Do I need a green screen to use Background Eraser?

No. Background Eraser uses on-device AI (Apple Vision person segmentation) to separate you from the background, so it works against any normal wall or room. A physical green screen is never required.

Is this the same as chroma key?

No. Chroma key removes a specific color (usually a physical green screen) and needs even lighting. Background Eraser uses AI person segmentation, so it removes whatever is behind you — no colored backdrop or special lighting setup required.

What are the system requirements?

Background Eraser for Mac requires macOS 15.4 (Sequoia) or later. The iPhone version requires iOS 17 or later. No internet connection is needed for processing.

A green screen, without the green screen

A virtual green screen uses AI to separate you from your background instead of keying out a colored backdrop. Background Eraser gives you green-screen results against any ordinary wall — no fabric, no frame, no even lighting requirements, and no green spill on your hair and glasses.

Woman recorded in Background Eraser with her real room replaced by a spring park scene — a green screen result with no green screen

Virtual green screen vs. chroma key

	Background Eraser (AI)	Chroma key (physical green screen)
Equipment	None — any wall or room	Green backdrop, stand, ideally 2+ lights
Lighting	Normal room light works	Must be even; shadows ruin the key
Color restrictions	Wear anything, including green	No green clothing or props
Setup time	Open the app and record	Mount, stretch, light, test
Best for	Creators, tutorials, talking-head video	Studio productions with controlled sets

Need actual green for another tool? There's a preset for that.

One of the 8 background presets is a flat chroma green. Record with it and you get perfectly keyable footage for OBS, Final Cut Pro, Premiere or DaVinci Resolve — a clean digital green screen with none of the lighting problems of fabric.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a green screen to use Background Eraser?: No. Background Eraser uses on-device AI (Apple Vision person segmentation) to separate you from the background, so it works against any normal wall or room. A physical green screen is never required.
Is this the same as chroma key?: No. Chroma key removes a specific color (usually a physical green screen) and needs even lighting. Background Eraser uses AI person segmentation, so it removes whatever is behind you — no colored backdrop or special lighting setup required.
What are the system requirements?: Background Eraser for Mac requires macOS 15.4 (Sequoia) or later. The iPhone version requires iOS 17 or later. No internet connection is needed for processing.

Skip the backdrop. Keep the result.

Free on the Mac App Store, with a companion iPhone app. Every feature included — exports carry a small watermark until you go Pro.

Download on the Mac App Store Get the iPhone app All download options →

Mac: macOS 15.4+ · iPhone: iOS 17+ · No account · Works offline