How to Remove Watermarks from Photos for Free: A Complete Guide

Have you ever come across a picture that you are so keen to use but an annoying watermark is not letting you?

We get it, this can be a major buzzkill.

But, don’t let this discourage you. Because, in this blog, we will tell you how to remove watermarks from photos instantly and effortlessly.

Plus, we will also be introducing you to a free tool to do the same!

After reading this blog, you will know exactly how to remove all types of watermarks from any JPEG or PNG image for free.

So, let’s not make you wait anymore and get started!

What is a watermark and why is it used in pictures

A watermark can be anything from a mark, logo, written text, or a combination of them. It is often added as an overlay or superimposed on top of another image or document. This is a form of signifying ownership or protecting copyrights.

Watermarks are widely used in pictures for not only one or two but several solid reasons, including:

Image copyright protection: Watermarks prevent images from being used or distributed without permission. When added to an image, it indicates that the image belongs to an individual or an organization. This discourages others from claiming the image’s ownership and using it without authorization.

Branding and identification: Another important use of watermarks is promoting a brand associated with an image. They also help identify an image’s origin. For example, a photographer may add a watermark to their captured photo. This helps them make it simpler for their customers to identify their work and brand.

Reducing image theft: Watermarks act as an obvious discouragement. They stop others from stealing and using images without permission. Their presence in an image implies that it is protected. If any unauthorized use occurs, the watermark will help identify the owner. Giving credit to the owner: In the case when someone uses someone else’s work, a watermark ensures that the owner gets the credit. It helps freelance photographers or content creators to establish their reputations.

Now that we have covered the fundamentals, let’s finally go over the ways of removing a watermark from your picture.

How to remove watermarks from photos: 3 super easy ways!

Watermarks are often an unwanted addition to the images. They block the key details and diminish the overall appeal of the image.

Fortunately, in today’s time, erasing watermarks from photos has become easier than ever. You can use varied solutions available across diverse platforms to do the job.

What we mean is that you can easily remove a pesky watermark from your photo by utilizing a mobile app, an online tool, or editing software on your PC.

Let’s get to know them all in detail ahead.

Removing watermarks from photos using a mobile app

We like to call this method “convenience on the go.” 

Using mobile apps to clear watermarks from pictures is simply user-friendly. Whether you are on the move or just don’t have access to a PC, you can still remove watermarks from images effortlessly. 

There is a wealth of apps available to help you with image watermark removal on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Advantages: Portable, easy usage, and generally free, along with in-app purchases for additional features.

Effectiveness: Ideal for fast and casual watermark removal.

Popular mobile apps: LightX, Picsart, or Snapseed.

How to delete a watermark from a photo on iPhone and Android using the LightX app

Step 1: To begin, download the LightX app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Then, open the app and select the AI-powered “Remove Object” tool.

Step 2: Select the photo you want for watermark removal from your gallery.

Step 3: Next, mask the watermark. Adjust the “Brush Size” slider to mask the watermark with extra precision.

Step 4: Tap “Remove Object” to finally apply the edit. The AI will erase the watermark and reconstruct the image background.

Step 5: Preview the resulting image. If required, re-mask and tap “Remove Object” again.

Step 6: When you are satisfied with the image, tap “Done” to finalize the removal and make additional edits within the app. To download the image right away, tap “Save.”

And you are all done!

LightX makes watermark removal from photos a breeze, all for free!

Edit out watermarks from photos using an online tool

In need of a fast and no-installation watermark removal from images? Look no further than the online tools.

They mostly have an intuitive interface, along with a bunch of features. This lets you eliminate watermarks easily and efficiently. 

Typically, all you have to do is upload a watermarked picture and select the watermark. The tool will handle the rest to help you get rid of watermarks on photos.

Advantages: No software installation needed, generally free, or offer a free trial.

Effectiveness: Perfect for removing different types of both simple and complex watermarks.

Popular online tools: LightX, AniEraser, or Fotor.

How to take a watermark out of your photos on your PC with LightX’s online tool 

Step 1: First, open the LightX website in your browser. Then, go to the “AI Editor” and choose the AI-powered “Cleanup Picture” tool.

Step 2: Next, click “Upload Image” to add the photo you want to remove the watermark from.

Step 3: Now, mask the watermark. Adjust the “Brush” or “Erase” sliders as needed to select the watermark more precisely.

Step 4: Finally, click “Remove” to apply the edit. The AI will erase the watermark and reconstruct the image background.

Step 5: Preview your image result. If required, re-mask and click “Remove” again.

Step 6: Once you’re happy with the output, click “Download” to save your image in your preferred format and resolution.

Read more: Remove people from photos on your phone or PC using LightX’s AI people remover.

Erase watermarks from photos using editing software

Finding yourself stuck with a complex watermark removal? A professional-grade editing software can be of great assistance. 

While there can be a steep learning curve, these softwares are highly capable of erasing even the most complex watermarks from your pictures flawlessly. 

Advantages: Enjoy a comprehensive set of features and great control over editing.

Effectiveness: Offer the most successful watermark removal, especially for the complex ones.

Popular online tools: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Affinity Photo.

And that wraps up how you can wipe out watermarks from your photos. 

Allow us to share some truly useful and unmissable tips for professional-like watermark removal in photos.

Tips to delete a watermark from a photo like a pro

Be it a subtle or a prominent watermark, mastering a few key tips can make all the difference.

We are sharing the only tips that matter, and matter the most to help you achieve perfect watermark-removed pictures.

1. Pick high-quality images: The greater the original image quality is, the smoother it will be to remove the watermark.

2. Aim for precision: Take as much time as you need and focus on details to get a result that looks natural and precise.

3. Experiment with different watermark removers: Try out diverse watermark removal platforms, including mobile apps, online tools, or editing software, to see which one works best for your image.

