How to Change Background Color in GIMP – Fast and Easy Process
In this video we will be learning how to change the background color in GIMP by using a third party background removal software. We will first remove the background in the image using this software, so we can get an image with a transparent background.
Then we will use this to create an accurate selection of the subject in our original image. Then we will use this selection to select the background, thereby enabling us to change the color of the background very easily using blending modes. Here’s the video:
Video Summary
This tutorial by Creative Pad Media teaches an efficient method for changing background colors in GIMP, leveraging AI to overcome GIMP’s inherent selection limitations.
Key Summary Points
- Overcoming GIMP’s Limitations: The creator notes that GIMP’s internal selection tools often struggle with low-contrast images or fine details like hair [00:30, 01:21].
- Using AI for Selections: To get an accurate selection, the video recommends using Pixelcut.ai (an external AI tool) to remove the background first. This PNG with a transparent background is then imported back into GIMP as a new layer [02:08, 04:42].
- Alpha to Selection: By right-clicking the transparent AI-generated layer and choosing “Alpha to Selection,” you can perfectly select the subject’s boundary to use on your original high-resolution image [05:39].
- Realistic Color Blending:
- Instead of deleting the background, add a new layer with the desired color and apply a Layer Mask based on the selection [07:16, 08:13].
- Change the layer blending mode to “LCH Color” (or similar). This keeps the new color but pulls the original shadows and textures from the layer below, making the result look professional rather than “fake” [10:07, 10:20].
- Non-Destructive Editing: Because a Layer Mask is used, the background color can be changed instantly at any time, and minor selection errors can be fixed by simply painting black or white on the mask [10:38, 11:18].
Conclusion: This hybrid workflow combines the power of AI with GIMP’s layering capabilities to achieve professional results that are difficult to reach with manual tools alone.
Important Links
Link to download the image shown in the video:
Link to the Pixelcut AI website used in the video:
Pixelcut AI Background Remover
If you want to learn how to use GIMP for editing your photos, then do check out our GIMP Photo Editing Course, which has 35 videos and 4 hours of content. You can use the link below to access the full course via Udemy:
