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Migration guide · GIMP

Remove image backgrounds in GIMP

Plug-ins that call the remove.bg API stop on 1 December 2026. The lassocut plug-in for GIMP 3 removes the background of the image and adds the cut-out as a new layer; your original layers are only hidden.

Download the GIMP plug-in (.zip)

Install

  1. Unzip the file. It contains a folder named lassocut-remove-background.
  2. Copy that folder into GIMP's plug-ins folder. Edit → Preferences → Folders → Plug-ins shows where it is; usually:
    • Windows: %APPDATA%\GIMP\3.2\plug-ins\
    • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/GIMP/3.2/plug-ins/
    • Linux: ~/.config/GIMP/3.2/plug-ins/, then make the .py file executable
  3. Restart GIMP.

Use

  1. Open a photo and choose Filters → lassocut → Remove Background…
  2. Paste your API key from your account (GIMP remembers it), choose Full resolution (1 credit) or Preview (free), and click OK.

The cut-out is a new top layer, Background removed, covering the whole canvas. The other layers are hidden, never deleted, and Ctrl+Z undoes everything in one step. Needs GIMP 3.0 or later.

Questions

Still on GIMP 2.10?

The plug-in needs GIMP 3, a free update. Meanwhile, the batch tool works in any browser.

What does it cost?

50 free previews per month, then credit packs that never expire. See pricing.

Is it the remove.bg plug-in?

No. It is written by lassocut (MIT licence) and calls the lassocut API. lassocut is not affiliated with remove.bg or Canva.