A new background color looks easy until the original background shows through hair or translucent objects. For a proper result, first isolate the subject. Coloring the entire picture is not the same as changing only the background.

What to do

  1. 1.Choose a background-replacement editor that supports masks.
  2. 2.Separate the subject from the old background.
  3. 3.Add a solid-color layer behind it.
  4. 4.Inspect edges and export a copy.

Choose the correct editing method

A uniform studio backdrop can sometimes be recolored using a clean selection. For a busy room or outdoor scene, you will usually need a subject mask or a separate cutout layer. Selective color tools may change unwanted parts of the subject if the background shares the same colors.

Match the light on the subject

A person lit from the left may look pasted onto a flat white background if the new scene has no similar light direction. Keep soft shadows where appropriate. For commerce photos, prioritize accurate product edges and color over dramatic effects.

Check the full-size output

Inspect the seam around shoulders, hair and shoes at 100%. Export as JPEG if the new background is solid and transparency is not needed. For a reusable cutout, choose a transparency-supporting format.

Watch out for this

Changing hue or white balance alone may recolor skin and clothing along with the background.

TRY IT ON YOUR PHOTO

Continue in MintGrade: Background tools

Open BG, remove the existing background if suitable, and use Add color background to test a solid backdrop.

Opens the relevant controls for JPG, PNG and WebP files. No edit is applied until you choose one.

Open background tools in MintGrade →

Frequently asked question

Can you make a photo background white without removing it?

Only when the original background is already isolated or uniformly light. Busy backgrounds usually require a mask or cutout.