# AI Background Remover – Remove Backgrounds, Transparent PNG (`fast_data_asap/ai-background-remover`) Actor

Remove the background from images in bulk: paste image URLs, get transparent PNG/WebP or JPG on white or any color, optionally cropped to the object, with download links. A low-cost remove.bg alternative for product photos. $6 per 1,000 images, pay only for results.

- **URL**: https://apify.com/fast_data_asap/ai-background-remover.md
- **Developed by:** [Fast Data](https://apify.com/fast_data_asap) (community)
- **Categories:** AI, E-commerce, Automation
- **Stats:** 2 total users, 1 monthly users, 100.0% runs succeeded, 0 bookmarks
- **User rating**: No ratings yet

## Pricing

from $4.50 / 1,000 image processeds

This Actor is paid per event. You are not charged for the Apify platform usage, but only a fixed price for specific events.
Since this Actor supports Apify Store discounts, the price gets lower the higher subscription plan you have.

Learn more: https://docs.apify.com/actors/running/actors-in-store.md#pay-per-event

## What's an Apify Actor?

An Actor is a serverless cloud program that runs on the Apify platform. It has two run modes.
In Batch mode, an Actor accepts a well-defined JSON input, performs an action which can take anything from a few seconds to a few hours,
and optionally produces a well-defined JSON output, datasets with results, or files in key-value store.
In Standby mode, an Actor provides a web server which can be used as a website, API, or an MCP server.

Apify vocabulary and the platform model are defined once, in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md.

## How to integrate an Actor?

If asked about integration, you help developers integrate Actors into their projects.
You adapt to their stack and deliver integrations that are safe, well-documented, and production-ready.

Do not guess an integration path. Every one of them is in the agent quickstart at https://apify.com/agents.md: the Apify MCP server, Agent Skills with the Apify CLI, the JavaScript and Python clients, the REST API, and the account-free path for an agent with no human to sign in. It also carries the rule on stating cost before the first paid run.

For examples already wired to this Actor's own input schema, see the [API](#api) section below.

Each client library has reference documentation the quickstart does not restate: [JavaScript/TypeScript](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs.md) (`npm install apify-client`) and [Python](https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs.md) (`pip install apify-client`).

# README

## AI Background Remover – Transparent PNG & White Background

**AI Background Remover** removes the background from images in bulk: paste image URLs and get a **transparent PNG** or WebP, or a JPG on a **white background for Amazon and Shopify** (or any color you choose), with a direct download link for every image.

**$6 per 1,000 images ($0.006 each). You only pay for results:** images that fail to download or process are listed in the output but not charged.

#### Why this background remover

- ✅ **Bulk background removal**: hundreds or thousands of images per run, via the Apify Console, API, schedules or AI agents
- ✅ **A low-cost remove.bg alternative**: $6 per 1,000 images, no subscription, no credits that expire
- ✅ **Transparent PNG / WebP** or **solid background color** (pure white `#ffffff` for marketplace product photos)
- ✅ **Crop to object** with adjustable padding, ready for product listings and catalogs
- ✅ **Open-source AI models** (IS-Net and U2-Net, Apache-2.0) – no third-party API, your images are processed on Apify
- ✅ **Pay only for success**: broken links and unreadable files are free

### What you get

| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| `sourceUrl` | The image URL you provided |
| `status` | `ok` or `failed` |
| `outputUrl` | Direct download link to the image without background |
| `width`, `height` | Size of the output image in pixels |
| `model` | AI model used (`isnet-general-use` or `u2net`) |
| `processingSeconds` | Processing time for the image |
| `error` | Reason, if the image failed |

All result files are also stored in the run's key-value store, so you can download them in bulk.

### Inputs

- **Image URLs** (required): direct links to JPG, PNG or WebP images, max 30 MB each.
- **Output format**: `png` (transparent), `webp` (transparent, smaller files) or `jpg` (solid background, white by default).
- **Background color**: empty = transparent. A hex color such as `#ffffff` puts the subject on a solid color.
- **Crop to object** + **Padding (px)**: trim the empty space around the subject and add an even margin.
- **AI model**: `isnet-general-use` (default, best edges on hair, fur and product contours) or `u2net` (2–3x faster, softer edges). Same price.
- **Max image size (megapixels)**: larger images are scaled down first (default 4 MP ≈ 2000 × 2000 px).
- **JPG/WebP quality**: 1–100, default 90.

