Change Photo Background in Picsart: Full Guide
To change a photo background in Picsart, use the Cutout tool to isolate the subject, then add a new background from the app’s library, your own image, or a solid color. The process takes about a minute and works on both the mobile app and the web editor. This guide walks through the exact steps, the tools involved, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What You Need to Know Before Starting
Picsart is a free photo editor available on iOS, Android, and the web. The background replacement feature is available in the free version, though some background images and stickers are premium (marked with a crown icon). You can use your own photos as backgrounds without paying. The core tool for this task is the Cutout tool, which automatically detects the main subject of your photo and lets you refine the selection with a brush.
Step-by-Step: How to Change a Background
- Open Picsart and tap the + button to start a new project. Select the photo whose background you want to change.
- At the bottom toolbar, tap Tools, then choose Cutout.
- Tap Auto Cutout – the app will try to select the subject. If it works, you’ll see a moving dashed line around the person or object.
- Use the Brush (add) and Eraser (remove) tools to refine the selection. Zoom in with two fingers to be precise. Pay extra attention to hair edges and fine details.
- Tap the checkmark to apply the cutout. The selected area is now a separate layer.
- Tap Background at the bottom. You’ll see options: Color (solid colors), Images (Picsart’s library), or My Photos (your own images).
- Choose or upload a new background. Adjust its position and size with two fingers.
- Tap Apply, then Export to save the image to your device.
Using the Web Editor
The web version (picsart.com) follows the same logic but with slightly different menu names. Upload your image, click Cutout in the left panel, then click Auto Cutout. After the subject is selected, click Background on the left to change it. The web editor is useful if you prefer a larger screen, but the mobile app has more background options.
Tips for a Clean Cutout
- Choose a photo where the subject contrasts with the background – a person against a plain wall is easier than against a busy pattern.
- Use the eraser to remove stray pixels around hair or edges. Zoom in to 200% or more.
- If the auto cutout misses large areas, use the brush to add them manually. It’s faster than fixing everything with the eraser.
- For hair, Picsart’s auto cutout is decent but not perfect. You can use the Restore brush to bring back fine strands – but don’t expect professional results for complex hair.
- If the subject has a similar color to the background, the cutout will struggle. Try adjusting the contrast or lighting of the original photo before cutting out.
Common Problems and Fixes
- Background doesn’t apply: Make sure you’ve tapped the checkmark after the cutout. If you haven’t applied the cutout, the background tool won’t work.
- Edges look jagged or have a white fringe: This happens when the selection includes a bit of the old background. Use the eraser to clean the edges, or use the Feather option (if available) to soften the edge slightly.
- The subject disappears when you change the background: This usually means you accidentally selected the background instead of the subject. Undo (tap the back arrow) and redo the selection.
- Can’t find the Cutout tool: On some versions, it’s under Tools > Cutout. On others, it’s a separate icon in the toolbar. Look for a pair of scissors or a person icon.
- The app crashes or is slow: Close other apps, restart Picsart, or use the web version for very large images.
Picsart vs. Other Background Changers
Picsart is a full-featured editor, so it’s more powerful than simple background remover apps like Remove.bg (which only removes backgrounds) or Canva (which has a similar tool but requires a subscription for some features). Picsart’s advantage is that you can do everything – cutout, background, stickers, text, filters – in one app. The downside is the learning curve; the Cutout tool isn’t as automatic as dedicated background removers. For a quick, one-tap removal, a dedicated tool might be faster, but for creative control, Picsart is better.
Cost and Safety
Picsart is free to download and use. The basic background change feature is free, but many background images, stickers, and some premium tools require a Picsart Gold subscription. You can always upload your own background image for free. Regarding safety, Picsart is a legitimate app with a large user base. However, it does collect user data for advertising, so be cautious about uploading sensitive photos. Also, be aware that Picsart adds a small watermark to images exported by free users – you can remove it by watching an ad (in some regions) or by subscribing to Gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change the background without cutting out the subject?
You can use the Background tool directly without a cutout, but it will replace the entire image with a new background – the subject will be lost. To keep the subject, you must first create a cutout. There’s no way to change only the background without selecting the subject first.
Can I change the background of a photo that’s already been edited?
Yes. Open the edited photo in Picsart, then follow the same steps. The cutout will work on the final image, though it may be more difficult if there are filters or text overlays. It’s best to change the background before adding other effects.
Why does my cutout look blurry or pixelated?
This happens when the original photo is low resolution. The cutout itself doesn’t reduce quality, but if you enlarge the subject on a new background, it will look pixelated. Use a high-resolution source photo – at least 1000px on the longest side – for the best results.
Can I use my own photo as a background?
Yes. In the background menu, tap My Photos and select any image from your gallery. You can also use a solid color or one of Picsart’s built-in backgrounds. There’s no limit on using your own images.
Is there a way to make the background transparent instead of replacing it?
Yes. After you create the cutout, instead of adding a new background, just export the image as a PNG. The background will be transparent. This is useful for making stickers or logos. You can also use the Save as PNG option in the export menu.
How do I remove the Picsart watermark?
The watermark appears on images exported by free users. To remove it, you can either subscribe to Picsart Gold, or in some cases, watch a short ad to remove it for that one image. The option to remove it via ad appears in the export screen. If you don’t see it, you’ll need a subscription.
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