited.
• Remove the Background: Use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to select the background and press Delete to remove it. You may need to use the Pen Tool or Pathfinder tool to clean up any rough edges.

Benefits

• Fast and Effective: Works quickly for simple images.
• High-Quality Output: Converts raster images into scalable vector graphics.

Drawbacks

• Not Ideal for Complex Images: If the image has lots of gradients or small details, the tracing might not be as accurate.

2. Using the Pen Tool

The Pen Tool offers the most precision when it comes to removing backgrounds in Illustrator, especially for complex images or objects with detailed edges. This method allows you to trace the outline of the object manually and create a clean path around it.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Select the Pen Tool: Choose the Pen Tool (P) from the toolbar or press P on your keyboard.
• Outline the Object: Click along the edges of the object you want to keep, creating anchor points. This will form a path that follows the outline of the object.
• Complete the Path: Once you have traced the entire object, connect the last anchor point to the first to close the path.
• Remove the Background: Select the background area and press Delete. You can use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to adjust the points and make sure the path follows the contours of the object precisely.
• Refine the Path: Fine-tune the edges using the Direct Selection Tool and adjust the anchor points for a cleaner selection.

Benefits

• Highly Precise: Great for images with complex or intricate edges.
• Full Control: Gives you complete control over the outline and shape.

Drawbacks

• Time-Consuming: Requires more effort and precision, especially for detailed objects.

3. Using a Clipping Mask

A Clipping Mask allows you to hide portions of an image that fall outside a selected shape, effectively removing the background. This method works best when you want to keep the object within a specific shape (e.g., a circle or rectangle).

Step-by-Step Guide

• Create a Shape: Draw the shape that you want to use as the mask (a rectangle, circle, or any custom shape) over the object you want to keep.
• Position the Shape: Make sure the shape covers the object in the way you want it to appear. You can move and resize it to fit.
• Select Both the Object and Shape: Hold Shift and select both the object and the shape.
• Create the Clipping Mask: Right-click on the selection and choose Make Clipping Mask from the context menu. This will hide the background outside of your shape.
• Adjust the Mask: You can adjust the position or size of the mask by selecting the shape or object and using the Direct Selection Tool to make changes.

Benefits

• Quick and Easy: Ideal for simple shapes and fast background removal.
• Clean and Non-Destructive: The original image is still intact, and you can adjust the mask at any time.

Drawbacks

• Limited to Simple Shapes: Works best with basic shapes and may not be ideal for complex designs.

4. Using the Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand Tool is a quick and effective way to remove backgrounds in Illustrator, especially for images with a solid-colored background. It selects areas of the image that are similar in color, allowing you to delete the background in one click.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Select the Magic Wand Tool: Choose the Magic Wand Tool (Y) from the toolbar or press Y on your keyboard.
• Click on the Background: Click on the background area of the image that you want to remove. The Magic Wand will select all pixels of the same color.
• Adjust the Tolerance: If the selection isn’t perfect, adjust the Tolerance setting in the Magic Wand options. A lower tolerance will select fewer colors, while a higher tolerance will select a broader range of similar colors.
• Delete the Background: Once the background is selected, press Delete to remove it.
• Refine the Edges: If necessary, use the Eraser Tool or the Pen Tool to clean up any remaining background or refine the edges of the object.

Benefits

• Fast and Easy: Great for solid-colored backgrounds.
• Simple for Basic Edits: Ideal for quick background removal when the contrast between the object and background is high.

Drawbacks

• Limited Precision: The Magic Wand may not work well for complex images with multicolored backgrounds.

5. Using the Background Eraser Tool

The Background Eraser Tool is perfect for removing backgrounds from images with uneven edges or intricate details. This tool allows you to erase the background while protecting the object.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Select the Background Eraser Tool: From the toolbar, select the Background Eraser Tool (Shift+E).
• Adjust the Brush Settings: Set the brush size and hardness according to the area you want to erase. You can adjust the tolerance and limits for better accuracy.
• Erase the Background: Click and drag the tool over the background to remove it. The Background Eraser Tool will erase only the pixels similar to the ones you’ve selected, preserving the edges of the object.
• Fine-Tune the Edges: Once the background is removed, use the Eraser Tool or the Pen Tool to further refine the edges.

