Cutting out an image is one of the most useful editing techniques in graphic design. By removing the background around a subject, you can place people, products, logos, and objects onto new backgrounds, marketing materials, presentations, social media graphics, and promotional content.
Adobe Express includes powerful AI-powered background removal tools that make image cutouts incredibly easy. What once required advanced editing skills can now be accomplished in just a few clicks.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to cut out an image in Adobe Express and use the resulting transparent image in your designs.
Quick Answer
To cut out an image in Adobe Express:
- Open Adobe Express.
- Upload your image.
- Select the image.
- Choose Remove Background.
- Allow Adobe Express to process the image.
- Review the cutout.
- Download or use the transparent image in your design.
Most image cutouts take only a few seconds.
What Does “Cut Out an Image” Mean?
Cutting out an image means removing the background while keeping the main subject.
Examples include:
Person
Remove the surrounding background.
Product
Isolate the item for marketing materials.
Logo
Separate it from a colored background.
Object
Extract it for use in a new design.
The result is typically a transparent PNG image.
Why Cut Out an Image?
Image cutouts are useful for many projects.
Create Professional Marketing Graphics
Place products on clean backgrounds.
Design Social Media Content
Combine subjects with custom layouts.
Build Presentations
Highlight key visuals.
Create Website Graphics
Use transparent images in web design.
Improve Branding
Maintain a clean and consistent look.
Step 1: Open Adobe Express
Sign in to Adobe Express.
Create a new project or open an existing design.
The cutout feature works with:
- Photos
- Product images
- Portraits
- Logos
- Objects
Step 2: Upload Your Image
Click:
Upload Media
Select an image from your device.
Common file types include:
- JPG
- JPEG
- PNG
Higher-quality images generally produce better cutout results.
Step 3: Select the Image
Click the uploaded image.
The image editing controls will appear.
Adobe Express will display several editing options.
Step 4: Choose Remove Background
Select:
Remove Background
Adobe Express will automatically analyze the image.
Its AI identifies:
Foreground Subject
What should remain.
Background
What should be removed.
The process usually takes only a few seconds.
Step 5: Review the Cutout
After processing:
Check the image carefully.
Look for:
Clean Edges
Especially around hair and clothing.
Missing Areas
Parts of the subject accidentally removed.
Background Fragments
Areas that should have been removed.
Most results are surprisingly accurate.
Step 6: Use the Cutout in Your Design
Once the background is removed, you can:
Add a New Background
Use colors, photos, or graphics.
Place It in Marketing Materials
Highlight products or people.
Create Social Media Graphics
Build engaging content.
Add It to Presentations
Improve visual storytelling.
The cutout remains editable within Adobe Express.
Step 7: Download the Image
If you want to use the cutout elsewhere:
Click:
Download
Choose:
PNG
PNG preserves transparency.
This allows the cutout to be used in other applications.
Best Images for Cutouts
Some images work better than others.
Portrait Photos
Excellent results.
Product Photography
Ideal for e-commerce.
Logos
Usually easy to isolate.
Objects on Simple Backgrounds
Very effective.
High contrast between subject and background improves accuracy.
Difficult Images to Cut Out
Certain images can be more challenging.
Crowded Backgrounds
AI may struggle to separate objects.
Low-Resolution Images
Lack sufficient detail.
Complex Hair
Can require additional refinement.
Similar Foreground and Background Colors
Reduce detection accuracy.
Using high-quality images helps minimize these issues.
Cutting Out a Person
One of the most common uses.
Example Workflow
Upload Portrait
↓
Remove Background
↓
Add New Background
↓
Add Text
↓
Export
This is popular for:
- LinkedIn graphics
- Marketing content
- Event promotions
- Profile images
Cutting Out Product Photos
E-commerce businesses frequently remove backgrounds.
Benefits include:
Cleaner Product Displays
Better Branding
Consistent Catalog Images
Professional Marketing Materials
White or transparent backgrounds are common choices.
Cutting Out Logos
Logos often need transparent backgrounds.
Example:
Original Logo
↓
Remove Background
↓
Export as PNG
↓
Use on Website or Marketing Material
This creates more flexibility for branding projects.
Creating Composite Images
Cutouts can be combined with other graphics.
Examples:
Person + City Background
Product + Lifestyle Scene
Object + Graphic Elements
Speaker + Event Banner
These composite designs are common in advertising.
Adding a New Background
After cutting out the image:
Solid Color
Clean and simple.
Gradient
Modern appearance.
Photo
Adds context.
Pattern
Decorative effect.
Adobe Express makes background replacement easy.
Best Practices
Use High-Resolution Images
Improves AI accuracy.
Ensure Good Lighting
Helps define edges.
Choose Images with Contrast
Makes subject detection easier.
Review Results Carefully
Check for imperfections.
Export as PNG
Preserves transparency.
Following these practices produces better cutouts.
Common Mistakes
Using Low-Quality Images
Leads to poor cutout results.
Ignoring Edge Quality
Can make the cutout look unprofessional.
Choosing Busy Backgrounds
Makes subject detection harder.
Exporting as JPG
Removes transparency.
Skipping Final Review
May leave visible errors.
Always inspect the final image before publishing.
Adobe Express vs Photoshop for Image Cutouts
Adobe Express excels at:
- Fast background removal
- Marketing content
- Social media graphics
- Beginner-friendly editing
For advanced cutout work, professionals often use:
Adobe Photoshop
which offers:
- Layer masks
- Manual selections
- Advanced edge refinement
- Detailed compositing
For most everyday projects, Adobe Express provides excellent cutout capabilities with far less effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Adobe Express cut out an image?
Yes. Adobe Express includes an AI-powered Remove Background tool.
Does background removal work automatically?
Yes. Adobe Express automatically identifies and removes the background.
What file format should I use after removing the background?
PNG is recommended because it preserves transparency.
Can I add a new background afterward?
Yes. Adobe Express allows you to place the cutout on any background.
Does the tool work for products and people?
Yes. Portraits, products, logos, and objects are all common use cases.
Final Answer
To cut out an image in Adobe Express, upload the image, select it, and use the Remove Background feature. Adobe Express uses AI to isolate the subject and remove the surrounding background, creating a transparent image that can be placed on new backgrounds, marketing materials, social media graphics, presentations, websites, and promotional content. For most users, this is the fastest and easiest way to create professional-quality image cutouts.
