Removing a background is the single most popular job people use Paint 3D for. Its Magic Select tool detects the edges of a person, pet, or product automatically, so you never erase pixel by pixel. Follow the steps below, then save the cutout as a transparent PNG for logos, stickers, or product photos. New to the app? Read our Paint 3D beginner guide first.

Remove the background with Magic Select

1. Open your image. In Paint 3D, click Menu > Open > Browse files and pick your photo.
2. Click Magic select. It sits on the right side of the top toolbar.
3. Frame the subject. Drag the edges of the selection box so they sit close around the subject, then click Next.
4. Refine the edges. Paint 3D highlights what it detected. Use Add to paint over missed areas and Remove to paint over background it included by mistake.
5. Click Done. Your subject becomes a separate object. Drag it aside and you will see Paint 3D has automatically filled in the background behind it.

Tip: leave Autofill background switched on in the side panel if you want to keep the original scene without the subject. Switch it off if you only care about the cutout.

Save as a transparent PNG

1. With your cutout selected, press Ctrl + C to copy it.
2. Click Menu > New to open a blank project.
3. Open the Canvas tab and switch on Transparent canvas.
4. Press Ctrl + V to paste the cutout, then resize the canvas around it if needed.
5. Click Menu > Save as > Image, choose PNG, and make sure Transparency is ticked. Click Save.

Put the subject on a new background

Open the new background image with Menu > Open, then press Ctrl + V to paste your copied cutout on top. Resize and position it with the selection handles. You can even click Make 3D in the side panel to turn the cutout into a 3D sticker you can tilt.

Tips for cleaner cutouts

• Use high-contrast photos. Magic Select works best when the subject stands out clearly from the background.
• Zoom in to refine. Use the zoom slider in the bottom-right corner while using Add and Remove on fine details like hair.
• Work in several passes. For complex images, select part of the subject at a time.
• Export at full size. Keep the canvas at the original image size to avoid a blurry result.

Background still white? The transparent canvas setting was probably off when you saved. See the export section of our Paint 3D troubleshooting guide.

FAQ

Can Paint 3D remove a background automatically?

Mostly, yes. Magic Select detects the subject on its own once you frame it, and you only refine the edges it gets wrong.

Why does my PNG still have a white background?

Transparent canvas must be switched on in the Canvas tab, and Transparency must be ticked when you save as PNG. JPEG files cannot store transparency.

Is there an alternative for removing backgrounds?

Yes. The latest Microsoft Paint has a one-click background removal button. See more options in our Paint 3D alternatives guide.