3 best ways to remove backgrounds in Illustrator  

You are a designer who often wonders how to remove background in Illustrator without sacrificing image quality. Using Adobe Illustrator to remove a background on Illustrator is very effective when working with logos or vector files. There are three techniques that demonstrate how to remove a background in Illustrator: using Image Trace, the Magic Wand tool, or the Pen tool. Each method has its cause and effect—choosing the right technique helps you preserve details. When you learn how to remove background in Illustrator using these methods, you also learn how to remove a white background in Illustrator and maintain high resolution.

What’s the difference between background removal in Illustrator and Photoshop?  

Adobe Illustrator remove background methods differ from Photoshop techniques. Illustrator is built for vector images, making it ideal for logos, illustrations, and infographics. Conversely, Photoshop excels in editing pixel-based images. When you compare how to remove background Illustrator style versus Photoshop, you notice that Illustrator offers fewer but more precise methods. This is why many designers seek information on how to remove background in AI without losing quality, unlike in Photoshop.

‍

3 Quick Best Ways to Remove Backgrounds in Illustrator

1. How to remove background in Illustrator using Image Trace?  

Using Image Trace is a powerful option when your image has a simple or plain background. This method shows how to vectorize image in Illustrator, turning your picture into a scalable vector graphic.  

Step 1: Open your image and enable the Transparency Grid to view the transparent background effect.

Step 2: Select the image using the Direct Selection tool, then open the Image Trace panel and choose a preset (e.g., High Fidelity Photo) to vectorize the image.

Step 3: After tracing, navigate to Object > Expand. Click on any unwanted background elements and press Delete.

Step 4: Export your file as a PNG to maintain a transparent background.

‍

2. How to remove backgrounds from images with the Magic Wand tool in Illustrator?

The Magic Wand tool is best when you need to remove a solid or consistent color area. This method is perfect if you wonder how to remove white background in Illustrator.  

Step 1: Open your vector file and enable the Transparency Grid to clearly view the background.  

Step 2: Select the Magic Wand tool and click on the area you want to delete. Adjust the tool's settings (tolerance or opacity) if needed.  

Step 3: Hold Shift to add additional similar areas or Alt/Option to remove areas from the selection, then press Delete once you're satisfied with the selection.

This approach helps you learn how to delete background Illustrator style and is useful when following tutorials on how to delete white background in Illustrator.

‍

3. How to make a background transparent using the Pen tool in Illustrator?

 For complex images, the Pen tool provides precise control when you need to remove a background in Illustrator. This technique shows how to remove the background of an image in Illustrator by manually outlining the subject.  

‍

Step 1: Open your image, set Fill and Stroke to None, and enable the Transparency Grid to monitor progress.  

Step 2: Create a new layer and lock the original layer. Use the Pen tool to carefully trace the contour of your subject.  

Step 3: Once the path is complete, unlock the layers, select both the path and the image, and create a clipping mask using Ctrl+7 (Command+7 on Mac).  

Step 4: Finally, export your file as a PNG to save the image with a transparent background.

‍

Remove image backgrounds for beginners

Background removal need not be complex. With these three techniques—using Image Trace, the Magic Wand tool, and the Pen tool—you learn various ways to remove background Illustrator style. Whether you need to remove background in Adobe Illustrator or delete a background in Illustrator quickly, these methods keep your designs clean and professional. They show you how to remove background illustrator quickly and accurately, making your digital artwork ready for any project.

‍

Best Alternative For Remove Background Illustrator

SellerPic's AI Background Remover is a great alternative if you need quick and high-quality background removal.

How do I remove the background from an image?

Step 1: Sign up or log in to SellerPic website.

Step 2: Click on the AI Remove Background option in the dashboard.

Step 3: Upload your image to the platform.

Step 4: Allow the tool to automatically remove the background.

Step 5: If needed, use the Edit Cutout feature with the Erase brush to refine any areas manually.

Step 6: Once satisfied, click Confirm and then Download your image as a PNG.

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove the background in Adobe Illustrator?  

In Adobe Illustrator you can remove the background by converting your image to a vector. Use the Image Trace feature, then expand and delete unwanted areas. Alternatively, select and erase the background using the Magic Wand or Pen tool. For fast and accurate results, SellerPic's AI Background Remover is highly recommended.

