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How to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop

January 19

13 min. to read

Have you ever captured a perfect landscape or a beautiful moment, only to have it marred by unwanted individuals in the frame? Fret not, for in this comprehensive guide, we will unravel the secrets of how to remove someone from a picture, whether you're using a mobile device or a desktop computer.

How to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop Image1Capturing the perfect shot means contending with unexpected photobombers, but the power to remove people from your photos is now at your fingertips. With easy-to-follow techniques, we'll teach you how to remove a person from a photo using various tools and software options. Bid farewell to unwanted distractions and elevate your photography game by learning to remove people from photos. Your pristine images are just a few steps away!


How to Edit Someone Out of a Picture on DesktopHow to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop Image2

  1. Download any Photo Editing Software

  2. Open Your Image 

  3. Select the Person

  4. Delete or Fill

  5. Fine-Tune

  6. Save Your Work

1. Download any Photo Editing Software

Choose photo editing software to learn how to edit distractions out of a photo. Adobe Photoshop and Luminar Neo are at the top of the list of most popular desktop editors for manipulations with photos. You can find other options because most photo editors have a similar scheme of erasing people from photos. Find the official site, read the terms of use, specifications, and tariff plans, and install it.

2. Open Your Image

Begin by opening your photo editing software and selecting the image you intend to edit. Click the "Edit" option and choose the photo you wish to work on.

3. Select the Person

Use the selection tool (often the lasso or pen tool) to carefully outline the person you wish to remove. Take your time to ensure accuracy.

4. Delete or Fill

Once the person is selected, you can press the Delete key to remove them or use the Fill tool to replace them with the surrounding background.

5. Fine-Tune

To make the edit seamless, you may need to fine-tune the area where the person was. Use the Clone Stamp or Healing Brush tool to blend the edited area with the rest of the image. Make color corrections for a more spectacular photo. Also, try AI-based tools to make your editing process easier and enhance the desired effects.

6. Save Your Work 

After you're satisfied with the result, save your edited image and share it with your audience and friends.

Remember, practice makes perfect when removing people from photos on your desktop. Experiment with different tools and techniques to achieve the best results for your photos.

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How to Remove a Person from a Photo on iPhone and Other Mobile DevicesHow to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop Image3

Are you looking to remove a person from a photo on an iPhone or another mobile device? Modern technology makes editing people out of photos easier than ever with user-friendly apps. Let's explore how you can achieve this:

  1. Select an App

  2. Import Your Photo

  3. Choose a Removal Tool

  4. Select the Person

  5. Apply the Removal

  6. Review and Save

1. Select an App

Choose a photo editing app from your device's app store. Several apps are available for both iOS and Android, such as Adobe Photoshop Express, TouchRetouch, and Snapseed. If you already have your favorite one, use it, or check between the 5 Best Apps to Remove People from Photos.

2. Import Your Photo

Launch the chosen app and import the photo you want to edit. Usually, you can do this by tapping the "+" or "Import" icon.

3. Choose a Removal Tool

Look for a tool or feature specifically designed for object removal or retouching. This tool is essential for deleting the person from your photo.

4. Select the Person

Use your finger or a stylus to carefully highlight the person you wish to remove. The app will often guide you on how to do this effectively.

5. Apply the Removal

Once the person is selected, tap the "Remove" or "Erase" button. The app will work magic to eliminate the person chosen while preserving the background.

6. Review and Save

After the removal process, review the image to ensure it looks satisfactory. If you're happy with the result, save the edited photo to your device's gallery.

Removing a person from a photo on your mobile device has always been challenging, thanks to these handy apps. Whether it's an unwanted photobomber or an ex-partner, you can edit people out of your photos with a few simple steps.

Spotlight: Luminar Neo

How to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop Image4

Regarding effortless photo editing and the ability to erase people from photos, Luminar Neo stands out as a powerful tool. With this software, you can detect and remove people from your photos, leaving no traces behind. Whether it’s a crowded background or an accidental photobomber, Luminar Neo has you covered. Here are two options:

Option 1: Using the Erase tool

The Erase tool in Luminar Neo has long established itself as one of the best on the market, thanks to its use of AI technologies. To remove any unwanted element from your photo, just follow these easy steps:

  1. Open the Edit tab in the Luminar software.
  2. Find the Essentials section on the tools panel and click the Erase button. 
  3. Pick the size of the brush and select objects to remove. 
  4. If needed, you can also remove objects quickly with the Remove Dust Spots and Remove Powerlines buttons.
  5. When the object is selected, click Erase.

