I'am looking for a script or a plugin to remove backgrounds from pictures.

The paths tool is really difficult to use. I usually use the eraser and magic wand. You can only do so much with those tools. A script or a plugin would be helpful.

I don't know, if there is any out there or not.

Any help is appreciated.
Thank you

See the foreground selection tool or the scissors...

There is another plug-in named LASO but it works similarly as the selection tool.
However there is another GIMP version by RGGJAN that has a new foreground select tool with transparency selections.This was never released except for Parthas version you can find at his website here.
http://www.partha.com/
It is in the left menu at the bottom. ( Gimp - RGGJAN Fork ) Select your bit version either 32 or 64 bit.
It works very well.
Onkel Hatti released a version of Gimp-2.8.5 which contains both the old and newer fg select tools.You can find that here.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/gimp-pa ... kel_Hatti/ The newer tool is named the MATTING tool.
This is a screen shot of Onkels version.


Before selection


After selection


No clue as to why this new fg color select tool was never added to the devs list of priorities.

Someone would need to recode the tool in C (it is written in C++) before it could be accepted as part of the Gimp project.

This script only runs on 2.8 not 2.6.12?

in my opinion, asking for a script to remove background is a misconception
because it depends largely on the kind of background

there are countless tutorials on youtube that show how to render pictures
and there are countless methods to achieve that goal, depending on what you are working with

for example rendering hair is quite difficult, you cannot really do that with the lasso/path tool

so there are rendering methods with channels, filters (ChrisF just posted one), layermasks, different tools like the foreground selection tool or the color removal mode for the brush tool
i dont think there is one universal tool/technique that can do it all everytime
its an art

and having the right picture is quite essential as well
so when you shoot the picture yourself, make sure you have good lighting, contrast and a white background
will make the job much easier

I agree with 'Esper' on this one.

I'm talking mostly of backgrounds with pictures in the back of them. For example, a person standing in front of building with flowers. You just want to remove the background.
Of course, if the background was a solid color, it would be alot easier to work with.

There are indeed countless ways, and tutorials available on how to do this in Gimp.

I don´t get why path tool is so popular for bg extraction, polygonal selection tool is easier and faster imho.

If You´re searching for a free solution, You could try GML matting 0.3 with PSPI plugin. You can still find GML matting free version online. The new shareware version is called GrowCut.
Can´t guarantee compatibility with Gimp though, have used it with older version of Photoshop only.

ShellOut + Vertus Fluid Mask is unbeatable combination for complex extraction.

I use GrowCut and it does work with my Gimp-2.8.4.
I have not tried in Gimp-2.8.7 yet.

Screenshot.

Not that popular really. But it's unbeatable for man-made objects so professionals use it a lot.

Actually i like using RGGJAN's FG select tool more than GrowCut. It's way easier, and faster to get nice results.
I was real happy to see Onkel include it with his Gimp-2.8.7 build.

Thank you Onkel.

Installed Growcut, but can't find it once I open GIMP.

Never mind. I installed a version that no longer works, apparently.

You need to install the plugin and set a PATH with PSPI. (Filters>Photoshop-Plugin-Settings)
After install you will find it under Filters>iPhotosoft>GrowCut
A window will open for your reg key info.Add that and restart GrowCut.

Remember GrowCut only works on images with an alpha channel.

GML Matting is an older version of GrowCut and after install will be located here
Filters>GML>GML Matting and needs an alpha channel to work also.

I attached the exe in a zip for you.

It will install auto to program files and give you a check box for other. Select other and install where your photoshop 8BF files are located for GIMP.
OR install in XnView plugins folder and use shellout.


Both GrowCut and GNL Matting work in Gimp-2.8.4 (Parthas installed build)

you cant change the nodes of the lasso tool after you clicked

what i dislike about the path Tool in Gimp is that the nodes have become too big
i think they changed that in 2.8
the nodes were smaller in 2.6 if i remember correctly

I understand, I have several Photoshop plugins installed. I found what looked to be a free version, but it didn't work at all. I downloaded the trial version, and it works fine. I also have had GML Matting. Thanks for the heads up anywhos, appreciate it.

I hear you. I wish there were a way to make those nodes smaller also.