How to Remove and Replace Backgrounds in Canva

Canva makes it easy to remove and replace backgrounds, whether you’re working with photos, graphics, or videos. This is perfect for creating clean, professional-looking posts, thumbnails, or social media content.

Step 1: Open Your Design

1. Log in to your Canva account.
2. Open an existing design or start a new one.
3. Upload the image or video you want to edit by clicking Uploads > Upload Media.

Step 2: Select the Element

1. Click on the image or video you want to edit.
2. Make sure it’s highlighted (a border will appear around it).

Step 3: Remove the Background

1. In the top toolbar, click Edit Image.
2. Select Background Remover.
3. Wait a few seconds — Canva will automatically remove the background.

Tip: For free users, background removal is sometimes limited — if you’re using Canva Free, you may need to work with images that already have simple backgrounds or upgrade to Canva Pro for full background removal features.

Step 4: Replace the Background

1. Click on the canvas area outside your image or select an existing background.
2. Choose a new background:
   • Colors: Click the background and pick a color from the top toolbar.
   • Images: Go to Photos in Canva or your Uploads and drag an image behind your cutout.
   • Patterns/Graphics: Explore Elements for shapes, textures, or abstract backgrounds.
3. Resize and position your cutout image over the new background to make it look natural.

Step 5: Fine-Tune the Design

• Adjust brightness, contrast, or saturation by selecting the image > Edit Image > Adjust.
• Resize, rotate, or crop elements as needed.
• Group elements together for easier editing (select multiple elements > right-click > Group).

Step 6: Save or Export

Once your background is replaced:

1. Click Share > Download.
2. Choose your preferred format (PNG is great for transparency, JPG for photos, MP4 for videos).
3. Save it to your device or post directly to social media.

Pro Tips:

• Keep backgrounds simple to make the subject stand out.
• Use shadows or outlines to make your cutout pop.
• Canva’s Magic Edit or AI tools can help blend your subject into the new background seamlessly.

Note:

If you are not a Canv Pro Member, you can use a free background remover site like Pixelbin.io.