Can you remove the background of an image in Canva for free?

In today’s content-driven world, visually appealing designs dominate social media, and removing the background from images is a key part of creating them. Canva is one of the most widely used online design tools, but many users wonder whether it offers background removal for free. The answer is not straightforward—while the feature exists, it’s limited.

Canva’s background remover is not free

Canva’s background remover is only available for Pro users, meaning a paid subscription is required. Free users can see the feature, but trying to use it prompts a message to upgrade. However, Canva offers a 30-day free trial of the Pro version. This allows temporary access to the tool, and if canceled before the trial ends, there’s no cost involved.

Free alternatives to remove image backgrounds

If you prefer to avoid the hassle of free trials, several tools offer background removal completely free of charge. Mac users, for instance, can use a native feature in macOS by right-clicking the image and selecting “Remove Background.” No installation required.

Remove.bg is another popular choice. It uses AI to automatically erase the background, delivering PNG files with transparency. Although high-resolution downloads need a premium account, the free version works well for most casual use.

Pixlr is a web-based editor that mimics Photoshop. Its quick background removal tool allows for more control over edges, letting users refine images easily. For mobile users, PhotoRoom is a top option. Originally focused on e-commerce, its accurate background removal engine is now popular among general creators.

In short, you don’t need to rely on Canva Pro to get professional-looking results. Several free tools provide equally effective solutions without requiring a subscription.