Guess what? Cricut just released a Cricut Background Removal Tool. This means removing the background from an image using Cricut Design Space just got a whole lot easier! Plus another new feature that is extremely helpful, is the Restore Brush tool.
These 2 new tools will speed up our design process and ease frustration at the same time. Win-Win!
After I had a go-around with the new features, I filmed a quick tutorial for you over on YouTube which is linked below for you.
I like to dig deep into new features and then share the details and hopefully answer any questions you may have about these new tools below as well.
CRICUT BACKGROUND REMOVAL TOOL: WHAT IS IT?
The Cricut Background Removal Tool is a new feature to quickly (as in 1 click) help you remove a background that is seen in photos aka raster images.
Per Cricut, it actually uses an algorithm to remove the unwanted backgrounds, again in one simple click!
WHO HAS ACCESS TO USE THE CRICUT BACKGROUND REMOVAL TOOL
At the time of the release, Cricut is offering this new exciting background removal tool only to “Access” Subscribers.
In addition, this feature is only available using the Desktop versions of Cricut Design Space who are Access Subscribers.
Cricut Design Space App users can still use the wand and erase tools to remove a background or choose an app such as one of these listed here.
CAN A NON-ACCESS SUBSCRIBER TEST THE CRICUT BACKGROUND REMOVAL TOOL?
Yes, you can. At the time of this post, Cricut set up a “preview” option for current non-access subscribers. So basically, you can test it out and your result will show a Cricut watermark on your image. Then you also are shown an option to subscribe to Cricut Access and even see if you qualify for a free trial to Access after you click on subscribe. Yay!
CRICUT RESTORE BRUSH TOOL: WHAT IS IT?
When doing my research for this blog post, I noticed Cricut is referring to the restore tool as a “Restore Brush Feature” in case you hear different names, they are the same item.
I love the new Restore Brush! Prior to having access to this feature, sometimes it was frustrating when manually removing background elements and you accidentally removed too much by using the wand or selection tool, either the “back arrow” would take you too far back or you would just end up starting all over again. Ugh!
With this new Restore Brush, you can easily roll over parts of the image you want to be restored. So quick and easy!
For myself, when testing this feature, I noticed it really came in handy when I used the Cricut Background Removal tool to remove a background from a picture taken in a swimming pool. There was a portion that removed too much of a hand that was part in the water. No problem, I clicked on the Restore Brush, made a few swipes, and was so happy with the result.
The tool is very easy to use plus you still have use of the same back arrows to “undo” what you just did in case you did not like it.
WHO HAS ACCESS TO USE THE CRICUT RESTORE BRUSH TOOL
At the time of this blog post, anyone who uses the Desktop version of Cricut Design Space has access. You do “not” need to be an Access subscriber to use this new feature.
Again, I think you will really love it!
HOW TO USE THE CRICUT BACKGROUND REMOVAL AND RESTORE BRUSH?
If you prefer to watch the video tutorial you can do so here
VIDEO: USING THE CRICUT BACKGROUND REMOVER AND RESTORE BRUSH
STEP 1:
Select “Upload” while on your Design Space Canvas.
Locate your photo which can be one of the following formats: .jpeg, .png, .gif, .bmp on your computer.
STEP 2:
Select your image type. For this type of photo with the pool and fence and lots of colors in the pool floaty, I chose “Complex”. Once you select your image type the “Continue” button will highlight, so click on “Continue”.
STEP 3:
Next, locate the “Remove Background” button in the “Background Remover” area. Click on “Remove Background”.
Remember, if you are not an Access Subscriber, you will see slightly different options and you still have the ability to “Select” “Erase” and the new “Restore” feature.
Below is my image before I used “Restore” in a few places.
As you can see in the picture below, you have the option of changing the brush size for “Restore” but also the “Erase” feature.
I always like to click on “Preview Cut Image” to see if I left out any areas to erase, select or restore.
Once you are happy with your fine-tuning, simply click on “Apply & Continue”.
STEP 4:
Select Upload Type (Cut or Print then Cut Image) then “Upload”.
STEP 5:
Select your image from “Recent Uploads” and select “Add to Canvas”. If you want to use the image while designing “Offline” then you can select “Download” prior to “Add to Canvas”.
And that’s it! Super easy & quick. I am so happy Cricut added these 2 new features and I’m sure you will be happy too 😊
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Do I need to be an Access Subscriber to use the “Restore” brush?
No, the “Restore” brush is free for all users using the Cricut Design Space Desktop application
I have v6.14 Design Space on my Desktop but I don’t see any “background removal or restore tools”?
Cricut is rolling out these updates in groups so it could take approx 2 weeks for “everyone” to see it.
I don’t have an Access Subscription right now. Can I still use the manual tools, select and erase to remove backgrounds like before?
Yup! Those tools are still there and free for everyone.
Will I loose all my uploaded images when my free trial of Access ends?
No, you will be able to keep all your own images when your free trial or a regular subscription is not renewed.
I was able to use the preview background removal but there is a watermark cricut word on my image, Did I miss a step?
Nope, if you see a watermark over your image it simply means you are currently not subscribed to “Access”. If you decide to subscribe, the watermark will go away. Yay!
I used the new features today but the image imported into Design Space 18″ big?
This can happen. Simply change the “Width” of the image to something like 4″ and press enter. Now you can adjust as needed.
I have about 25 pictures I want to remove the background and use them for a scrapbooking project in the coming weeks/months. Can I upload them now or do I have to wait until I am ready to use them?
You are free to upload them now. They will still be there when you need them for your project.
When I used the background remove tool, it removed more than I wanted it to?
Simply use the “Restore Brush” and swipe over the areas you want to show.
Do some photos work better with the new removal tool?
Yes, this is possible. The removal tool works best with clearly defined outlines. That being said, you can always select revert and start over and use the manual tools.
PROJECT IDEAS AFTER REMOVING BACKGROUND FROM PHOTOS
- A Spiral Betty Project
- Engraving projects such as a pet
- Turning photos into an SVG
- Using photos for uploading patterns into Cricut Design Space
- Wedding Silhouette Photo Craft projects
- Great for invitations such as fun birthday parties
- Print then Cut Greeting Cards
- Gift tags
- To put the focus on the subject by removing a background in an image
- Can use for book covers
- Enhance the look of flyers
- Will help when making professional designs
- Allows you to place photos onto different solid colors or backgrounds
- Helps to increase focus on your business products
- Reduces load time on websites showcasing products
- Fun Thanksgiving Banner showing faces we are thankful for
- Childrens games such as pin the tale on “any” animal
- Uses such as uploading product photos for mockup photos
- Works well when turning a photo into a sticker
- Anytime you want an image to be transparent with no background
Please always feel free to ask any questions or even leave a helpful tip I may have forgotten or did not think to include in this post! You can leave a comment or question below or on my YouTube channel.
Let’s all help each other and “create with love”.
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