Canva Background Remover: How to Remove a Background

Canva’s Background Remover erases an image’s background in one click — but it’s a Canva Pro feature (~$18/mo (or ~$15/mo billed yearly)). The free plan does not include it. On Pro, select your image, click “Edit photo” → “Background Remover,” and it’s gone. On free Canva, use a free tool like remove.bg first, then upload the cutout.

Is Canva’s Background Remover free?

No. Background Remover is Pro-only. Here’s what each plan includes:

If background removal is the only thing you’d pay Pro for, the free workaround below is usually enough.

Method 1: Use the Background Remover (Canva Pro)

1. Add your image to a Canva design.
2. Select the image → click Edit photo (or “Edit image”) in the toolbar.
3. Click Background Remover.
4. Canva erases the background automatically — click Apply to save it.

It also works on video clips with Pro, not just photos.

Method 2: Remove a background on free Canva

Canva’s free plan can’t do it, but free tools can — then you bring the result into Canva:

1. Go to remove.bg (free for standard images) or Photoroom.
2. Upload your image and download the transparent-background PNG.
3. Upload that PNG into Canva and drop it into your design.

The cutout is transparent, so it works anywhere in Canva — over any background, text, or color.

Method 3: Special cases

• GIFs: Canva’s Background Remover doesn’t handle animated GIFs. Use a free tool like ezgif or remove.bg to remove a GIF’s background, then re-upload.
• White background: if you just need a plain white background, put your transparent cutout on a white shape/rectangle in Canva instead.
• Low-quality edges: remove.bg’s free version may leave rough edges; Photoroom or Canva Pro’s remover handle hair and fine edges better.

What’s the best free alternative to Canva’s Background Remover?

remove.bg (easiest) and Photoroom (better edges) are the top free choices. The single most common reason people need this is to make a transparent logo - see how to make a logo for free for that workflow end to end. For full photo editing beyond background removal, see how to use Photoshop or the free GIMP.

FAQ

Does Canva Pro have a background remover?

Yes — Background Remover is built into Canva Pro (and works on photos and video).

Does free Canva have a background remover?

No. The free plan doesn’t include Background Remover — that’s the #1 feature people upgrade to Pro for.

Can you remove a background on Canva for free?

Not with Canva’s own tool, but the workaround works: remove.bg (or Photoroom) → transparent PNG → upload to Canva. For Canva basics, see how to use Canva.

Can Canva remove the background from a GIF?

No — the Background Remover handles static photos and video, not animated GIFs. Use ezgif or remove.bg for GIFs.

How accurate is Canva’s Background Remover?

Very accurate for photos with a clear subject (people, products, logos). Complex or low-contrast edges may need manual cleanup, but it beats most free tools on fine detail like hair.