Auto removal issues

Hi,

You are not alone this issue with Auto Background Removal in the new CapCut update (especially on mobile) is affecting quite a few users. That dark shadow or halo around the subject is usually caused by a glitch in the edge detection or feathering during the background removal process.

Here are a few things you can try to fix or at least minimize it:

1. Add a Custom Shadow and Cancel the Built-In One

• After background removal, go to the "Cutout" settings.

• If there’s an option like “Shadow”, turn it off completely.

• If the dark edge remains, manually add a new shadow with adjusted blur, opacity, and distance to mask the original.

2. Overlay Method (Cleaner Results)

• Import the same video twice.

• Place the top video on the overlay track.

• Apply background removal only on the overlay.

• On the main track, apply a blur or color background, which can help smooth the rough edges.

3. Adjust Brightness/Contrast on Cutout Layer

• Select the cutout layer.

• Slightly increase brightness, decrease contrast, or reduce shadow under the “Adjust” tab.

• This can help blend the subject better.

4. Use Keyframes to Fix Flickering Shadow

If the shadow is inconsistent:

• Add keyframes to the opacity, brightness, or shadow settings.

• Smooth out the transitions manually.

5. Adjust Lighting and Contrast of Original Footage:

• Optimal Lighting: The best way to get a clean auto-removal is to start with well-lit footage where your subject has good contrast against the background. Shadows in the original footage can often be misinterpreted as part of the subject or create undesirable outlines during auto-removal.
• Even Lighting: Try to have even lighting on your subject to minimize shadows that the AI might pick up as part of the subject.

6. Fine-tune After Auto-Removal (Manual Refinement):

• Custom Removal: After applying "Auto Removal," CapCut usually allows for manual adjustments. Look for a "Custom Removal" or "Refine Edges" option.
   
  • Smart Brush/Brush Tool: Use this to carefully paint over areas that were incorrectly removed or to add back parts of your subject that were cut out.
  • Smart Eraser/Eraser Tool: Use this to erase any remaining dark shadows or unwanted outlines that the auto-removal missed. Zoom in closely for precision.
• Feathering/Softness: Some background removal tools offer a "feather" or "softness" setting for the edges. Experiment with this to see if it helps blend the edges better and reduces the harshness of the shadow.

7. Adjust Subject Properties (Post-Removal):

• "Relight" Feature (CapCut Pro): If you have CapCut Pro, explore the "Re-light" feature (usually under the video tab). This can help adjust the lighting on your subject after background removal, potentially mitigating the dark shadow.
• Adjustments Panel (Brightness, Contrast, Saturation): Even after auto-removal, you can select your subject layer and go to the "Adjust" panel.
  • Brightness: Slightly increasing the brightness of the subject might help lighten the dark shadow.
  • Contrast: Adjusting contrast can sometimes help. Lowering it slightly might soften the edge.
  • Saturation: Sometimes a slight desaturation in the shadow area can make it less noticeable.
• Shadow/Highlight Controls: Look for specific "Shadow" or "Highlight" adjustments within the "Adjust" panel. You might be able to lift the shadows around the subject.

8. Add a Subtle Stroke/Outline:

• While counterintuitive, sometimes adding a very thin, light-colored stroke or outline to your subject after auto-removal can help mask the dark shadow and create a cleaner look. Experiment with a light color (like white or a very pale version of your subject's dominant color) and a minimal thickness. CapCut often has a "Stroke" option when a cutout is selected.

Optional Advanced Tip:

If it’s really bad and you’re comfortable with external tools, you can:

• Export the video with green screen background.

• Use remove.bg (web) or Runway ML for cleaner background removal.

• Reimport to CapCut and add your background.

Final Tip: Report the Bug

CapCut updates sometimes introduce bugs. You can:

• Go to Settings → Feedback in CapCut.

• Describe the shadow issue and mention it started after the latest update.

• They often patch these issues in 1–2 update cycles.

Important Considerations:

• Complexity of Background: Auto-removal works best with simple, consistent backgrounds. Busy or highly textured backgrounds can make it harder for the AI to accurately differentiate the subject, leading to artifacts like shadows.
   
• Subject Movement: Excessive or rapid movement of the subject can also make the auto-removal less precise.

By trying these methods, you should be able to improve the quality of your auto-removed subjects in CapCut.