Use GIMP's AI Technology To Remove Backgrounds Easily

GIMP TUT
18 Feb 202312:12

TLDRThis tutorial demonstrates how to use GIMP's AI-powered scissors selection tool to effortlessly remove backgrounds from photos. The instructor compares it with the traditional path tool, highlighting the ease and speed of the AI tool. Pro tips are shared for optimizing the selection process, including managing anchor points and adjusting feathering to avoid common pitfalls. The video aims to elevate users' photo editing skills with a practical demonstration and helpful tips.

Takeaways

  • 😎 GIMP has an AI tool for background removal that can enhance your photo editing skills.
  • 🛠 The 'Scissors Select Tool' is the AI-powered tool for making selections in GIMP, previously known as 'Intelligent Scissors Tool'.
  • 🔍 To use the tool, start by adding an anchor point along the edge of the subject and let the tool create a selection path.
  • ⚡ The 'Scissors Select Tool' is faster and easier to use compared to the 'Path Tool', as demonstrated in the script.
  • 📌 Increase the number of anchor points when there are quick changes in direction for more precise selection.
  • 👉 Use the space bar to navigate around the image while creating the selection path.
  • 🔄 If the selection goes wrong, use 'Command + Z' to undo and correct the path without starting over.
  • 🧲 The 'Interactive Boundary' feature in the tool options allows the path to automatically adhere to the subject's edge.
  • 👕 The tool is particularly useful for complex areas like buttons or hair, making selection much simpler.
  • 📐 To close the selection path, click on the first anchor point after tracing the entire outline.
  • 🚫 High feathering radius can distort the selection; a smaller radius is recommended for precise edges.
  • 📝 Test the feathering effect on a small area before applying it to the entire selection to ensure accuracy.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video tutorial?

    -The main topic of the video tutorial is how to use GIMP's AI technology, specifically the scissors select tool, to remove backgrounds from photos easily.

  • What was the previous name of the scissors select tool in GIMP?

    -The scissors select tool was previously called the intelligent scissors tool in GIMP.

  • How does the video demonstrate the efficiency of the scissors select tool compared to the path tool?

    -The video demonstrates the efficiency by comparing the number of clicks and steps required to create a selection path using both tools, showing that the scissors select tool requires significantly fewer actions.

  • What is one of the pro tips mentioned in the video for using the scissors select tool?

    -One of the pro tips is to increase the number of anchor points or place them closer together when there are short and quick changes in direction within the subject's edge.

  • How can you navigate to another point of your image while using the scissors select tool?

    -You can navigate to another point of your image by holding down the space bar and then moving the image around as needed.

  • What is the video creator's suggestion for dealing with stray hairs during the selection process?

    -The video creator suggests that it's fine not to include stray hairs in the selection, and mentions there is another tutorial available that shows how to retain fine hair detail.

  • How does the 'interactive boundary' option in the tool options help with the selection process?

    -The 'interactive boundary' option allows the user to trace the outline or edge of the subject, with the path automatically adhering to the edge, making the selection process easier.

  • What is the recommended approach if the selection path goes inside the subject instead of along the edge?

    -Instead of starting over or removing the path or anchor point, you can click and hold the mouse button on the path, dragging it to the desired edge, where it will snap into place.

  • Why is it important to adjust the 'Feather edges' setting when using the scissors select tool?

    -Adjusting the 'Feather edges' setting is important because it affects the precision of the selection along the edge. A high feather radius can cause the selection to be inaccurate, so it's recommended to use a smaller radius and test it on a small area.

  • What is the final step in creating a selection with the scissors select tool?

    -The final step is to click on the first anchor point to close the path, which will then activate the selection.

  • Where can viewers find more tutorials on removing backgrounds in GIMP?

    -Viewers can find more tutorials on removing backgrounds in GIMP by checking out the playlist mentioned in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

🖌️ Introduction to AI-Powered Background Removal

The video script introduces a tutorial on using artificial intelligence to remove backgrounds from photos. The presenter shares an image with the background removed and offers a downloadable link in the description. They also mention creating a thumbnail with a new background and a drop shadow, inviting viewers to learn about realistic drop shadows in a separate tutorial. The main tool discussed is the 'scissors select tool,' formerly known as the 'intelligent scissors tool,' which is praised for its efficiency compared to the 'lasso tool.' The presenter demonstrates the ease of use of the scissors select tool versus the lasso tool, emphasizing its quick and intelligent path creation with fewer clicks.

05:01

📚 Mastering the Scissors Select Tool with Pro Tips

This paragraph delves into the intricacies of using the scissors select tool, providing practical tips for effective image selection. The presenter advises increasing the number of anchor points for quick direction changes and navigating the image by holding the spacebar. They also discuss the challenge of selecting fine details like stray hairs and mention a tutorial for retaining fine hair detail. The presenter shares a trick for correcting path errors by dragging the path to the desired edge, highlighting the tool's 'magnet' feature. Additional tips include using the interactive boundary feature for tracing the subject's outline and adjusting the feathering settings to avoid a hard edge, with a recommendation to start with a smaller radius and test the selection before finalizing.

