How to Remove People from Pictures on iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide

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By Matthew Simpson

Removing people from photos on an iPhone is a handy trick that can help you perfect your pictures. Whether you accidentally captured a stranger in the background or want to focus on a specific subject, your iPhone provides tools to make these edits. With the help of the Photos app, or by using third-party apps, you can easily erase unwanted elements from your photos, leaving you with a cleaner and more focused image.

Removing People from Pictures on iPhone

This guide will walk you through the steps to remove people from your photos using your iPhone. It includes methods using the built-in Photos app as well as third-party apps for more complex edits.

Step 1: Open the Photos App

First, open the Photos app on your iPhone and select the photo you want to edit.

Make sure you have the right photo by browsing through your albums or searching by date. Once selected, the photo will open in full view, ready for editing.

Step 2: Tap Edit

Tap the "Edit" button at the top right corner of the screen to begin making changes.

This will open up the editing interface, where you can make various adjustments to your photo, like cropping, adjusting brightness, and more.

Step 3: Use the Retouch Tool

If you have an iPhone with iOS 14 or later, you can use the Retouch tool to remove small objects.

While the built-in retouching capabilities are limited, they can work well for minor adjustments like removing small items or blemishes.

Step 4: Download a Third-Party App

For more detailed removal, download an app like TouchRetouch from the App Store.

These apps offer more precise tools for removing larger objects or people from your photos, providing better results than the default editing tools.

Step 5: Use the App’s Tools

Open the app, import your photo, and use the specific removal tools to erase people or objects.

Most apps will have brushes or lasso tools to select the unwanted parts of your image, and with a few taps, they will vanish, blending the background seamlessly.

After removing unwanted people or objects from your photo, you’ll have a cleaner, more focused image that highlights what you want to showcase.

Tips for Removing People from Pictures on iPhone

  • Use the Right App: Apps like TouchRetouch are specifically made for removing objects and offer various tool sizes for precise editing.
  • Zoom In: When editing, zoom into the photo to ensure precision, making it easier to remove unwanted parts without affecting nearby areas.
  • Save a Copy: Always save a copy of the original photo before making edits, so you can revert back if needed.
  • Practice Patience: Especially with third-party apps, take your time to get the best results and ensure a natural-looking background.
  • Explore Tutorials: Many apps offer tutorials or tips within the app to help you get the most out of their features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove people from pictures using the default Photos app?

The Photos app has limited retouching capabilities, suitable for minor adjustments, but third-party apps are recommended for larger edits.

What are the best apps for removing people from pictures?

TouchRetouch and Adobe Photoshop Express are popular choices, offering advanced tools for object removal.

Will removing people affect photo quality?

If done carefully, removing people shouldn’t affect photo quality, but always save the original to compare results.

Are there free apps for removing people from photos?

Some free apps are available, although they might have limited features or include watermarks compared to paid options.

Can I undo edits after removing people?

Yes, most apps allow you to undo edits step-by-step or start over, and always save a copy of the original before editing.

Summary

  1. Open Photos App
  2. Tap Edit
  3. Use Retouch Tool
  4. Download a Third-Party App
  5. Use the App’s Tools

Conclusion

Removing people from your photos on an iPhone doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a little patience, you can transform your pictures to focus on what truly matters. Whether you’re using the built-in features in the Photos app for minor touch-ups or delving into the more advanced capabilities of third-party apps like TouchRetouch, there’s a method to suit everyone’s needs.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you familiarize yourself with these tools, the more seamless and natural your edits will become. Start with small adjustments and gradually move on to more complex edits as you grow confident. And don’t forget to save your original photos! This way, you can always go back and try different techniques or make new edits.

So grab your iPhone, pick a photo, and start experimenting. With a few taps, you can turn a good photo into a great one. Happy editing!