How do I make the background transparent in Illustrator?  

After removing the background in Illustrator, export your file as a PNG and select the transparent background option. This ensures your design remains crisp. SellerPic's AI Background Remover also creates transparent backgrounds quickly when you need to remove image backgrounds efficiently.

How do I remove a background from an image?  

Depending on the image type, you can use Illustrator’s built-in tools such as Image Trace, the Magic Wand, or the Pen tool to remove the background. Alternatively, you can rely on SellerPic's AI Background Remover, which uses advanced algorithms to remove the background automatically while preserving fine details.

How do I remove an artboard in Illustrator?  

To remove an artboard in Illustrator, select the Artboard tool (Shift+O), click on the artboard you want to delete, and press the Delete key. This cleans up your workspace without affecting your artwork.

How do I remove the background in Photoshop?  

Photoshop offers several tools for background removal, including the Quick Selection, Magic Wand, and a dedicated Remove Background feature in the Properties panel. These tools let you quickly isolate the subject. For ease and speed, try SellerPic's AI Background Remover as an alternative to streamline your workflow.

How can I remove a white background in Illustrator?  

To remove a white background in Illustrator, use the Magic Wand tool to click on the white space. Adjust the tool’s tolerance if needed, then press Delete. This method is effective for how to remove white background in Illustrator. Alternatively, SellerPic's AI Background Remover can automatically eliminate white backgrounds from images with minimal effort.

How do I use Image Trace in Illustrator to remove a background?  

Start by opening the Image Trace panel after selecting your image in Illustrator. Choose a preset like “High Fidelity Photo” to vectorize the image. Once traced, click Expand from the Object menu and then select and delete the background elements. This method shows you how to remove the background in Illustrator by converting it into editable vectors.

How can I remove a background using AI tools?  

AI tools offer a fast and reliable way to clear out unwanted backgrounds. SellerPic's AI Background Remover, for example, uses smart algorithms to identify and remove backgrounds from both raster and vector images while preserving quality. This is an excellent choice when you need to remove image background quickly and accurately.

How do I remove the background from a PNG file in Illustrator?  

Open your PNG in Illustrator. Use either the Image Trace or Magic Wand tool to select and delete the background. When exporting, ensure you save as PNG with the transparency option enabled so your file remains background free. For a simpler method, SellerPic's AI Background Remover works well with PNG files too.

How can I remove a background in HD quality?  

To remove a background in HD quality maintain your file’s resolution by working with vector tools or high-quality images. Use Illustrator’s Image Trace for precise conversion or SellerPic's AI Background Remover, which is designed to preserve fine details while removing backgrounds at high resolution.

How do I remove the background using Adobe Express?  

Adobe Express has a built-in background removal tool. Upload your image, let the tool automatically detect and remove the background, and then adjust the output as needed. For comparison or additional edits, SellerPic's AI Background Remover is a strong alternative that delivers great results quickly.

How do I remove the background in Illustrator online for free?  

While Adobe Illustrator itself is a desktop application, free online alternatives exist. However, for fast and professional results, SellerPic's AI Background Remover is available online for free and offers a seamless way to remove backgrounds without installing any software.

How to make a background transparent in Illustrator?  

You can achieve transparency using one of three methods. First, use Image Trace to convert your image to a vector and then delete the undesired background. Second, select the background with the Magic Wand tool if it’s a solid color. Third, use the Pen tool to precisely trace the subject and create a clipping mask. For a quick and automated solution, SellerPic's AI Background Remover produces high-quality transparent backgrounds without extra steps.

How do I remove the background from an image?  

A reliable approach is to use an online tool like SellerPic. Simply upload your image, click the Remove Background option, and allow the tool to process it. You can make final adjustments using the eraser brush if needed before downloading the final PNG. For a more efficient process without compromising quality, SellerPic's AI Background Remover is a strong alternative.

How do I get rid of the white background in the Illustrator workspace?  

Removing the white background from your workspace is easy. Go to the View menu and select Show Transparency Grid. This replaces the white background with a checkered grid to indicate transparency, helping you see your design exactly as it will appear in a final output.

‍