> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.synaps.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.synaps.app/ai-and-automation/erase-or-isolate-an-object.md).

# Erase or isolate an object

Remove a detected object from an image, or separate it into a cutout while reconstructing the background.

Use **Segment** to select a detected object, then choose **Erase** to remove it or **Isolate** to separate it from the scene.

## Choose the right action

| Action      | Effect on the original image                                        | Additional result                                 |
| ----------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Erase**   | Removes the selected object and generates the background behind it. | No separate cutout.                               |
| **Isolate** | Also removes the object and reconstructs the background.            | A separate cutout image at the object's position. |

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Isolate changes the original image too.** Keep a separate original first if you need the untouched scene.
{% endhint %}

## Steps

1. Select one image with **Select**, then click **Segment**.
2. Wait for detection and click the intended object. Check the highlighted region before continuing.
3. Choose **Erase** or **Isolate**, if that action is available for the detected content.
4. Wait for processing and inspect both the object's former location and the surrounding scene.

## What you'll see

### Erase an object

After **Erase**, the selected object is no longer shown in the image and the hidden background has been reconstructed.

{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2F7RIVF6FhR7sBqdVY7oIx%2Fai-and-automation-erase-or-isolate-an-object-03-erase.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Remove the basket and inspect the reconstructed floor.
{% endembed %}

### Isolate an object

After **Isolate**, a separate cutout appears over the reconstructed original at the object's position. It may initially look as though the object has not moved because the new cutout occupies the same place. Select and move the cutout when you want to arrange it separately.

{% embed url="<https://610775476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FqzriLrFv2ZhYgQvlapF0%2Fuploads%2FJwOD4z4MQjctL8Ml1yve%2Fai-and-automation-erase-or-isolate-an-object-01-hero.mp4?alt=media>" %}
Separate the ottoman, then move its cutout away from the reconstructed room.
{% endembed %}

## Example

To use a chair separately in a presentation composition, select its detected region and choose **Isolate**. Inspect the chair's edges, then move the cutout to the desired position. Also inspect the original scene: its chair area has been replaced with generated background.

## Controls and limits

**Erase** and **Isolate** are object actions; floors and paintable surfaces use finish actions. Check thin and transparent details around a cutout.

The background is generated to fill the removed area; it is not recovered from the original scene.

## Troubleshooting

**The cutout includes unwanted content.** Check whether the chosen region covers more than the intended object. Try a clearer source or choose a region that matches the object more closely.

**The background is implausible.** Undo the edit and check the source image and selection before trying again. Check the cost of another attempt.

**Detection no longer matches the image.** Use **Re-segment** before selecting another object.

## Related guides

[Select objects and surfaces with segmentation](/ai-and-automation/select-image-objects-with-segmentation.md).

More: [Remove an image background](/ai-and-automation/remove-an-image-background.md).