How to Make a Cutout of an Image in a Few Clicks
Whether you want to create a funny collage or prepare an important presentation, you might not need the whole photo - only some specific parts of it. Have no idea of how to cut out part of an image? No worries. You won’t need to be a pro or use any complicated software for the job.
In this article, we’ll show you how to separate a part of an image from the rest of it. We’ll start with PhotoWorks. This powerful photo editor will help you get the cutout of your image in no time. Moreover, you can download a free trial of the software and check out all the features yourself. Keep reading and discover other ways to extract an image from any picture as well.


Make your cutout image a part of a new stunning artwork
Learn How to Cut Out a Picture with PhotoWorks
Separating an object or a person from the background is even easier than cutting out from a newspaper or a printed photograph. With PhotoWorks, you can cut out a person or perhaps cut out an object in a photo in just a few clicks. Let’s see how!
Step 1. Run PhotoWorks
Download and install the program on Windows or Mac by following the wizard.
Step 2. Open the Photo to Cut Out from
Open your image within PhotoWorks. You can either click Open Photo or drag your picture from a folder.

Click the folder icon below the pic to navigate inside the current folder
Step 3. Pick the Change Background Tool
Switch to the Tools tab and choose the Change Background tool. Draw a few lines inside the object with the green object brush. Then, take the red brush and paint over the background area you want to separate. Use the Eraser any moment to correct the contour. When finished, switch back to the brush you need.

You don’t have to be too precise - broad strokes will do the job
Step 4. Apply Manual Corrections If Necessary
Want to expand the cutout area? Then do it using the green brush. Made the selection too big? Then use the red brush to restore the background. Once finished, click Next to cut out the object in a photo. Your cutout is done!

Now your image is ready to become a part of your new artwork
Step 5. Save Your Cutout Image
You can use your picture right now or save it to work on later. Save your picture as PNG to preserve transparency. Or opt for JPEG to keep your image the way it is right now.

Save your pic as PNG, JPEG, BMP or TIFF
Prefer video tutorials? Then click on the Play button and watch a short how-to on how to cut out a photo.

Below, you can find some more ideas of what to do with the image background.
Choosing the Right Background for Your Image
Once you’ve cut out the background of your image, the next step is deciding what to do with the empty space. You might want to cut a background out of a photo to add a new backdrop. You also can add a more fitting background to make your product stand out. If you’re using the image for a website, such as an e-commerce store or social media, a clean background can significantly enhance its appearance.


Adding a White Background for Simplicity
In some cases, especially for product photos or profile pictures, a white background is the best choice. It keeps the focus on the subject and gives a clean, professional look. Whether you need to cut the background out of an image to replace it with a solid white backdrop for an e-commerce product listing or to create a consistent aesthetic for your blog, this is a simple and effective option.


Making the Background Transparent for Flexibility
Another popular option is to cut out the image background entirely, leaving it transparent. This is especially useful for creating graphics that you can overlay on various backgrounds, like logos or images for your personal blog or social media. Cut-out backgrounds allow for more flexibility, enabling you to use the cutout image on different colored or textured backgrounds without any harsh edges.


How to Cut Out an Image with Other Tools
Still not sure if PhotoWorks suits you? So let’s check out some other image editing tools and learn how to make a cut out of a picture you need in other ways. We’ll start with one of the most famous photo editing software. Photoshop allows you to cut the background out of a photo on Mac and Windows using a few techniques. You can use the subject or color selection method or apply a layer mask. If you need to cut out an image, then take the Rectangular or Elliptical Marquee tool. If you want to cut out part of your picture, pick the Lasso tool then. Sounds complicated? You are right, it isn’t that simple.
One more computer-based editor is Adobe Illustrator. Packed with different tools, it can help you to cut and divide objects. The interface looks similar to Photoshop and many different icons on the toolbar can be frustrating at first. Now let’s look at a free computer program. GIMP offers you the Intelligent Scissors Select tool to freehand your selection. This tool works well when the object is distinct enough. Also you can use the Free Select tool when the object you want to cut out has a simple shape.
Prefer using your tablet or phone? Want to know how to cut around an image with it? Then install one of these apps and give it a try: Photo Cut Out Editor works on Apple devices and can be quite handy to cut out an image on the go. In case you’re using an Android smartphone, choose Android app - it is packed with quite a few pro tools.
How to Cut Out a Shape from an Image
If, rather than removing the entire background, you want to cut out a shape from an image, PhotoWorks would let you make that as well. To start, use the "Crop and Rotation" tool and select the shape you want to cut out, such as a circle, square, rectangle, or heart. Once you’ve selected the shape, PhotoWorks allows you to adjust the size and positioning to perfectly fit your needs. This method is particularly useful for creating unique profile pictures, product images for e-commerce, or eye-catching graphics for your social media posts.

A circle, square, rectangle, or heart cut out from a larger photo
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I cut the outline of a picture into a certain shape?
- How do I cut part of an image?
- What app can I use to cut around a picture?
- How to cut around an image online?
- How to cut around an image in Canva?
- How to cut out an image on an iPhone?
- Photo cut out free: Is there a way to do this without paying?
To do this, find a photo editor that allows for shape-based cropping. In PhotoWorks, simply select the Crop and Rotation tool, then choose the shape you want. Options include a rectangle, square, circle, or heart.
To cut part of an image, use the Change Background tool in PhotoWorks. Select the area you want to keep using the green brush and mark the background with the red brush. Once the selection is made, click Next and confirm your choice. The program will take care of the rest.
If you’re looking for an app to cut around an image, PhotoWorks is a great option. It allows you to easily outline and cut out the object you need. For mobile devices, using apps like Canva or Photoshop Express may be a solution.
There are many online tools that let you cut around an image without downloading any software. Several websites offer easy-to-use tools for removing backgrounds from images. Consider using services such as Remove Image Background, AI Background Remover, Pixlr, or Kapwing.
In Canva, you can cut around an image by selecting the image and clicking Effects. Then, choose the Background Remover tool. This will allow you to cut around the subject and remove the background. For precise adjustments, use the erase feature to fine-tune your cutout.
To cut out an image on your iPhone, use apps like PhotoRoom or Adobe Photoshop Express. These apps offer easy-to-use tools for selecting and cutting out objects from your photos. Simply upload the image, use the selection tool to outline the area you want to keep, and remove or replace the background as needed.
Yes, there are free tools available to cut out images. Websites like remove.bg offer a free option for basic cutouts. It’s also possible to use free or trial desktop programs like GIMP or Adobe Photoshop Express, though these may have limitations, such as fewer features or time restrictions in the trial versions.
Now that you know how to cut out an image feel free to do it yourself. The process will take you just a few minutes. Pick the picture, cut out the objects you need and you’ll be able to make a creative family collage, a funny greeting card for your friend’s birthday, or prepare an important work presentation. It’s all up to you!