Help & FAQ
Quick answers to the most common questions. Can't find yours? Email [email protected] — you'll get a reply from the developer, not a bot.
All 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.
- Does Background Eraser upload my videos to a server?
- No. All background removal runs on your device using Apple Vision and Metal. Your footage never leaves your Mac, the app needs no account, and it works offline.
- Is Background Eraser free?
- The app is free to download and every feature is usable for free. Videos and photos exported on the free plan carry a small watermark; a Pro subscription (weekly, monthly, or yearly via the App Store) removes it.
- Can Background Eraser remove the background from photos too?
- Yes. Since version 2.0 the app removes photo backgrounds in one click, lets you pick which detected subjects to keep, and exports a transparent PNG — or copy it, save it to Photos, or drag it straight into another app.
- Can I replace the background of an existing video, or only while recording?
- Both. You can record with your camera and watch the background get replaced live, or import an existing clip from Files or your Photos library and replace its background afterwards.
- Does it work on objects or pets, or only people?
- For video, Background Eraser detects people — it is built for talking-head videos, presentations and tutorials. For photos, the cutout detects the main subjects of the picture, and you choose which detected subjects to keep.
- 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.
- What formats can I export?
- Videos export as MP4 (H.264) at full, 1080p, 720p or 540p resolution, with canvas presets for vertical 9:16, square 1:1, 16:9 and other social formats. Photo cutouts export as PNG, including transparent PNG.
- Is there a Windows version?
- A Windows version is in development. Today Background Eraser is available for Mac, with a companion iPhone app.
- How do I cancel the Pro subscription?
- Subscriptions are billed by Apple, so you can cancel anytime in App Store settings (Settings → your name → Subscriptions on Mac or iPhone). Your exports stay watermark-free until the period ends.
- What does the free watermark look like?
- A small semi-transparent badge with the Background Eraser icon and name in the bottom-right corner of free exports, sized to about 4.5% of the shorter edge.
- 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.
- Can I blur my video background instead of replacing it?
- Yes. Blur is a built-in background option alongside solid colors, your own images, looping background videos, and 8 studio presets.
Quick troubleshooting
- The cutout looks rough around my hair or shoulders
- Switch the AI quality to Accurate, then adjust the Feather and Smoothing sliders. Even, front-facing light improves segmentation more than any slider — avoid strong backlight from a window behind you.
- The app can't see my camera
- Grant camera access in System Settings → Privacy & Security → Camera. If you use the camera in another app at the same time, close that app first.
- I subscribed but exports still show the watermark
- Open the app's subscription screen and use Restore Purchases. Make sure you're signed into the same Apple Account that bought the subscription.
- Which macOS versions are supported?
- macOS 15.4 (Sequoia) or later. The companion iPhone app needs iOS 17 or later.