Benefits

• Works for Complex Backgrounds: Great for images with irregular edges or soft transitions.
• Efficient for Detailed Images: Allows for precise background removal without affecting the object.

Drawbacks

• Time-Consuming: Requires more manual effort for detailed or large images.

How to Refine Edges After Removing the Background in Illustrator

Once the background has been removed from your image in Illustrator, the next important step is refining the edges of the object. This is crucial because when backgrounds are removed, the edges of the object may appear jagged, rough, or uneven. Properly refining these edges can make your design look more polished and professional, especially when working with intricate objects like logos or product images.

Here’s how you can refine the edges of your object after removing the background:

Step-by-Step Guide to Refining Edges

Use the Smooth Tool

Illustrator offers the Smooth Tool, which can be used to smooth out the jagged edges of your paths. To use the Smooth Tool, select your object with the Selection Tool (V), then click and hold the Shaper Tool in the toolbar. You will find the Smooth Tool under the options. Drag over the rough edges of your image to smooth them out.
Tip: The Smooth Tool works best on simpler objects and can be helpful for fine-tuning the outlines after removing a background.

Refine with the Pen Tool

For precise control, the Pen Tool is a great choice. If the edges of your object look uneven or if parts of the object were mistakenly deleted during the background removal process, you can use the Pen Tool to adjust anchor points and curves manually. To add anchor points, click on the edges of your object. You can also use the Direct Selection Tool (A) to adjust the position of anchor points for smoother, more accurate curves.

Use the Path Finder Tool

If you have multiple overlapping paths that you want to clean up, the Pathfinder Tool can be used to unite, subtract, or divide the paths, helping create a clean edge. You can access it by going to Window > Pathfinder. This tool is excellent for combining or trimming the excess areas that remain after background removal.

Apply Feathering for Soft Edges

When you want to create a softer, more natural transition between the object and its new background, you can use the Feather Effect. Feathering softens the edges by creating a gradual transition from the object to the transparent background. To apply it, select your object and go to Effect > Stylize > Feather. Adjust the feather radius until you get the desired soft edge effect.

Use the Expand Tool for More Control

After using Image Trace or similar tools, you might find that the edges still need some refinement. To gain more control, click Object > Expand. This will break down the vector paths, giving you the ability to tweak each part of the image and refine the edges manually.

Tips for Better Results

• Zoom In for Detail: When refining edges, zoom in closely on your image to make sure the edges are smooth and even.
• Avoid Over-smoothing: While smoothing edges is helpful, don’t overdo it. Too much smoothing can remove important details or make the object look unnatural.
• Use Layers for Better Organization: Keep your refined edges on separate layers. This will allow you to make adjustments without affecting other parts of your design.

Why Refined Edges Matter

Refining the edges after background removal ensures that your final design looks polished and professional. This is particularly important for products you might use on an e-commerce site, like those on Spocket. Clean, precise edges improve the overall quality of the image, helping your product stand out to potential buyers. Whether you're creating illustrations, product photos, or logo designs, this extra step is essential to ensure that your images are clean and visually appealing.

By properly refining the edges, you can make your design look seamless, especially when placing your object onto a new background or using it across multiple platforms. Whether you're creating high-quality product images for your online store or working on a logo design, taking the time to refine your object’s edges is crucial for achieving a professional, high-quality finish.

Conclusion

Removing backgrounds in Adobe Illustrator doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you're working with simple graphics, logos, or intricate illustrations, Illustrator offers several powerful methods to help you isolate objects and remove backgrounds efficiently. From the Image Trace tool for high-contrast images to the precision of the Pen Tool for complex designs, these techniques provide the flexibility you need to create professional, polished artwork.

By mastering these techniques, you can elevate your designs, making them stand out and improving your workflow for future projects. Whether you’re creating stunning product images or designing logos, removing the background in Illustrator is a critical skill that can significantly enhance your designs and visual appeal. Happy designing!