Removing the background from a picture is a common task when working with images, whether for graphic design, photo editing, or other creative projects. Adobe Illustrator (AI) is a powerful tool that can be used to achieve this, and in this article, we will explore how to remove the background from a picture in AI.
Step 1: Open the Image in Adobe Illustrator
Start by opening the image you want to edit in Adobe Illustrator. You can do this by selecting “File” and then “Open” from the menu, and then navigating to the location of the image on your computer.
Step 2: Select the Image
Once the image is open in Illustrator, select it by clicking on it with the Selection tool (V). This will ensure that any manipulations you make will apply to the entire image rather than just a part of it.
Step 3: Use the Image Trace Tool
With the image selected, navigate to the “Object” menu, then select “Image Trace,” and choose “Make and Expand.” This will convert the image into a vector format, which is necessary for removing the background.
Step 4: Ungroup the Image
After using the Image Trace tool, the image will be grouped together as a single object. To edit the individual components of the image, you need to ungroup it. You can do this by right-clicking on the image and selecting “Ungroup” from the menu.
Step 5: Remove the Background
Once the image is ungrouped, you can now select and delete the background elements. Use the Direct Selection tool (A) to click on the areas of the background you want to remove, and then press the Delete key on your keyboard to remove them.
Step 6: Refine the Edges
After removing the background, you may need to refine the edges of the remaining image to ensure a clean and smooth finish. You can use the Pen tool (P) or the Eraser tool to make any necessary adjustments to the edges of the image.
Step 7: Save the Image
Finally, once you are satisfied with the edited image, save it in the desired format and location on your computer. You can do this by selecting “File” and then “Save As” from the menu, and choosing the appropriate file format, such as JPEG or PNG.
In conclusion, Adobe Illustrator offers powerful tools for removing the background from an image, allowing you to create clean and polished visuals for your projects. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively remove the background from a picture in AI and achieve professional-looking results.
