How to Remove Background from Clipart in Photoshop (2026)

One of the most useful skills for any digital designer or POD seller is knowing how to remove backgrounds from images. While the Artistic Bundle provides transparent PNG clipart files that already have backgrounds removed, there may be times when you need to remove a background yourself. Here's exactly how to do it in Photoshop.

Why Background Removal Matters for Designers

• Place clipart on any color — transparent PNGs work on white, black, or colored product backgrounds
• Layer designs — combine multiple clipart elements without white boxes appearing
• Professional results — clean edges make the difference between amateur and professional designs
• POD requirements — most POD platforms require transparent PNG files for placement designs

Method 1: Remove Background Tool (Photoshop 2023+)

This is the fastest method for simple backgrounds:

1. Open your image in Photoshop
2. Go to Window → Properties to open the Properties panel
3. Click Remove Background button in the Quick Actions section
4. Photoshop will automatically detect and remove the background using AI
5. Review the result and use the Refine Edge brush to clean up any edges
6. Export as PNG to preserve transparency

Best for: Simple, solid color backgrounds. Works exceptionally well on product photos and simple clipart.

Method 2: Magic Wand Tool

Best for images with solid white or single-color backgrounds:

1. Open your image and duplicate the layer (Ctrl/Cmd + J)
2. Select the Magic Wand Tool (W) from the toolbar
3. Click on the white background area
4. Adjust Tolerance (32 is default — higher catches more similar colors)
5. Press Delete to remove the selected background
6. Deselect (Ctrl/Cmd + D) and check the result
7. Repeat for any remaining background areas
8. Export as PNG

Method 3: Pen Tool (Most Precise)

Best for complex backgrounds or when you need perfect edges:

1. Select the Pen Tool (P) from the toolbar
2. Carefully trace around the edge of your clipart subject
3. Close the path by clicking back on the first point
4. Right-click the path and select Make Selection
5. Invert the selection (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + I)
6. Press Delete to remove background
7. Export as PNG

Best for: Hair, fur, detailed edges — situations where automatic tools struggle.

Method 4: Select Subject (AI-Powered)

1. Go to Select → Subject
2. Photoshop's AI automatically selects the main subject
3. Go to Select → Inverse to select the background
4. Press Delete
5. Use Select → Refine Edge to clean up edges
6. Export as PNG

Free Alternative: Remove.bg

Don't have Photoshop? Use remove.bg — a free online tool that removes backgrounds automatically in seconds. Simply upload your image and download the transparent PNG. Works great for simple clipart and product photos.

Save Time with Pre-Made Transparent PNG Clipart

The best way to avoid background removal entirely is to use clipart that already comes with transparent backgrounds. All 40,000+ clipart files in the Artistic Bundle are pre-made transparent PNGs — ready to place on any design immediately.