8 Ways to Remove Image Background Using GIMP in Real Estate Photography

8 Ways to Remove Image Background Using GIMP in Real Estate Photography

Some backgrounds, like dull skies or stained walls, can ruin an otherwise perfect real estate photo. GIMP is one of the most user-friendly photo editing software for background removal. Discover the powerful techniques our editors use to remove image background using GIMP.

 

Remove Image Background Using GIMP

From the precise Free Selection tool for simple objects to the versatile Fuzzy Selection tool for more complex backgrounds, GIMP provides options for every scenario. Advanced methods like the Foreground Select tool, Select by Color tool, Quick Mask, Layer Mask, Path tool, and Alpha Channel Mask offer even more control for tackling challenging background removal.

Image background removal has time and time again proven to be one of the essential tools in real estate photography and editing. It allows editors to use objects in the photo and isolate them so they can be flexibly used in different images. These are the various tools that can remove the background in GIMP.

Background removing tools

Different GIMP Tools to Remove Background in Real Estate Photos

A software that has been making a name for itself is GIMP or also known as GNU Image Manipulation Program. As mentioned, GIMP’s ability to remove image backgrounds comes in different ways. They are effective and useful in their own ways.

1. Free Selection Tool

This is GIMP’s version of the Lasso tool in Photoshop. It functions in a way that surrounds an object, creating boundaries where you can work with the next steps. It comes in two different options to remove the background: A free-hand option and a polygon-recognizing option. 

The free-hand option requires a lot of precision so try and select objects that are simpler to manage or better yet, use a stylus with a touch screen device to ease the process.

  • Open your image in GIMP and use the Free Selection tool to create an outline around the object you want to keep, zooming in as needed for precision. Use the Backspace key to undo mistakes while creating the selection.
  • After you’ve gone around the object, click at certain points to anchor down the selection. Click again on the very first point you’ve made while pressing the CTRL key to indicate that the selection is complete.
  • Invert the selection by going to "Select" in the top menu bar and choosing "Invert". This will select the background instead of the object, indicated by a blinking dashed outline.
  • Press the Delete key to remove the selected background, leaving your object isolated on a transparent background.

An exterior view of a modern looking house

2. Layers and Fuzzy Selection Tool

Another way to remove background in GIMP is to work on layers using the Fuzzy Selection tool. It works the same way as the Magic Wand tool of Photoshop.

Layers in GIMP provide a non-destructive way to isolate and to remove background. The Fuzzy Selection tool complements this by enabling our editors to select areas of similar color, making it easier to separate a complex image background from foreground elements.

  • Open the image in GIMP by going to File and clicking on Open or using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + O.
  • Add an Alpha Channel Mask to the image layer by right-clicking on the layer and selecting "Add Alpha Channel". This should create a transparent background after removal.
  • Use the Fuzzy Selection tool to click on background areas and press Delete to remove them. For any remaining areas, use the Eraser Tool for precise cleanup.
  • To replace the background with a new color, create a new layer, use the Bucket Fill tool to add your desired color, and move this new layer below the main image layer.

3. Foreground Select Tool

In some cases of real estate photography, there are objects that are not wanted within the photo yet are excruciating to remove. The Foreground Select tool can be used for when you want to remove the background from more complex objects.

We find that the Foreground Select tool in GIMP is particularly effective to remove background elements in high-quality images due to its ability to distinguish between foreground and background based on user input. This tool creates a clean separation when you need to remove background elements in professional-grade images.

  • To launch the Foreground Select Tool in GIMP, click on the icon resembling a person's silhouette with a dotted line around it in the toolbox, or press Shift + F from your keyboard.
  • The foreground selection tool begins by outlining the object you want to preserve. Select a rough outline with very little precision.
  • The next step is to hit enter to create a layer or a mask on the image that still shows the distinction between what was selected and the background. 
  • Using a Brush, color within the object you just isolated. Make sure not to cross boundaries outside of that object.
  • Hit Enter to confirm the selection and then invert the selection through the select option. Press the Delete key to retain your object.

4. Select by Color Tool

When you have images with backgrounds in homogenous colors, this method makes it simpler to remove background.

The Select by Color Tool in GIMP is excellent for quickly selecting large areas of similar color in an image background, which can then be easily removed or modified using the layer palette. This tool is especially useful when there are unwanted image background elements that have distinct color differences from the main subject.

  • Find the icon depicted by three circles. One of them will be enclosed inside a dotted square, one will be a solid circle, and the third one will be hollow. 
  • Click on a background color you want removed and note that multiple selections can be made. Multiple selections mean that several shades of the same color can be recognized as part of the same family of colors.
  • Hold the Shift button down as you make multiple selections will make GIMP recognize the shades you want removed.
  • Hit the Delete button to remove the background.

5. Quick Mask and Eraser

Working on a Quick Mask and using the Eraser tool is an effective way to remove backgrounds in GIMP because it allows for precise selection of complex shapes and fine details. 

Our editors also use this method as it combines the flexibility of painting with the accuracy of selection tools. This makes it easier to remove backgrounds from images with intricate edges or varying levels of transparency.

  • Open the photo in GIMP and activate the Toggle Quick Mask tool from the Select menu.
  • Use the Eraser to remove the red overlay from the main subject, leaving the background covered in red.
  • Press Shift + Q to exit the Quick Mask mode. This will create a selection based on your erased areas.
  • Go to Select and click on Invert to invert the selection and target the background.
  • Press Delete to remove the background.

