How to Remove the Background in Adobe Illustrator

When it comes to dealing with vector-based projects in graphic design, Adobe Illustrator is unparalleled. It controls all types of design, ranging from simple infographics to designing a whole brand identity.

Using different layers of vectors you can achieve any type of shape. But, sometimes you get to a point where dealing with the rasters also becomes compulsory. For instance, vectorizing a portrait or editing a simple flyer. At this point, you might want to remove the background of the image, or you might want to separate an object from the overall image for some purpose.

You may be surprised to know that you can do this in Illustrator alone without moving it into Photoshop. Even though Illustrator is mainly a vector-based software, you can still use it to remove the background of a raster image.

The question is, how? In the next 5-10 minutes, you'll master how to remove the background in Adobe Illustrator. So, without any further ado, let's get into it.

Methods to Remove the Background in Illustrator

Depending on the image we want to remove the background from, there are different methods we can follow to get the job done.

Method 1: Using the Pen Tool and Clipping Mask

In this method, first, we trace the object or create a path around our object using the Pen Tool, and then add a Clipping Mask to separate the object from our background. To understand it better, let's take an example using the following image.

We will separate the Rubik's Cube from the rest of its background. To do this, first, we'll trace the object (add a path around the object) using the Pen Tool. You can select the Pen Tool from the Toolbar. The Pen Tool provides a convenient way to trace any object precisely and accurately. You just need to master it through practice.

We make sure that we have traced the entire object and closed the path around the object;

Now, we select the closed path and image using the Selection Tool. To select both, using the Selection Tool, we first select the closed path and then click on the image holding the Shift key.

Now, we simply right-click on the image and select Make Clipping Mask.

We will see that background is removed from the image, and only the Rubik's cube remains.

You can still edit your selection using the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow icon beside the Selection Tool). And you can save the separated object as an image without the background. For this, export the image as PNG making sure that Background Transparent Box is checked.

Method 2: Using the Image Trace from Window Menu

When working with images of flat shapes or colors, the image trace method is best. In this method, we first change the image into a vector and then remove the unnecessary parts or elements of the image. So, in this way, we can easily remove the object's background. To understand it better, let's take an example of the following flat illustration of the pencil.

This seems a flat-colored illustration, so we can easily change it into a vector with this method. To see the result of our removal method, you might want to turn on the transparency grid by going to View > Transparency Grid. Or you can use the shortcut, Shift + Control + D (PC) or Shift + Command + D (Mac).

Next, go to Window > Image Trace by going above Menu Bar.

A new Image Trace Panel will appear. Now, select the image using the Selection Tool from the Tool Bar. In the Image Trace Panel, choose High Fidelity Photo in the dropdown option of preset. You can choose any option here that suits your requirements. Uncheck the Preview option in the panel and then click on Trace.

Now, go to Object > Expand in the above Menu Bar. Then click OK in the window that appears. This will convert the entire image into a vector.

Now, select the Direct Selection Tool from the Toolbar, select the components of the background, and press the Delete key from your keyboard to remove them. You will see that as we remove the background, the transparency grid behind the image will start to appear. It means you have successfully removed the background of the image.

Finally, you have removed the background of the pencil. You can save it as a PNG with a transparent background.

Method 3: Using the Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand Tool proves to be the best to remove elements that are alike in an image. This is because the Magic Wand Tool makes it easier to select the areas or elements of a vector file that are similar. Being similar means the common colors, hues, and such factors. To understand it much better, let's take the image of the pencil that has been shown in the previous method;

Here, we consider that this image has been converted into a vector by the Image Trace. Next, we select the Magic Wand Tool from the Toolbar.

After selecting the Magic Wand Tool, we click on the background area of the pencil. You'll see that the background of the pencil is selected.

Next, simply, press the Delete Button on the keyboard. The background of the pencil will be removed.

Now, you can save it as a PNG or EPS with a transparent background to use in your graphics.

Final Thoughts on Removing the Background in Illustrator

You have just learned how to remove the background of an image in Adobe Illustrator. I hope you will play with this skill to produce different exciting visuals. Enjoy!

The following image has been used in this article: https://unsplash.com/photos/Lvy_S3ELzIs.