Example input for white-background product photos:

```json
{
  "imageUrls": ["https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542291026-7eec264c27ff?w=800"],
  "outputFormat": "jpg",
  "backgroundColor": "#ffffff",
  "cropToObject": true,
  "padding": 40
}
```

### Example output

```json
{
  "sourceUrl": "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542291026-7eec264c27ff?w=800",
  "status": "ok",
  "outputUrl": "https://api.apify.com/v2/key-value-stores/WeFBtMyT78L32euUm/records/nobg-00001.png?signature=...",
  "width": 800,
  "height": 533,
  "model": "isnet-general-use",
  "processingSeconds": 3.51
}
```

### Use cases

- **Product photo background** removal for e-commerce: Amazon, Shopify, eBay, Etsy, WooCommerce listings
- **White background for Amazon/Shopify** main images, with crop-to-object for consistent framing
- Transparent PNG cut-outs for ads, banners, thumbnails and social media posts
- Profile pictures, team photos and ID-style portraits on a plain color
- Pet, car and real-estate photos for marketplaces and catalogs
- Automated pipelines with Make, Zapier, n8n, the Apify API or AI agents

Tip: **first remove the background, then upscale** the cut-out with our [AI Image Upscaler](https://apify.com/fast_data_asap/ai-image-upscaler) to get sharp, high-resolution product images.

### How much does it cost?

| Images | Price |
|---|---|
| 100 | $0.60 |
| 1,000 | $6.00 |
| 10,000 | $60.00 |

Failed images are free. Processing takes about 3–5 seconds per image with the default model (1–3 s with U2-Net). With the Apify free plan's monthly credit you can try it at no cost.

**Compared with remove.bg:** remove.bg's API plans cost roughly $70–230 per 1,000 images depending on plan and volume (based on their public pricing at the time of writing; check their site for current prices). remove.bg uses its own proprietary model and often gives finer results on difficult hair and transparent objects. This Actor uses open-source models, which work very well for product photos, people, animals and cars at a fraction of the price.

### FAQ

**How do I remove the background from many images at once?** Paste all image URLs into the input (or send them via API). Each image becomes one result row with a download link; all files are also in the key-value store.

**Can I get a white background instead of a transparent one?** Yes. Set `backgroundColor` to `#ffffff` (or any hex color). Choose `jpg` output for the smallest files – JPG always gets a solid background.

**Is this a free remove.bg alternative?** It is not free, but at $6 per 1,000 images it costs a small fraction of typical background-removal APIs, with no subscription. The Apify free plan's monthly credit covers several hundred images.

**What image sizes are supported?** Inputs up to 30 MB. Images are processed at up to 4 megapixels by default (configurable up to 16 MP); the output has the size of the processed image.

**Which model should I choose?** `isnet-general-use` (default) gives the cleanest edges. `u2net` is faster and fine for simple product shots on plain backgrounds.

**How long are result files available?** As long as the run's storage is retained on your Apify plan. Download them or copy them to your own storage for long-term use.

### Use it with Claude, ChatGPT and other AI agents (MCP)

1. Add the Apify MCP server to your assistant (e.g. in Claude: Settings → Connectors → add `https://mcp.apify.com`, then sign in with Apify).
2. Ask in plain language. The assistant finds this Actor, runs it and works with the results.

Example prompts:

- "Remove the background from these 20 product photos and give me white-background JPGs cropped to the product."
- "Make a transparent PNG of this image: https://..."

You can also run it via the Apify API, on a schedule, or connect it to Make, Zapier, n8n and Google Sheets.

#### Pay per call with x402 – no account needed

AI agents can run this Actor and pay per call with **x402** (USDC stablecoin payments over HTTP) through Apify's agentic payments – no Apify account or API key required. You pay the same pay-per-event prices listed above. Details: [Apify x402 integration](https://docs.apify.com/platform/integrations/x402).

### Notes

- Only process images you have the rights to use. Images are downloaded from the URLs you provide; no login or cookies are used.
- No face recognition or personal data extraction – the Actor only separates the foreground from the background.
- Models: IS-Net general use (DIS, Apache-2.0) and U2-Net (Apache-2.0) by Xuebin Qin et al., ONNX weights from the open-source rembg project (MIT). All allow commercial use.
- remove.bg is a trademark of its owner; this Actor is not affiliated with it.