A house with pink roof

6. Layer Mask and Brush Tool

Using the Brush tool on a Layer Mask is an alternative way to remove backgrounds in GIMP because it offers non-destructive editing. This technique refines the selection without permanently altering the original image file. 

Our editors combine these tools to have more precise control over which parts of the background to remove. This is why the Add Layer Mask function is an ideal method for complex images or when you need to preserve fine details along the edges of your subject.

  • Open the photograph in GIMP.
  • Add a Layer Mask to the main image layer by right-clicking on the layer and selecting "Add Layer Mask".
  • Select the Brush tool from the toolbar, set the foreground color to black, and zoom in on the image for better precision.
  • Carefully paint over the background areas with the Brush to remove them, revealing transparency in the masked areas.

7. Alpha Channel Mask and Color Option

Some of our clients struggle with background removal because of the need to control transparency based on color values. In such cases, we prefer to use an Alpha Channel Mask to finetune the layer palette and achieve optimal results when we remove the background.

  • In the Layers panel, right-click on the image layer and select Add Alpha Channel to add an Alpha Channel Mask to the main layer for transparency.
  • Right-click the layer in the Layers panel and select Duplicate Layer to duplicate the image layer and adjust the contrast of the duplicate.
  • Head to Color and adjust the Brightness-Contrast sliders to increase the contrast between the subject and background. Return to Colors, choose Desaturate, and pick the shade of gray based on Luminosity, Lightness, or Average.
  • Go to Color and click on Invert to select the background image. Launch the Paint Brush tool and set the foreground color to black and the background color to white.
  • Paint over background areas with black, then paint over subject areas with white
  • In the Layers panel, right-click the original layer, select Add Layer Mask, and click on the refined black and white layer.
  • Go to Edit, click on Copy, and double-click the layer mask thumbnail. Head to Edit, and click on Paste.
  • In the Layers panel, right-click the floating selection and choose Anchor Layer. Delete the working (black and white) layer.

8. Path Tool

Last on the list for background removal tools is the Path tool. Quite similar to Photoshop's Pen tool, the Path tool in GIMP enables smooth and accurate outlining of complex backgrounds. 

Our editors also use this tool to deal with intricate details, resulting in clean, professional-looking image enhancements that can be easily adjusted or refined.

  • Open your image in GIMP and select the Path tool from the toolbar, then zoom in for better precision.
  • Create a path around the subject by clicking to place anchor points, and adjusting curves as needed.
  • Right-click on the image to convert the path to a selection.
  • Go to Select, click on From Path, then press CTRL + I to invert the selection and target the background.
  • Press Delete to remove the selected background.
  • Optionally, you can add a new layer mask with a different color for a new background.

A woman drawing on a tablet while previewing it on the laptop

Overview of GIMP for Editing Real Estate Images

When it comes to real estate photography editing, even in terms of removing unwanted background, there’s a lot that GIMP can offer. When you want to expand your knowledge base or simply have fun using a different software, GIMP can teach you a lot of things. 

Like other editing programs, it provides image-retouching features and freeform drawing tools. You can use it on Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also has versions for computers and smartphones.

Background removal in GIMP comes free so there are no strings attached. Power users will get a kick out of trying this out. For whatever reason it is, we encourage you to be adventurous and consider trying new software for your editing needs.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Using GIMP to Remove Image Background

Understanding the advantages and downsides of using the GIMP program for background removal helps users make informed decisions about their image editing workflow. With this knowledge, you can leverage GIMP's strengths while being prepared for potential challenges in achieving high-quality results.

Pros

  • Offers most types of image editing, including background removal and image enhancement.
  • Offers versatile tools like the Path tool and Fuzzy Selection tool for precise photo retouching.
  • Provides advanced features such as a Layer Mask and Alpha Channel Mask for complex background removal.
  • Supports non-destructive editing by letting you make adjustments on layers.

Cons

  • May require more time and effort to achieve professional-looking results.
  • Limited automated background removal features compared to specialized software.
  • May experience occasional crashes when dealing with large-format images, including indexed images.
  • Has limited third-party plugins for image enhancement.

A photographer looking at her camera

Related Questions

How Do I Cut an Object Out of an Image in GIMP?

To cut an object out of an image in GIMP, use the Scissors Select tool to trace around the object, then copy and paste it onto a new layer. Alternatively, you can use the Free Select tool for more precise cropping, or the Fuzzy Select tool for objects with clear color boundaries.

How to Make an Image Background Transparent in GIMP?

To make an image background transparent in GIMP, set your image in a format that supports transparency (like PNG). Then, use the Fuzzy Select Tool to select the background, add an Alpha Channel to the layer, and delete the selection.

Is GIMP as Effective as Adobe Photoshop for Background Removal?

GIMP is generally as effective as Photoshop for basic to intermediate image background removal tasks, offering similar tools like the Fuzzy Select and Free Select options. However, Adobe Photoshop may have an edge for complex tasks or when dealing with multiple exposure images, due to its more advanced selection refinement tools and AI-powered features.

Conclusion

GIMP offers multiple ways to remove unwanted background in images, giving users more opportunities to create stunning, versatile images during post-processing. Our editors have mastered the technique of removing backgrounds using GIMP, and they can apply this image enhancement process to improve the appeal and quality of your real estate photos.

 

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