Remove the background from furniture photos

At a glance

How to do it

1. Upload a three-quarter shotShoot from about seat or tabletop height at a three-quarter angle, with the whole piece and some space around it in frame. Use a tripod and the same position for every piece in a range.
2. Remove the room and check the gapsThe tool starts on white. Zoom in between chair spindles and slats, under tables and inside open shelving: those gaps must show white, not your floor or wall.
3. Download for the jobDownload HD or full size as a JPG on white for listings, cropped to the same ratio for every product. For placing furniture into room photos, download a transparent PNG instead.

Tips and common mistakes

• Ground it with the cropWithout the floor, a sofa can look like it floats. Keep the feet near the bottom of the frame at the same height on every product. For room composites, add a soft floor shadow in your editor.
• Take the props outCushions, throws, vases and lamps not included in the sale belong in lifestyle shots, not the main image. Google disallows products that aren't sold with the item.
• Show each finish up closeWood grain, fabric weave and hardware sell furniture. Add close-ups, and a separate image for every finish or fabric, as Google asks.
• Light big pieces with big lightA large window to one side, or two large soft lights, keeps shadows gentle across the whole piece. Avoid on-camera flash, which flattens texture and creates hot spots on glossy finishes.
• Used furniture needs real photoseBay bans stock photos for used items and asks for close-ups of blemishes, damage and wear. Photograph the actual piece, scratches included.