What this tool does
Remove Background uses an AI portrait-matting model (MODNet, Apache-2.0) that runs entirely in your browser with WebAssembly/WebGPU.
The model separates a person from the background and produces a soft alpha matte — hair edges keep their detail instead of a hard cutout.
Download the result as a transparent PNG, or composite it on a solid white (or black) background as a JPEG.
Nothing is uploaded: the image is processed on your device. Only the model itself (~10 MB) is downloaded once from the Hugging Face CDN and is then cached by your browser.
How to use it
- Pick a photo that clearly shows a person (passport-style, profile or team photo).
- Press Remove background. The first run downloads the AI model and shows live progress; later runs start instantly.
- Choose the output: transparent PNG or white/black JPEG backdrop.
- Download the result. Use the Reset button to start over with a new photo.
Supported formats
- JPG
- PNG
- WebP
Limitations
- MODNet is a portrait-matting model: it is trained on people. Objects, pets and product shots may get rough or partial mattes — the tool tells you when little foreground was detected instead of pretending otherwise.
- If the model cannot be downloaded (offline, blocked network), the tool fails gracefully with guidance rather than faking a background removal.
- First use downloads ~10 MB of model data; a modern browser (2021+) is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
Is my photo uploaded to a server?
No. The AI model runs inside your browser and the image never leaves your device. Only the model weights (~10 MB) are downloaded once and cached.
Which AI model is used and is it licensed?
MODNet portrait matting via Transformers.js. Both the library and the model are Apache-2.0 licensed — free for any use, including commercial.
Why does the first run take longer?
The first run downloads and compiles the AI model (~10 MB). After that the browser caches it and runs start in a second or two.
Can it remove the background behind a car or a cup?
MODNet specialises in people. For objects the matte may be imprecise — we would rather tell you that than ship a fake cutout.