More Actors from us: [fast_data_asap on Apify](https://apify.com/fast_data_asap) – e.g. the [AI Image Upscaler](https://apify.com/fast_data_asap/ai-image-upscaler).

# Actor input Schema

## `imageUrls` (type: `array`):

Direct links to JPG, PNG or WebP images (max 30 MB each). Product photos, people, animals, cars, logos – any image with a clear main subject.

## `outputFormat` (type: `string`):

PNG and WebP keep the transparent background. JPG has no transparency, so it always gets a solid background (white unless you set a background color).

## `backgroundColor` (type: `string`):

Leave empty for a transparent background. Enter a hex color such as #ffffff to place the cut-out subject on a solid color, e.g. a pure white background for Amazon or Shopify product photos.

## `cropToObject` (type: `boolean`):

Trim the empty area around the subject so the output is tightly cropped to the object.

## `padding` (type: `integer`):

Empty margin in pixels added around the subject when 'Crop to object' is on.

## `model` (type: `string`):

IS-Net gives clean, detailed edges (hair, fur, product contours) and is the best choice for most photos. U2-Net is about 2-3x faster with slightly softer edges – good for large batches of simple product shots. Same price per image.

## `maxInputMegapixels` (type: `number`):

Larger images are scaled down to this size before processing (4 MP is about 2000 x 2000 px). The output has the same size as the processed image.

## `quality` (type: `integer`):

Compression quality for JPG and WebP output (1-100). Ignored for PNG.

## Actor input object example

```json
{
  "imageUrls": [
    "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542291026-7eec264c27ff?w=800"
  ],
  "outputFormat": "png",
  "cropToObject": false,
  "padding": 0,
  "model": "isnet-general-use",
  "maxInputMegapixels": 4,
  "quality": 90
}
```

# Actor output Schema

## `results` (type: `string`):

No description

## `files` (type: `string`):

No description

# API

You can run this Actor programmatically using our API. Below are code examples in JavaScript, Python, and CLI, as well as the OpenAPI specification and MCP server setup.

## JavaScript example

```javascript
import { ApifyClient } from 'apify-client';

// Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
// Replace the '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token
const client = new ApifyClient({
    token: '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>',
});

// Prepare Actor input
const input = {
    "imageUrls": [
        "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542291026-7eec264c27ff?w=800"
    ]
};

// Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
const run = await client.actor("fast_data_asap/ai-background-remover").call(input);

// Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if any)
console.log('Results from dataset');
console.log(`💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/${run.defaultDatasetId}`);
const { items } = await client.dataset(run.defaultDatasetId).listItems();
items.forEach((item) => {
    console.dir(item);
});

// 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/js/docs

```

## Python example

```python
from apify_client import ApifyClient

# Initialize the ApifyClient with your Apify API token
# Replace '<YOUR_API_TOKEN>' with your token.
client = ApifyClient("<YOUR_API_TOKEN>")

# Prepare the Actor input
run_input = { "imageUrls": ["https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542291026-7eec264c27ff?w=800"] }

# Run the Actor and wait for it to finish
run = client.actor("fast_data_asap/ai-background-remover").call(run_input=run_input)

# Fetch and print Actor results from the run's dataset (if there are any)
print(f"💾 Check your data here: https://console.apify.com/storage/datasets/{run.default_dataset_id}")
for item in client.dataset(run.default_dataset_id).iterate_items():
    print(item)

# 📚 Want to learn more 📖? Go to → https://docs.apify.com/api/client/python/docs/quick-start

```

## CLI example

```bash
echo '{
  "imageUrls": [
    "https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542291026-7eec264c27ff?w=800"
  ]
}' |
apify call fast_data_asap/ai-background-remover --silent --output-dataset

```

## MCP server setup

```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "apify": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://mcp.apify.com/?tools=fetch-actor-details,fast_data_asap/ai-background-remover"
        }
    }
}
```

The hosted server signs you in with OAuth on first connect, so no API token belongs in this config. Clients without OAuth support can send an `Authorization: Bearer <APIFY_API_TOKEN>` header instead, using a token from API & Integrations in Apify Console (https://console.apify.com/settings/integrations).

## OpenAPI specification

Download the OpenAPI definition: https://api.apify.com/v2/actors/4es6Pb3ryXWlIycGA/builds/beadAK8L4wFpm2vvW/openapi.json