How to Remove Background in Illustrator [Top 5 Ways]
Removing the background in Illustrator might sound tricky, but once you master the technique, it can actually be quite smooth and very rewarding.
By Crystal Updated on July 16, 2025
Whether you are engaged in typography, illustration, or logo design, Adobe Illustrator is an indispensable software in your toolbox.
How to remove the background in Illustrator? Is there a free way to erases unwanted background?
- Using Image Trace as a background remover to create a Vector
- Using the Pen Tool to remove backgrounds in Photoshop with a clipping mask
- Using the Magic Wand to remove the solid or consistent color backgrounds
- Removing backgrounds and saving the file as an EPS in Illustrator
- Remove product backgrounds in 3 seconds - Free online tool 🔥
Way 1. Remove background in Illustrator using Image Trace
When using Adobe Illustrator, you might want to use vector graphics. Compared to regular images like JPEGs, vector graphics are clearer. Even when enlarged, they remain clear and do not become pixelated.
When you remove the white background, you can quickly distinguish between the subject and the background using Illustrator.
Here is how to use the Image Trace to create vector graphics and remove backgrounds in Illustrator:
1. Place an image in the workspace by opening a file from your computer. Navigate to View > Show Transparency Grid (or use the shortcut Shift + Ctrl + D on Windows and Shift + Command + D on Mac). This will display the checkerboard background, indicating transparency. You can easily make a picture transparent in Photoshop.
2. Open the Image Trace window by clicking Window > Image Trace in the dropdown menu.
3. Select the Selection Tool (black arrow) in the toolbar and click on your image to select it.
4. Return to the Image Trace window and choose “High Fidelity Photo” for the best results. You can also select one of the other two presets that best match your image.
5. Click on Object > Expand in the dropdown menu to convert the traced image into a vector.
6. Now, use the Direct Selection Tool (white arrow) in the toolbar to click on and select the background parts you want to remove. Press the Delete key. You may need to repeat this process for each area.
7. Export the file as a.PNG or EPS file (as per the third step), ensuring that the Background Color as Transparent.
Way 2. Using the Pen Tool to remove the background from an image in Illustrator
Another effective method to remove the background in Illustrator is by using a clipping mask. A clipping mask is an object that hides or masks other images, allowing only the content within its bounds to be visible. Its function is similar to a template, which you can crop around and inside.
Here is how to use the pen tool to create a clipping mask and remove the background.
1. Use Adobe's Pen Tool to select the part of the image you want to keep after removing the background.
2. Zoom in for precision when outlining your object.
3. With the Pen Tool, choose your stroke color and select the “No Fill” option. Create an outline by clicking to place anchor points and adjusting lines as needed.
4. Close the shape by clicking on the first anchor point.
5. Select both the image and outline, then right-click (PC) or Ctrl-click (Mac) to "Make Clipping Mask."
6. Refine your mask using the Direct Selection Tool or Pen Tool to add or adjust anchor points.
7. View transparency with View > Show Transparency Grid.
8. Export as a .PNG or EPS file with "Background Transparent" checked.
Way 3. Using the Magic Wand to erase backgrounds in Illustrator
If the image you want to remove the background from is already a vector file (such as a file with the extension.AI,.EPS,.SVG, or some.PDFs), it becomes even easier to remove the background in Illustrator.
The Magic Wand attempts to guess what you want to select, and you can add or subtract areas by clicking on them.
Here's how to use the Magic Wand to remove backgrounds in Adobe Illustrator:
1. Click on the most representative part of your image (the part with the attributes you want to select). The Magic Wand Tool will select matching elements.
2. You can add to your selection by holding down the Shift key and clicking another part of the image with elements you want to include in the selection.
3. If you have selected too many elements, you can subtract from the selection by holding down the Alt key (Windows) or Option key (Mac) and clicking on the unwanted areas.
4. Once you have selected the entire background, press the Delete key to remove it.
Way 4. Removing White Backgrounds in Illustrator by Saving as EPS Files
In some cases, you can quickly remove a white background in Illustrator by saving the file as an EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) file. Here's how:
1. Open your image in Illustrator.
2. Go to File > Save As.
3. Select EPS as the file format.
4. In the EPS options dialog box, make sure to select the “Transparent Background” option.
5. Click OK to save the file. When you open the saved EPS file, the white background should be removed.
Way 5. Remove background with UltraPic [Free Alternative]
If you're looking for an alternative to Adobe Illustrator, UltraPic is a great option. It offers many of the same features as Illustrator, including the ability to remove backgrounds from images.
UltraPic has a user-friendly interface and efficient photo editing tools, applicable to most e-commerce platforms.
✅ Zero-threshold operation: No need to learn the pen tool/pathfinder, AI one-click intelligent background removal.
✅ Lightning-fast output: Automatic processing takes only 5 seconds, saving you half an hour of manual tracing.
✅ Free: No subscription or payment required, easily remove backgrounds.
AI-powered high-quality image background-removing easy
Instantly remove any background and generate custom backdrops with AI. Boosting conversions effortlessly.
Step 1. Open UltraPic, upload the image first. No sign-up required.
AI Background Remover automatically detects the subject and removes the background in seconds. Wait 5 seconds for a transparent background (checkerboard) to be generated.
Step 2. (Optional) Adjust shadows, contrast, and brightness, or resize the image to fit different platforms.
Step 3. Export PNG by clicking Download. Done!
Conclusion
Removing the background in Adobe Illustrator is a fundamental skill for designers and illustrators. Whether you choose to use the Image Trace, the Pen Tool, the Magic Wand, or save as an EPS file, each method offers a unique way to achieve a clean, transparent background for your images.
Additionally, knowing about alternative online tools such as UltraPic can provide you with even more options depending on your specific needs and preferences. Experiment with these techniques to enhance your vector graphics editing skills and create stunning visual content.
