Crop images and remove backgrounds

These steps apply to image objects in Infinite documents, Vertical documents, and Paged notes on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Cropping keeps part of an image. Background removal extracts a foreground subject recognized by the system. Videos, file attachments, and media in Text documents use different controls.

Crop an image

Tap the image to show its selection handles and floating menu.
Choose Crop.
Adjust the crop boundaries around the content you want to keep. Check every edge so you do not cut off small text.
Confirm and check the result on the canvas. You can still move and resize the cropped image.

Cancel in the crop editor to discard the current crop. If you have already confirmed an unwanted result, use canvas Undo immediately. Cropping again does not necessarily restore everything previously removed.

A differentiation rules handout is selected. Its crop button is circled in blue. The crop editor offers Rectangle, Circle, Freeform Crop, Cancel, and a blue confirmation button, with white crop boundaries around the image. — Select the image, choose Crop, and check the retained area and edges before tapping the blue checkmark. Tap to view the original image

Remove an image background

Select the image and choose Remove Background in its floating menu.
Wait for subject recognition and processing to finish. Do not start it repeatedly while it is working.
Check the subject's edges, then move the result into place.

Background removal relies on system foreground recognition. Unclear subjects, complex edges, or similar foreground and background colors can cause failure or rough edges. It cannot perfectly isolate every image. If processing fails, check that the original opens correctly or try an image with a clearer subject. Use cropping when you want to choose the retained area manually.

A coffee machine photo has blue selection handles and a highlighted Remove Background button. A white card below shows the isolated machine, handle, cup, and base. — After processing, compare the subject with the original. Check fine details such as handles and cup handles. Tap to view the original image

Common questions

Crop or Remove Background is missing

Check that you selected a single image, rather than a PDF card, video, or group of objects.

The result is not what I expected

Undo immediately, then try another image or a smaller crop area.

I only want to change the size

Resize with the selection handles. Cropping changes which part of the image is shown.

Crop images and remove backgrounds ​

Crop an image ​

Remove an image background ​

Common questions ​

Crop or Remove Background is missing ​

The result is not what I expected ​