Easy and interesting, aren’t they?

Now, let’s take a look at some common scenarios where a need to delete the watermark from an image may arise.

When you might need to remove watermarks from photos

Understandably, watermarks in images serve to protect copyright or establish brand identity.

However, there are numerous legitimate reasons why there might be a need to remove them.

Keep in mind that obtaining the proper right to use, edit, or share an image is crucial before proceeding with the watermark removal. Once you have these rights, you can erase the watermark for a clean and polished appeal.

The following are some situations where you might need to edit a watermark out of a photo:

1. Purchased photos: When you purchase an image and want to resell it, remove the watermark to avoid any potential copyright issues.

2. Personal use: Remove unwanted watermarks from your personal photos that you want to frame or share with friends and family.

3. Professional use: For images meant for professional purposes, such as your presentation, website, or marketing material, erase the watermark to prevent any copyright infringement.

4. Custom artwork or designs: If an image is serving as a basis for your own artwork or design project, eliminating the watermark allows you to customize without interference.

5. Social media content: Edit out watermarks from pictures you are planning to share on social media. This steers clear of any unnecessary distractions.

6. Improve image quality: In the case where a watermark is ruining the overall quality of an image, getting rid of it can help improve the visual appearance and clarity of the image.

7. Images for educational purposes: If you’re making use of a watermarked image for educational purposes, removing the watermark offers enhanced readability and learning.

8. Images on personal websites or blogs: In images for your website or blog, eliminating watermarks can make them look more appealing and professional.

Quite helpful, right?

We hope this gives a clear idea of instances where you can delete the background from an image legitimately. 

Now, it’s your turn to go through some common types of watermarks that you can remove from images.

Let’s dive right in!

Common types of watermarks you can remove from photos

Watermarks come in various forms. Each is placed in an image to protect it in different ways.

While some are simple text overlays, others like image-based are more complex.

By understanding the type of watermark you are dealing with, you can select the best platform and tool to take out watermarks from photos.

Below are some common types of watermarks that you’ll encounter and can remove:

Text watermarks

Text watermarks are simple text overlays on an image. 

They are typically utilized by photographers or content creators. They help them establish their ownership or conduct their branding. 

Getting rid of them is often easy!

Image-based watermarks

The image-based watermarks involve brand logos or symbols superimposed on the picture.

Due to their complex design, they can prove to be more challenging to remove. Therefore, you need to make a smart choice when selecting the tool.

Corner watermarks

Corner watermarks are placed at the edges of the images. This includes the top-left corner, top-right corner, bottom-left corner, or bottom-right corner.

It is very easy to remove watermarks from photos, which are placed in the corner of an image because they occupy a small space. The core elements of the picture do not get affected.

Center watermarks

Watermarks positioned at the center of an image impact its core elements.

They overlap important parts of an image. Such a prominent placement makes them slightly harder to remove.

However, opting for a robust watermark remover can help.

Patterned watermarks

A patterned watermark includes a pattern or design spread across the entire image.

They are highly effective when it comes to controlling the unauthorized use of an image. Similar to image-based watermarks, removing patterned watermarks requires a careful tool selection.

Semi-transparent watermarks

The partially transparent watermarks somewhat merge with the image’s background. This makes it difficult to distinguish them from the image.

This subtle presence makes their removal a delicate process. Utmost caution is important to ensure the details of your image remain intact.

And that’s it!

Having understood these types of common watermarks, your removal process will become a lot simpler. 

In the end, make sure to take out watermarks from photos responsibly

Removing watermarks from your pictures undoubtedly enhances their appeal and expands the horizons of usage.

However, doing so responsibly is crucial. Watermarks are added to images to protect ownership and avoid unauthorized use. Removing them without permission can violate copyright regulations.

So, always ensure you have the proper rights to a watermarked image. 

Then ethically remove a copyright from a photo utilizing suitable editing software, mobile apps, or online tools.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can watermarks be easily removed?

The complexity and placement of a watermark within an image determine how easy it is to remove it. Keeping the same in your mind, select the most suitable watermark remover. Your experience will be much more seamless.

2. Is removing a watermark illegal?

If you have obtained proper rights to an image, you can use or edit it, which includes removing the watermark. Just ensure that the terms of use allow the watermark to be removed.

3. Can AI remove watermarks?

The AI can remove watermarks from your pictures automatically. With AI’s assistance, you can eliminate long hours of manual, tedious removal. Simply upload your watermarked pictures, select the watermark, and the AI will take care of the rest.

4. Is there a way to remove proof from a picture?

Proof marks are added to images in order to protect them from unauthorized use. Once you have the right to use, edit, or share an image, you can remove the proof mark. There are many online tools, mobile apps, and editing software to help you remove proof from a photo.

5. How do I remove an existing watermark?

To remove an existing watermark in your photo, you can use LightX’s AI watermark remover. Utilize it on your PC online or your phone through its mobile app. To remove the watermark, simply upload your watermarked picture and mask the watermark. The AI will automatically detect and remove it,, followed by reconstructing the image background.

6. How do I remove the copyright symbol from a picture?

In the case where you own the rights to use, edit, or share an image, you can remove the copyright symbol from it using a watermark remover. LightX’s watermark removal AI stands out for its instant and effortless removal process. It caters to all kinds of simple or complex watermarks, proof marks, and copyright symbols. 

7. How to remove a watermark from a photo for free?

Remove a watermark from your photo for free with LightX. Its AI watermark remover enables you to get rid of any basic or complex watermark from your photo on your phone or PC at no cost. Get started by uploading your photo. Next, mask the watermark for removal. The AI will then remove it and reconstruct the image background. As a result, you get high-quality, watermark-free images.