Some PDF files look great at first, but then you try to read or print them and realize the background is too dark, distracting, or just unnecessary. These backgrounds might be solid colors, faded watermarks, patterned designs, or even shadows from a scanned page. While they might be added for style or branding, they often get in the way when you're trying to study, edit, or share the file. Removing the background can make your PDF much easier to read and look cleaner overall. It can also help you save ink when printing or give the file a more professional look. Luckily, you don't need to be a tech expert to fix this. In this article, we'll show you the different types of PDF backgrounds and how to remove them using free or easy-to-use tools. Whether you're on a computer or using an online app, we've got you covered.
Remove Background from PDF with AcePDF
What is it best for? It is best for saving all edited files without losing the original quality.
Pricing Plan: $9.95/monthly, $29.95/annually, $49.95/lifetime license
The first solution we recommend to remove background of PDF files is AcePDF. This tool works on different documents, including PPT, WORD, EXCEL, and PDF documents. It allows you to convert files between various formats, add text, edit images, and more. One of the best things about this software is that you can easily remove comments from PDF and unwanted backgrounds using an intuitive interface that is easy to understand and use. It even supports scanned files and images to convert them to editable PDF files. Moreover, you can download this tool for free on any computer with Windows or MacOS. Read the detailed instructions below to find out how to remove a background from a PDF using this powerful tool.
Try it for Free
Step 1. Launch the PDF background Remover
To access the tool, you must first download the file installer to your computer. Select the option that matches your computer OS from the "Download" button above. Run the installer on your screen once it successfully downloads. Adhere to the installation process carefully until the AcePDF is launched.
Step 2. Import a PDF file
Click the "Open" menu tab on the left side of the tool's interface. Your computer's file menu will appear afterward. Select your file and open it to the PDF editor. Otherwise, you can quickly drag and drop your existing file directly to the center interface of the tool. Wait until the PDF file is successfully added to the tool.
Step 3. Begin to Remove PDF Background
Once you have your file to be edited, find the page with the background you want to remove. Then, select the "Tools" tab on the upper-right side of the tool. Choose "Background" and choose "Remove Background" from the options. A dialogue box will show to confirm your action. Hit "Yes" to remove the background permanently.
Step 4. Save Your PDF File
Once you have the background removed from your PDF file, you can now save it to your computer. Go to the "File" tab and hit the "Save" button to save changes from your file. You can also choose the "Save as" option and create another copy of your file without background on your computer. You can use the tool again to remove background from scanned PDF files anytime.
Remove Background from PDF Online with Soda PDF
What is it best for? This tool is best for editing and converting large PDF files online.
Pricing Plan: Free
The second solution we recommend for removing a background from a PDF online is Soda PDF. This web-based platform allows you to edit various file types, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF. Its advanced editor offers features that will enable you to perform complex tasks, such as its ability to remove PDF background online. This tool's interface is simple and easy to use to get started immediately. It has the advantage of being free with unlimited cloud storage space, allowing you to access your files anytime.
User Guide:
- Open your computer web browser and find the online platform of Soda PDF. Access the tool and open its main interface to begin. Hit the "Open" tab on the left-side panel to import your PDF file. Then, select your existing file from your menu and open it to the software.
- The tool will analyze your file and display it on your screen afterward. Once you have it, you can go to the "Page" tab. Find the file page with the background that you want to remove. Choose "Background" from the given option. Select the page and choose "Delete" to remove background from PDF online.
- After removing all the background from your document, you can save it from your computer. Access the three "horizontal lines" on the upper-left corner of the tool's interface. Hit "Save" to save the changes from your file and share them anytime.
Remove Background from PDF with Adobe Acrobat
What is it best for? It has the best solution for editing fill-up documents and adding e-signatures.
Pricing Plan: $19.99/monthly for Acrobat Pro, $12.99/monthly for Acrobat Standard
The third solution we recommend for how to remove PDF background is Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. The program is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. It has the main features of a typical PDF editor, such as document conversion, editing, annotation, and more. On top of that, there are also more advanced features like digital signatures, security, and secure collaboration. It allows you to remove a background from a PDF using the selection tool, which lets you easily remove any unwanted element from the page. Also, this tool is another solution if you are looking for a PDF editor without watermark.
User Guide:
- Go to the official page of Adobe Acrobat with any of your web browsers. Next, get the tool's installer and launch it on your computer. Hit the "Open" tab and go to the "Edit PDF" menu. A new screen window will display to access the editing features of the tool.
- Next, import your PDF document from your computer. Once the entire page is displayed on your screen, click the dropdown "More" button and choose "Background ." Tick the arrow side and select the remove the background from your PDF file pages.
- Once all background has been removed from your file, proceed to file saving. Go to the "File" tab and hit the save button. Choose "Save as" to create a new copy of your file and store it in your preferred file location.
Extra Tips: Different Backgrounds in PDF Files
There are different styles of backgrounds that people use to make their PDF files look more polished, professional, or creative. But sometimes, these backgrounds can be distracting, hard to read, or waste ink when printing. Knowing the background of your PDF will help you choose the right way to remove it.
1. Solid Color Backgrounds
These are plain backgrounds, often white, gray, or another color, that cover the full page. Some PDFs add these for style or branding, but they can waste ink when printing.
2. Image or Pattern Backgrounds
Some PDFs use pictures, logos, or repeated patterns behind the content. These can be distracting and may make the text harder to read.
3. Watermarks and Overlays
Watermarks often show up as faded text or logos in the background (like "Confidential" or a company name). They're usually added for security or branding. Still, they can get in the way if you're trying to read or edit the document.
4. Scanned Page Backgrounds
Scanned PDFs often include shadows, stains, or paper textures from the original document. These unwanted backgrounds come from the scanner and usually make the file look dirty or unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison Chart
| Tools | Interface Language | Supported Files | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| AcePDF | English, French, Portuguese, Japanese, and more | PDF, PPT, Word, Excel, HTML, etc. | Only limited features are available in the free version. |
| Soda PDF Online | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese. | Word, Excel, and PDF | The process of editing and converting takes a while. |
| Adobe Acrobat | English, Spanish, Italian, Filipino, and more | PDF, Word, Excel, JPG, PNG, etc. | The subscriptions are quite expensive. |
- It allows users to import and save their files to various formats
- It offers a simple-to-use interface to create and edit new documents
- Encrypt and secure your PDF files using password protection for added security
