How to Remove People from Photos for Free

There's no worse feeling than looking at a near-perfect photo taken earlier in the day, to realize that a stranger was passing through in the background right as you were taking the shot. Luckily, you don't need a time machine to correct this oversight since photo editing software allows you to remove someone from an image with just a few clicks.

This how-to guide will walk you through how to remove people from images quickly and seamlessly.

One of the easiest ways to achieve this is through PhotoDirector software/app. It's free to download and includes a wide range of other editing tools, so you only need to download one program for all your editing needs.

• What Tools Are Used to Remove People from Pictures?
• How to Remove People from Photos on Windows and Mac
• How to Remove People from Photos on iOS and Android
• How to Remove People With an Online Tool
• Best Tool to Remove People from Photos [Free Download]
• Remove People from Photos FAQ

What Tools Are Used to Remove People from Pictures?

Photo editing programs typically offer multiple editing options to remove an object from a photo, such as a clone stamp tool, selection tools, or a healing brush. However, the main drawbacks to these include needing extreme precision for selecting the pixels that need to be replaced, encountering difficulty in preserving areas with sharp edges, and running the risk of having the texture of the area take on an inconstant appearance.

Thankfully, there's a more efficient way to remove unwanted objects from an image using a content-aware removal tool offered through software programs such as PhotoDirector. These editing tools still rely on using samples from the surrounding object as a replacement for what was removed, such as unwanted visitors, but are quick and easy while giving you more control for fine-tuning the result.

In addition, there is another way to erase people from a photo by replacing the background of an image. For more information on this technique, check out our breakdown of the 5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers.

How to Remove People from Photos on Windows and Mac

Removing unwanted people or objects from an image can be done quickly and easily using a laptop or desktop computer. Simply follow the instructions below to learn how to easily remove a person from a photo using PhotoDirector.

1. Open PhotoDirector on Windows or Mac in Edit to access the full range of editing tools, including Content-Aware Removal.
2. Import a new photo from your computer by dragging and dropping it into the software.
3. Once your photo appears in the main editing window, under the Guided tab, scroll down to the section labeled Improve/Remove on the left-hand side and click on the button labeled Content-Aware Removal.


Tip: To hide the organizational tools in the main editing window, click on the mountain icon directly below the Guided tab.

4. Once you click on Content-Aware Removal, the brush tool is already selected. You can change the size of the brush by using the slider under Brush Settings. Then, highlight the object you want to remove from the photo. Get as close to the object's edge as possible for best results.


Tip: If you've highlighted too much of the object's background you intend to remove, click the brush with the minus symbol next to it (-) to adjust your selection.

5. Click Apply, then wait for the photo to process. Then click Save As at the bottom of the menu to export the image to your computer in the format of your choice (PNG, JPG, or TIF).


Tip: To view a comparison of the results, click on the split-screen icon at the bottom left-hand corner of the editing window.

How to Remove People from Photos on iOS and Android

If you're looking for an app to remove people from a photo, look no further than PhotoDirector, which offers a wide range of photo editing tools, including content-aware removal.

1. Open PhotoDirector on your Android or iOS device and tap on the Edit button. Then, either select a photo from your library.
2. After you've selected a photo, tap on the Tools button on the bottom left-hand corner, then on the icon labeled Removal.

3. Highlight the person or object you wish to remove from the image, then click Remove at the bottom of the screen.


Tip: If your object removal didn't give you the results you were looking for, click Retry at the bottom of the screen.


4. Once you've created the desired effect, tap on the checkmark icon on the top right-hand corner of the screen to save your work. Once you've completed all your edits, click on the down arrow at the top right-hand corner of the screen to download the edited image to your device or share it on social media.

How to Remove People With an Online Tool

If you're looking for a fast way to remove people from pictures without downloading software, you can use the free online editing tools on MyEdit.

1. Go to MyEdit.Online and open the Object Removal tool.
2. Choose the person or people that you want to remove from the image. You can utilize the brush, pan, or zoom tools to select the unwanted elements. Once you have made the selection, click on the "Remove" option.
3. Preview the cleaned-up picture and proceed to download it. Make any final adjustments using the eraser tool if needed, and then preview your edits before exporting the final image.

Best Tool to Remove People from Photos [Free Download]

Capturing the perfect shot can sometimes be challenging, especially when a person walks into the frame without you noticing. Thankfully, advanced editing programs can remove people or objects from an image without learning complicated software or shell out an expensive monthly subscription fee.

PhotoDirector is free to download and is a solid choice for an all-in-one photo editor. Along with content-aware removal tools, the program also offers photo effects, beautify touch-up tools, and the ability to organize your photos by tags, labels, and even faces.