Option 2: Using a Brand-new GenErase

For more complicated cases, we recommend using GenErase, a next-generation removal tool. Its main feature allows removing unwanted or distracting elements from your photos, replacing these areas with generative fill powered by artificial intelligence. It's extremely easy to do this:

  1. Choose a desired photo from the Catalog.
  2. Click the GenErase button on the right.
  3. Pick the brush size and select objects to remove. It's best to delete in small batches at a time.
  4. When the object is selected, click Erase.

We’ve figured out how to remove objects from photos with Luminar Neo, but photo editing doesn’t end there. To further perfect your photo, let’s explore other tools available in Luminar Neo. Depending on your goals, you might want to enhance sharpness using the HDR Photo Editing feature, correct colors by applying a preset, or improve the overall quality of your photo with the one-click Auto Edit Photo option.

Each of these tools allows you to refine your photos with precision, ensuring that every detail meets your standards.

Remove People from Your Photos with a Few Clicks

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Additional Editing Tips

How to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop Image5

How to Erase Unwanted Objects Beyond People

Objects like signs, trash cans, or distractions can clutter your composition. Most photo editing tools, including Photoshop and Luminar Neo, offer tools like the Content-Aware Fill or Clone Stamp to help you seamlessly erase unwanted elements.

Enhancing Edited Areas for Natural Looks

After removing a person or object, take extra steps to blend the edited area with the surrounding background. Adjust the lighting, color, and texture to ensure a seamless and natural appearance. This step is crucial for making the edited portion look like it was never there.

Using Apps to Edit People Out of Photos Efficiently

Besides desktop software, several mobile apps can efficiently remove a person from a photo. Apps like TouchRetouch and Adobe Photoshop Express offer simplified tools and automated features perfect for on-the-go editing. Explore these options for quick and hassle-free edits when you're away from your computer.

FAQs on Removing People from Photos

1. What's the Best Method to Remove Someone from a Picture?

It depends on your editing skills and the complexity of the image. Tools like the Content-Aware Fill in Photoshop and AI-powered features in Luminar Neo are effective for seamless removal. Experiment with these techniques to find the best one for your specific photo.

2. Are There Free Apps to Remove People from Photos?

Free apps like TouchRetouch and Remove.bg offer basic removal capabilities. However, consider paid software like Adobe Photoshop or Luminar Neo for more advanced and precise edits, which provide additional features and flexibility.

3. How Can I Edit Out Multiple People at Once?

Use selection tools to isolate them from the background. Then, apply the removal technique of your choice. Remember, more complex scenes require extra care and attention to detail.

4. What's the Difference Between Erasing and Editing Someone Out?

Erasing someone typically involves removing them without replacing the background. Editing someone out often means replacing them with background elements to maintain the image's composition and visual integrity.

5. Why is Luminar Neo Recommended for Such Edits?

Luminar Neo is recommended for its AI-powered tools, such as GenErase and GenSwap, which streamline photo removal and editing elements. These features offer efficient and realistic results, making it an excellent choice for various photo editing tasks, including removing people from photos.

Conclusion

Removing people from photos has become more accessible and efficient than ever, thanks to various tools and techniques available on mobile and desktop platforms. Whether using your smartphone or powerful desktop software like Luminar Neo or Adobe Photoshop, there's a solution for every skill level and editing need. From basic removal to advanced AI-powered features, you can achieve seamless results with practice and patience. The key is to choose the method that suits your requirements and refine your editing skills. With the right tools and knowledge, you can easily transform your photos, creating stunning, people-free compositions.

How to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop | Skylum How-To | Skylum How-to(2)

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Written by

Maryna Yurlovskaya

Portrait Photographer

With over a decade of experience in photography, I live by the philosophy that "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." I staunchly believe that everyone possesses their unique beauty, and it is my mission to unveil it through my work. I especially cherish moments when my work helps rekindle love and appreciation in relationships. My portfolio spans fashion, portraits, and candid backstage moments, capturing genuine emotions and telling compelling stories without the need for words.

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How to Remove People from Pictures: Editing on Mobile & Desktop | Skylum How-To | Skylum How-to(14)