This page covers 4 methods on how to get rid of shadows in pictures, including using Photoshop, an online tool, or on iPhone/Android. Scroll down to get step-by-step guides now.
Shadows on a picture can be artistic when used intentionally - but when they show up in an inappropriate place, they often ruin an otherwise great photo. So, many people may ask the same question: how to get rid of shadows in pictureswithout destroying image quality? It may be a harsh shadow across a face, an ugly product shadow on a white background, or uneven lighting. Removing shadows actually improves visual quality in several important ways:
In this guide, we will walk you through 4 practical solutions for how to remove shadows from a picture, covering Photoshop, free online tool, iPhone, and Android methods.
Photoshop is a very widely used image editing tool that provides plenty of tools for retouching, compositing, and manipulating photos. It offers precise control over light and shadow, non-destructive editing with adjustment layers, and the ability to handle complex and uneven shadows.
One thing is that Photoshop does not have a single "remove shadow" button. Instead, it provides multiple tools, like Content-Aware Fill, Patch tool, Dodge tool, Clone Stamp tool, and adjustment layers that can be combined depending on the image. Here is how to get rid of shadows in photosusing Photoshop’s Patch tool:
Step 1. Launch Photoshop and open the photo you want to edit.
Step 2. Highlight the photo layer on the Layers panel and choose Duplicate Layer to make a copy of the photo so that you can undo changes at any time. Click the eye icon next to the original photo to hide it, then select the duplicated layer.
Step 3. Click the Healing Tool on the left toolbar and choose Patch Tool. Then, drop down the Patch option, and choose Content-Aware.
Step 4. Next, select the shadow area in the photo, then move the cursor to the nearby area you want to replace to remove shadow from the photo.
If you're not good at handling layers and curves or you're looking for a faster solution, online AI tools are an excellent alternative. Many web-based platforms now use AI to detect and reduce shadows automatically.
UltraPic is an AI-powered online image editor designed to handle background removal, AI background generation, and image upscale with minimal effort. It’s particularly useful for users who want quick results without installing software. And it stands out as one of the best apps to remove shadows from pictures online, thanks to features like:
Get clean, conversion-ready product photos instantly with AI.
Follow the steps below to learn how to remove shadows from photo online free:
Step 1. Open UltraPic in your browser and upload the image with unwanted shadows.
Step 2. The AI automatically detects shadowed areas and removes them, leaving a transparent background on the photo.
Step 3. Now, you can set another background color or go to Generate BG to replace it with a new background easily. Then, click Download to get the pictures without a shadow on the back.
If you primarily edit photos on your iPhone, here is a feature in Photos' photo editing that can significantly reduce unwanted shadows.
Step 1. Select the image you want to edit and tap Edit.
Step 2. Tap the adjustment icon and find Shadows. Slide it to the right to brighten shadowed areas.
Step 3. Then, you can lower Highlights slightly to prevent overexposure. Small adjustments to Exposure, Brightness, and Contrast can also reduce shadow harshness. Then, click Done to save the edited image.
Android users have equally powerful options for shadow removal. The ecosystem offers a wide range of photo editing apps, many of which include intelligent lighting adjustments. For example, Google Photos provides a simple starting point. Its editing tools allow users to adjust brightness and shadows with minimal effort.
Step 1. Open Google Photos, select the photo you want to edit.
Step 2. Open the editing panel, adjust Shadows and Highlights to brighten dark areas.
Step 3. Balance the image by tweaking Highlights and Contrast. And then, apply changes and save.
#1. How to get rid of a shadow while taking a picture?
Preventing shadows during shooting is often easier than fixing them later. Simple techniques can make a big difference. Some practical tips include:
#2. Are online shadow removers easy to use?
Yes, most AI image editor online tools are designed for simplicity. They typically require only an upload and a click. AI handles the technical work behind the scenes.
Online shadow removers are ideal for beginners and users who want fast results without learning complex software. However, they may struggle with very strong or uneven shadows.
#3. Can you remove shadows from pictures on an iPhone?
Absolutely. iPhones offer built-in editing tools that handle light shadow correction well. For more advanced edits, third-party apps provide additional control and AI enhancements.
On this page, we have presented how to get rid of shadows in pictures using Photoshop, a free online photo editing tool, and how to do it on iPhone and Android. Photoshop offers more precision for professionals. Online tools provide speed and accessibility. iPhone and Android apps deliver convenient, on-the-go solutions. Each approach has its advantages.