Background Removal API
The power of BackgroundCut, automated. Integrate professional-grade background removal into your apps in minutes.
Used by developers automating product photography, e-commerce workflows, and mobile apps.
API Pricing
Pay-as-you-go credits at $0.03 each. Use credits for background removal, AI segmentation, and advanced image processing. Credits are valid for 90 days from purchase.
Background removal typically uses 0.5 to 1.1 credits per image. AI Cut and Hair Segmentation cost additional credits on top.
Buy API Credits
No monthly commitment. Pay only for what you use.
How It Works
Integrate background removal in 3 simple steps with our globally accelerated API infrastructure.
2. Process
GPU-accelerated servers process your images in milliseconds.
3. Deliver
Get results via globally accelerated CDN for fast delivery worldwide.
Evaluating Background Removal APIs?
There are several options out there. Two features set BackgroundCut apart: output variants let you generate multiple formats (PNG, WebP, cropped thumbnail) in a single request, and access tokens let client-side apps upload directly without exposing your API key.
What to look for when choosing an API →Why Choose BackgroundCut API
Ultra Accurate Cutouts
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Boost Your E-commerce
Clean product photos increase trust and conversion rates. Automate your image processing workflow and cut data preparation costs significantly.
Scale Without Limits
No infrastructure to manage. Process thousands of high-resolution images without lag or downtime. We handle the scaling so you can focus on your product. Learn about our API
API Documentation
Use API v3 for all new integrations. v1 and v2 are supported until Jan 1, 2028 for existing users.
API v3
The current, recommended version. Geo-distributed for low latency, with access tokens for secure client-side uploads, multiple output variants per request, and AI-powered segmentation. Use this for all new integrations.
View DocumentationAPI v1
Supported until Jan 1, 2028Legacy version. Requests go directly to backgroundcut.co (single region, not geo-distributed). Simple server-side integration, up to 200 req/min.
View DocsAPI v2
Supported until Jan 1, 2028Legacy version. Geo-distributed endpoint, with base64 input and alpha mask output support over v1.
View DocsNeed a Custom Solution?
Tell us about your project and we'll tailor a solution for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use API v3 for new integrations. v1 and v2 are both supported until January 1, 2028, so existing integrations can stay on them without any changes needed. v3 is the current version with access tokens for secure client-side uploads, multiple output variants in a single request, and AI segmentation. Note that v3 is currently in beta, so it is not yet recommended for production use in live applications.
Credits cost $0.03 each ($30 per 1,000). Usage is token-based and varies by resolution and feature. Background removal starts at 0.5 credits for images under 1 MP, with a typical photo averaging around 1.1 credits including the upload fee. AI Cut and Hair Segmentation cost additional credits on top. Current API credits cover background removal, segmentation, and related tools. Higher-tier plans with additional features such as image generation are planned.
API credits are valid for 90 days from purchase. Unused credits expire after this period.
No, they are entirely separate pools. API credits (purchased on this page) are for API access only. Web subscription credits (Basic and Standard plans on the pricing page) are for the web editor and dashboard tools only. You can hold both simultaneously if you use both.
The API checks your credit balance before processing begins. If you don't have enough credits, it returns a 402 response immediately. The image is never processed and you are not charged. To continue, top up from the pricing page.
Output variants let you generate multiple versions of a processed image in one API call - for example, a full-size PNG, a cropped JPG with white background, and a thumbnail WebP. The first variant is included; additional variants cost +0.25 credits each.
AI Cut uses advanced point-based AI segmentation to let you select and cut specific objects by clicking points on the image. Perfect for isolating products, removing unwanted objects, or creating complex compositions. Adds +2 credits to the base cost.
Yes. The API supports up to 200 requests per minute by default. Your account's specific rate limit is shown in your dashboard. For higher throughput requirements, contact us.