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How to compare a portrait cutout on Mac

See a portrait before and after automatic background removal, and inspect where the cutout preserves hair and edges.

3 stepsUpdated Nov 12, 2026Get Background Cut Studio
What you'll achieve
You will have a portrait cutout on a transparent background with the original and edited views shown side by side for inspection.
What you need
  • Background Cut Studio installed on your Mac.
  • A portrait photo you want to isolate from its background.
Background Cut Studio showing a portrait divided between the original background and transparent cutout.

Background Cut Studio can remove a portrait's background automatically. Use its comparison view to check the result against the original before making refinements.

  1. 1.Open the photo workbench

    Open Background Cut Studio. The empty workbench offers Import image so you can bring in a photo.

    Background Cut Studio empty photo workspace with import options.
    Background Cut Studio empty photo workspace with import options.
  2. 2.Import your portrait

    Choose Import image or drop a portrait into the window. The app automatically separates the subject from the background; the checkerboard behind the subject indicates transparency.

    Portrait cutout shown over checkerboard transparency after importing a photo.
    Portrait cutout shown over checkerboard transparency after importing a photo.
  3. 3.Turn on the before-and-after comparison

    Press Fit to frame the portrait, then turn on Before and after cutout. The vertical divider shows the original photo on one side and the transparent cutout on the other. Drag the divider to inspect edges and curls.

    Portrait comparison view showing the original photo and transparent cutout separated by a vertical divider.
    Portrait comparison view showing the original photo and transparent cutout separated by a vertical divider.

Tips

  • Look for the checkerboard pattern behind the subject: it indicates transparent pixels.

  • Drag the vertical comparison divider across the hairline and shoulders to see what changed.

  • Watch outThe comparison view is only a visual check; it does not change the cutout or save a PNG. Use Export image separately when you want an exported file.