Background removal in Illustrator can be a daunting task, but with a little know-how, it’s not too difficult. In this tutorial, we’re going to discuss some of the most common methods for removing backgrounds in Illustrator, and provide some tips on how to get the best results.
1. Use the Pathfinder
The Pathfinder is a powerful tools that can be used to manipulate objects in your artwork. By adjusting the Pathfinder, you can easily remove backgrounds and other elements that are in the way.
To use the Pathfinder, select the object you want to modify and click on the Pathfinder icon () in the Toolbar. From the options that appear, select either the Rectangular Marquee (to remove a rectangular area), the Elliptical Marquee (to remove an ellipse), or the Crop tool (to remove a portion of an object).
2. Use the Blend Tool
Another way to remove backgrounds is to use the Blend Tool. This tool allows you to create a smooth transition between two different colors or shades.
To use the Blend Tool, first make sure that the Background layer is selected in the Layers panel.
Next, select the Blend Tool from the Toolbar and click on the background you want to remove. Drag the cursor over the area you want to blend the background with the original object.
3. Use the Eraser Tool
If you don’t want to use the Blend Tool or the Pathfinder, you can also use the Eraser Tool to remove backgrounds. To use the Eraser Tool, first make sure that the Background layer is selected in the Layers panel.
Next, select the Eraser Tool from the Toolbar and click on the background you want to remove. Drag the cursor over the area you want to erase.
When you release the mouse button, the background will be removed from the selected area.
4. Use the Clone Stamp Tool
Another way to remove backgrounds is to use the Clone Stamp Tool. This tool allows you to copy and paste objects multiple times.
To use the Clone Stamp Tool, first make sure that the Background layer is selected in the Layers panel.
Next, select the Clone Stamp Tool from the Toolbar and click on the object you want to copy. From the options that appear, select the area you want to copy.
5. Use the Eraser Tool with a Brush
If you want to remove a specific area of a background, you can use the Eraser Tool with a brush. To do this, first make sure that the Background layer is selected in the Layers panel.
Next, select the Eraser Tool from the Toolbar and click on the background you want to erase. From the options that appear, select the brush you want to use.
Next, click on the area you want to erase. When you release the mouse button, the background will be removed from the selected area.
