Editing and changing backgrounds in PicsArt on Android and iPhone helps you create polished, on-brand photos quickly. With intuitive tools and non-destructive adjustments, you can replace or refine backgrounds while keeping your subject clear and professional.
This guide walks through practical steps for changing backgrounds on both mobile platforms, highlights time-saving tips, and answers common questions about masking, resolution, and edge refinement.
| Platform | Action | Where to Find It | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Open image | Gallery > PicsArt | Image loads in editor |
| iOS | Grant permissions | Settings > PicsArt | Smoother access to photos |
| Both | Tap Tools | Bottom toolbar | Options appear |
| Both | Choose Background | Gallery or Camera | New background applied |
| Both | Refine edges | Adjust sliders | Natural blend |
Getting Started
To begin editing backgrounds in PicsArt on Android or iPhone, launch the app and select the photo you want to change. Position your subject so that it stands away from a busy background, which makes masking easier. On Android, pick the image directly from your gallery, while on iPhone you may need to allow photo library access in Settings for a smooth workflow.
Once the image opens, you will see a row of tools at the bottom or side. These tools are consistent across Android and iOS, so the steps you learn on one platform apply to the other. Familiarize yourself with the undo and redo buttons as you experiment, since they help you refine changes without restarting.
Remove Background Precisely
Use AI Selection
Tap the Remove Background tool to let PicsArt AI detect and separate your subject from the original background. On Android and iPhone, the process runs quickly, and you can manually clean up edges with the Eraser and Add buttons. Aim for clean separation around hair and transparent objects to avoid visible seams in the final composite.
Fine-Tune the Mask
Use the Feather and Tolerance sliders to soften or tighten the edges of your selection. On scenes with overlapping subjects, adjust these settings carefully to avoid cutting off fine details. Preview the mask in inverse view so you can spot missed areas before proceeding to the background stage.
Add a New Background
Choose or Capture Backgrounds
Select Background from the main menu, then pick a solid color, a gradient, a texture, or an image from the PicsArt gallery. On Android and iPhone, you also have the option to open the camera and capture a new background in real time. For the most realistic results, match the lighting direction and color temperature between your subject and the new background.
Position and Scale
After applying a background, drag and pinch to resize and reposition it behind your subject. Use the layer stack to ensure the subject layer sits above the background, and reduce opacity temporarily to align edges. When the composition looks balanced, lock the layer and finalize your changes.
Blend and Polish
Lighting and Shadows
Adjust Shadow, Highlights, and Saturation to make your subject integrate naturally with the new background. On Android and iPhone, subtle increases in Shadow warmth and slight Highlights cooling often create a cohesive look. Avoid extreme values, since overprocessed edges can make the final image appear artificial.
Final Touches
Apply Blur or Vignette to the background to direct attention toward the subject. On high-resolution displays, check the output at 100% zoom to ensure edges remain sharp and free of halos. Save your edit in high quality to preserve detail for professional use.
Key Practices for Background Editing
- Always duplicate the original layer before making major edits
- Use a high-resolution background that matches the scene perspective
- Refine edges with Feather and Tolerance for natural transitions
- Check the composite at 100% zoom on mobile and desktop
- Test on small sections before applying changes to the full image
FAQ
Reader questions
Why does my subject have a rough edge after changing the background?
Rough edges usually come from an imprecise mask around hair or fine details. Refine the mask using Feather and Tolerance, and use the Eraser and Add tools to clean up the selection before exporting.
Can I change the background using a photo from my gallery on both Android and iPhone?
Yes, on both Android and iPhone you can select any image from your gallery as a new background. Make sure the resolution is high enough to avoid pixelation when resized to fit the canvas.
Will changing the background reduce the quality of my original photo?
PicsArt works on a copy of your image, so the original file stays intact. Minor quality loss can occur only if you compress the final export heavily; choose high or maximum quality when saving to retain detail.
How do I match shadows and lighting when I replace the background?
Observe the original light direction and color temperature, then adjust Shadow, Highlights, and Warmth in the blend tools. Adding a subtle Drop Shadow to your subject can also help it sit naturally on the new background.