How to Remove Background from Picture in Word?

Updated on November 20, 2024

It is common to consider an image background remover when the need arises to eliminate the background from an image. Interestingly, Microsoft Word, a tool we frequently utilize, offers functionality to assist in this task. Within an Office document, one can remove the background of a picture to highlight the main subject or to eliminate any distracting elements. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove background from picture in Word, as well as introduce an AI-based method for those instances when the results from Word do not meet expectations.

How to Remove Background from Picture in Word?

The following steps are suitable for removing background from the picture in Word 2019, Word 2021, and Microsoft 365 on Windows & macOS.

Step 1. Copy your picture to Word.

Step 2. Use your mouse to select the picture. This step is very IMPORTANT, otherwise you won’t see the "Remove Background" function.

Step 3. On the toolbar, select Picture Format > Remove Background, or Format > Remove Background.

Step 4. The default background area will be colored magenta to mark it for removal, while the foreground will retain its natural coloring. Drag the bar to control the area that you want to remove.

Step 5. If the default area isn’t what you need, you can go to Background Removal > Picture Tools to manually select specific area.

Select Mark Areas to Keep and use the free-form drawing pencil to mark the areas on the picture that you want to keep.
Select Mark Areas to Remove and use the drawing pencil to mark those areas that you want to remove.

Step 6. When you’re done, select Keep Changes. Then, right-click the picture and select "Save as Picture" to save the image in PNG format to keep its transparent background.

Note: In Word 2010, Word 2013, and Word 2016, there is a slight difference to remove a background of a picture in Word. After selecting your picture in Word, you should find the Remove Background option under Picture Tools on the Format tab in the Adjust group. Then, use the above steps to make a picture transparent in Word.

FYI:

Microsoft Word can be utilized to remove background of a picture that features distinct edges and where the primary subject occupies a limited portion of the overall picture. It is especially effective for extracting line drawings, such as cartoon characters and logos. Nevertheless, even with these straightforward images, it may struggle to fully identify and extract the entire subject, often requiring labor-intensive manual methods to isolate the foreground.

When facing images with intricate details, rich colors, blur and confusing edges between background and foreground, and semi-transparent parts, the Microsoft Word has difficulty in removing background from pictures. At the same time, for vector graphic files like SVG files, the background removal function in Word isn’t possible.

So, in reality, you need an alternative as Word is not the professional image background removal tool. In case needed, you can try Aiarty Image Matting - the State-Of-The-Art AI-based software for your AIPC, delivering precision and effortlessly blending foreground & background. Below is a detailed explanation.

Aiarty Image Matting - AI Alternative to Word Background Removal

Aiarty Image Matting represents a cutting-edge solution for image matting and making image background transparent on your AIPC, PC and Mac, offering accurate foreground extraction and flawless integration with various backgrounds. This software maintains fine details and sharp edges, effectively handling complex situations such as hair, fur, semi-transparent items, and low-light environments. When you has difficulty in removing a picture background in Microsoft Word, you can turn to Aiarty Image Matting.

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How to remove background from picture in Aiarty Image Matting?

Step 1. Download Aiarty Image Matting, install and launch it.

Step 2. Drag and drop the image you want to remove background to Aiarty.

Step 3. Choose CPU or GPU to process your image. Select an AI model for your image.

AlphaStandard V2: A CNN-based model that refines the Alpha channel, preserves translucency, and optimizes edge details. Ideal for processing semi-transparent objects like wedding dresses, glass, hair, and pets, ensuring smooth transitions and natural blending with backgrounds.
AlphaEdge V2: Built on a CNN architecture, AlphaEdge V2 enhances edge sharpness and reduces transparency compared to AlphaStandard. It delivers crisp, well-defined outlines, making it ideal for product images, cartoons, icons, and high-contrast black-and-white photos.
EdgeClear V2: Using a Swin Transformer variant, this model improves matting accuracy and detail preservation. Ideal for birds, bicycles, cars, bags, jewelry, furniture, and other objects.
SolidMat V2: Based on a Swin Transformer variant, this model offers higher edge sharpness for solid objects like bags, shoes, cars, and buildings. Ideal for architecture, industrial products, abstract art, and macro photography, it ensures clear, distinct edges and sharp contrast for solid subjects.

Step 4. Optionally, expand Edit to enhance image, rotate or flip, or crop your image before matting. Also, you can use AI Detect to detect the subject automatically or use Manual Area to manually select the areas you want to extract.

Step 5. Hit the orange Start button under Image Matting to start analyzing and matting your image.

Step 6. After that, Aiarty Image Matting will make your image background transparent. If there are some flaws, you can use the drawing tools to have some manual operations. For example, I don’t want the flower scape, I will use Eraser tool to remove it.

Eraser: It allows users to selectively erase parts of an image, making them transparent based on the configured settings.It is suggested to set the Threshold value to 230 and Alpha value to 0.
Brush: You can use the Brush tool to recover the part you just removed using Eraser tool. You can adjust the Alpha value to control the image opacity.
Dodge: The dodge tool is used to lower the transparency of the areas it affects. It can be used as a erasing tool. It is suggested to set the Threshold value to 230 and Alpha value to 50.
Burn: The burn tool is used to increase the transparency of the areas it affects. It can be used as a brush tool. It is suggested to set the Threshold value to 20 and Alpha value to 50.

Step 7. If you just need to remove background of a picture, now you can hit Single Export button to export the picture with transparent background.

Step 8. As I want to blend this image with a new background, I switch to Effect section to have further adjustments. For example, I can use Feather, Blur, Black & White, or Pixelation effect.

Step 9. Now, I choose a new image as the new background. Adjust the foreground and background. Then, hit the Single Export button to export the image.

Aiarty Image Matting software uses advanced algorithms to separate foreground subjects from backgrounds with high accuracy, enhancing photo editing by allowing seamless background changes, refinements, or transparency. This tool is ideal for professional photographers, e-commerce, and graphic designers, delivering precise cutouts and saving time on complex manual editing. If you encounter challenges in removing the background from an image in Word, you may utilize Aiarty Image Matting for assistance.