How to Remove a Background Using the GIMP Paths Tool

Last Updated: June 1, 2022

You've got a nice picture, but the background isn't the best. Did they really need to take that photo in the bathroom water closet? However, fret no more over your photo! This article will show you how to get rid of the background using the Paths Tool in GIMP.

Steps

1
Find your image.
2
Crop out the extraneous parts of the image. Do this by clicking on the rectangular selection tool and select the part you want to keep. Then Click on Image > Crop to Selection and crop.

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3
Click on the Paths Tool.
4
Zoom in on the image. Move up close where you plan to start.
5
Start the 'path'. When creating a path like this, remember less is more. You only want to click to add a node where there is some kind of directional change. Continue to do this until you have gone completely around the area you wish to separate.
6
Create a selection from path. You will need to have a selection, so you can invert and delete.
7
Hit Select > Invert, then hit delete.
8
Hit your delete key. This will remove the entire background outside of the selection.

Community Q&A

Question

Is it any different on Mac?

Community Answer

For the mac you just get system preferences and press background and drag a picture you like.