10:01

🔍 Fine-Tuning Selections and Addressing Common Issues

The final paragraph focuses on the importance of fine-tuning the selection process to avoid common issues. The presenter illustrates how high feathering settings can distort the selection, causing it not to adhere to the subject's edge accurately. A pro tip is shared to resolve this by reducing the feather radius to around five or less and sampling a small area to test the selection. The presenter emphasizes the importance of this step, noting that it's a crucial part of using the intelligent scissors tool effectively. They also encourage viewers to explore more advanced techniques for background removal through dedicated playlists provided in the video description.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence, often abbreviated as AI, refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think like humans and mimic their actions. In the context of the video, AI is utilized to automate the process of background removal in photos, making the task easier and more efficient for users. The script mentions using 'this artificial intelligence' to remove backgrounds, highlighting the advanced capabilities of GIMP's tools.

💡Background Removal

Background removal is the process of separating a subject from its background in an image, typically for the purpose of isolating the subject or placing it against a different background. The video's main theme revolves around using GIMP's AI technology to perform this task effortlessly. The script provides a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this, emphasizing the ease with which the AI tool can distinguish between the subject and its background.

💡Scissors Select Tool

The Scissors Select Tool, previously known as the Intelligent Scissors Tool, is a feature within GIMP that allows for more precise and automated selection of subjects within an image. The tool is highlighted in the script as a preferred method for background removal due to its efficiency and ease of use compared to older selection tools. The video demonstrates the tool's capability to quickly create a path for selection with minimal clicks.

💡Anchor Points

Anchor points are used in graphic design to define the start and end points of a path or selection. In the script, the presenter uses anchor points to create a selection path around the subject's edge, which is crucial for accurate background removal. The video explains how to add these points and adjust the path to ensure a precise selection.

💡Path

A path in graphic design is a trajectory or line that connects a series of points, often used to define the outline of a selection. The script describes creating a path using the Scissors Select Tool, which is essential for outlining the subject and preparing it for background removal. The AI technology helps in automatically adhering the path to the subject's edge.

💡Feathering

Feathering is a graphic design technique that softens the edges of a selection, creating a gradual transition between the selected area and the surrounding pixels. In the video, the presenter explains the importance of adjusting the feathering radius to avoid a hard edge and to ensure a natural-looking selection. The script provides a pro tip on setting the feathering radius to around five for optimal results.

💡Pro Tips

Pro Tips are expert advice or tricks that can enhance performance or results in a particular task. The script includes several pro tips for using the Scissors Select Tool more effectively, such as increasing the number of anchor points for quick direction changes, using the interactive boundary feature, and testing feathering settings on a small area before applying to the entire selection.

💡Drop Shadow

A drop shadow is a visual effect that replicates the appearance of a shadow cast by an object onto a surface, often used to add depth and dimension to images. The video mentions creating a drop shadow for the tutorial's thumbnail, indicating an additional graphic design technique that can be learned alongside background removal.

💡Thumbnail

A thumbnail is a small, representative image used to preview a larger picture or video, often displayed on a webpage or in a gallery. The script refers to a custom thumbnail created for the tutorial, which includes a new background and a drop shadow, showcasing the final result of the background removal process.

💡Interactive Boundary

The interactive boundary feature, as mentioned in the script, allows the user to trace the outline of a subject while the Scissors Select Tool automatically adheres the path to the edge. This feature simplifies the selection process by reducing the need for precise clicking and provides a more fluid and intuitive way to create selections.

Highlights

GIMP now includes an AI-powered tool for background removal.

The tutorial demonstrates how to use AI to remove backgrounds from photos.

The 'Scissors Select Tool' is the AI tool of choice for selection.

The tool was previously known as the 'Intelligent Scissors Tool'.

Comparison between the Scissors Select Tool and the older 'Path Tool'.

The Scissors Select Tool requires fewer clicks for accurate selection.

Pro tip: Increase anchor points for quick direction changes.

Navigating the image while adding anchor points.

Handling stray hairs with a separate tutorial for fine hair detail.

Using the 'Interactive Boundary' feature for tracing.

Tracing the subject's edge with one click for automatic path adherence.

Dealing with complex areas like buttons on clothing with the intelligent tool.

Closing the path to finalize the selection.

The importance of adjusting 'Feather Edges' for precise selection.

Testing the selection with a small sample area before finalizing.

Additional tips for using the Scissors Select Tool effectively.

Playlist recommendation for further learning on background removal techniques.