How to Remove Checkered Background from Image

If you've ever worked with images, you may already know that PNG files display transparent areas using a checkered pattern. However, sometimes you might come across a JPG or even a PNG image where the light and gray checkered pattern isn't just indicating transparency—it's actually embedded in the image as part of the background. This usually happen due to improper saving or exporting of the image which can be quite annoying. However, don't fret! In this post, we'll share with you how to remove the checkered background from an image in 4 different ways.

Before Getting Started: Do You Really Need to Remove Checked Background

It depends. Usually, the light gray and dark checker pattern you see in PNG files is just a visual trick used by image editing software to represent transparent areas. It's not actually part of the image itself and will disappear when you use or export the file correctly. Thus, in most cases, even though you see these checkers while editing the image in Photoshop or other photo editors, you'll find that the checkered areas become transparent when you preview the outcome on your device or in other applications.

However, there are instances where the checked background stubbornly remains visible, and you need to remove it manually. This happens when the checkered pattern has somehow become an actual part of the image data, rather than just a visual representation of transparency. This situation can arise in a few common scenarios. For example,

• You've downloaded a preview image from a stock photo site that has embedded a fake transparency pattern to discourage unauthorized use.
• You've captured a screenshot that accidentally includes the checkerboard background from your editing software.

In this post, let's focus on how we can remove the checkered pattern when it has become a part of the image.

1-Click to Remove Checkered Background with Aiarty Image Matting

Aiarty Image Matting is an AI-powered software that enables precise background removal from various image types, including product photos, graphics, illustrations, and photographs, all with just a click. Its advanced AI models and alpha matting technology excel at handling complex elements such as hair, fur, and semi-transparent objects. It also features a range of built-in tools, including custom background options for seamless swaps and editing tools for quick adjustments like cropping and rotating. Additionally, its AI upscaling feature allows you to remove checkered backgrounds while preserving, or even enhancing, the image's overall quality.

Step 1. Download, install, and launch Aiarty Image Matting. Simply drag and drop your source image into the program to import it.

Step 2. Choose the optimal AI model for removing the checkered background. Refer to the on-screen instructions for guidance on selecting the best model for your specific use case.

Step 3. Click Start to start removing the checkered background from your image. Once complete, click Export to save the outcome to your computer.

Remove Checkered Background for Free Online

If you have a reliable internet connection and only need to remove the checkered background from a few images, an online background remover like BGBye is an excellent option. It's a completely free online background remover created by Fyrean, a web developer whose dream is to build tools that everyone can bring their fictional worlds to life. It utilizes advanced AI models - including options like Bria RMBG1.4 and InSPyReNet - to help you remove the checkered background with just a simple click. Plus, it comes with a color picker, allowing you to change the background to any solid or gradient color you prefer.

Step 1. Come over to the official BGBye website.

Step 2. Click on SELECT METHODS and choose your preferred AI model. If you're unsure which one will work best, you can select all of them to compare the results.

Step 3. Upload your image by dragging it into the upload area.

Step 4. BGBye will automatically analyze and remove the checkered background from your image.

Remove Checkered Background with Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a robust image editing software packed with extensive tools for photo editing and retouching. One of its notable features is the Background Remover tool, which allows you to quickly eliminate unwanted backgrounds in your photos, including checkered patterns. However, distinguishing between the background and foreground can be challenging, especially when dealing with objects that have feathers, hair, or other complex details. For experienced users, this challenge is more manageable. Photoshop includes advanced selection tools like the Magic Wand and Quick Selection, as well as a flexible brush, which can help refine the isolation of the object from the background. Once the unwanted checkered background is successfully isolated, you can then choose to either replace it with transparent pixels, effectively removing it, or fill the area with a preferred object, color, or text of your choice.

Step 1. Subscribe to Adobe Photoshop. Download and install the latest version on your computer. Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements to avoid potential issues like high CPU usage, memory overload, or freezing.

Step 2. Drag and drop the original image into Photoshop. In the layers panel, unlock the image layer by clicking the lock icon and dragging it to the trash bin.

Step 3. Go to the top menu bar, click Window > Properties to open the properties bar. Click on Background Remove under the Quick Access section. Photoshop will start analyzing the image and removing the checkered background.

Step 4. Press Alt and click on the layer mask to open a new window where you can fine-tune the selection. Use a brush to paint areas black (background) or white (subject) as needed.

Step 5. Once satisfied with the result, export the image. The checkered pattern should now be removed.

Remove Checkered Background with Canva

Canva, a user-friendly online design platform celebrated for its vast library of templates, graphics, and fonts, is more than just a tool for creating social media posts, presentations, and marketing materials. Its Pro version offers a powerful background removal feature, allowing subscribers to easily eliminate unwanted backgrounds, including those frustrating checkered patterns, from up to 500 images per day. The most alluring part about Canva Pro is its vast library of over 100 million photos, templates, graphics, and videos, providing endless possibilities for replacing those removed backgrounds with virtually any content imaginable.

Step 1. Go to the official site of Canva. Sign in with your account and then subscribe to Canva Pro (currently $120/year for a single user).to access he background remover feature.

Step 2. Click Create a design or open an existing project, then upload the image you want to get its checkered background removed off.

Step 3. Go to the top menu bar, click Edit Image, and then choose Background Remover.

Step 4. Click Erase and Canva starts removing the checkered background. Sometimes, you might need to use the Restore brush to refine the edges and ensure a perfect cutout.

Step 5. Once you're happy with the result, click Apply to save the image with a transparent background.

Brenda Peng

Brenda Peng is a seasoned editor at Digiarty Software who loves turning ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. With years of experience behind the lens and in front of the computer, Brenda shares her passion for photography, image enhancement, and editing through easy-to-follow tutorials.

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