How to Remove an Image Background in Microsoft PowerPoint

Removing distracting or unnecessary backgrounds from images is a great way to help them stand out more in your PowerPoint presentations. With just a few clicks, you can delete backgrounds to make your images transparent or place them over custom backgrounds.

Why Remove Image Backgrounds

Here are some reasons you may want to remove an image background in PowerPoint:

  • Emphasize the main subject – Deleting busy or cluttered backgrounds draws more attention to the main image subject. This helps it stand out on your slide.
  • Consistency – If you have multiple images with different backgrounds, removing them can give your presentation a more cohesive feel.
  • Legibility – Text and graphics are easier to see without competing backgrounds.
  • Creative freedom – Removing an original background lets you add custom backgrounds that match your slide design or theme.

Prepare Your Image

For the best results when removing backgrounds, start with quality images that have good contrast between the main subject and background. Here are some tips:

  • Use images with high resolution and avoid grainy or pixelated shots. These remove cleaner.
  • Pick photos with clear separation between the subject and background. Images with complex or intricate backgrounds don’t cut out well.
  • Favor images with flat, solid color backgrounds over busy, textured shots. These remove more seamlessly.
  • Avoid images with shadows behind the main subject. Hard shadows often leave traces behind.

Remove the Background in PowerPoint

Removing an image background in PowerPoint only takes a few clicks:

  1. Select the image you want to modify.
  2. On the Picture Format tab, click Remove Background.
  3. PowerPoint will automatically detect and highlight the main image subject. Review the detected area and make any adjustments if needed.
  4. Click Keep Changes to remove the background.

That’s all there is to it! PowerPoint does the hard work for you by using AI to identify the main image subject.

Tips for Tricky Images

PowerPoint does an excellent job detecting and removing backgrounds automatically. But some tricky images require extra help:

For intricate subjects: Use the Mark Areas to Keep/Remove tools to manually fine-tune the selected area. Trace around difficult edges that the AI missed.

For shadows or color contamination: Click the Color Tolerance slider to smooth out traces of background colors or shadows.

For stubborn background areas: Use the Eraser tool to wipe out any remaining background specks. Zoom your image to catch them all.

For solid color backgrounds: Sometimes it’s faster to just fill the background with a solid color instead. Right click > Format Background > Solid Fill.

Refine the Final Image

Review your new transparent image closely before inserting it in your presentation:

  • Zoom in and inspect the edges for any lingering background specks. Remove them with the Eraser tool.
  • Soften jagged edges by clicking Soft Edge and adjusting the radius slider.
  • If any transparency gridlines show, uncheck Transparency under Picture Format.
  • Consider adding a custom background fill color or texture to make your image really stand out.