In today’s digital age, capturing the perfect moment is easier than ever with smartphone cameras. However, even the best photos can be spoiled by unwanted elements in the frame, such as distractions or uninvited guests. Traditionally, removing these elements required expensive software and advanced knowledge of photo retouching. But now, Google has introduced the Magic Eraser tool with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, offering a simple and accessible solution for removing or masking distracting elements from your photos. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to use the Magic Eraser tool on your Pixel 6 phone, without the need for a Photoshop subscription.
Requirements
Before we dive into the process of using the Magic Eraser tool, there are a few prerequisites to keep in mind:
- You need a Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, or Pixel 6A phone.
- Make sure your phone is running on Android 12 or later.
- Ensure your phone has the April 2022 security patch or a more recent version installed.
- Have the Google Photos app installed on your Pixel device.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to use the Magic Eraser tool on your Pixel 6 phone:
Open the Google Photos app on your Pixel 6 device.
Select the photo you want to edit by tapping on it.
If the Magic Eraser tool is not visible among the suggested editing tools, tap on Edit, then Tools, and finally Magic Eraser.
Alternatively, you may come across the Magic Eraser tool while browsing through your photos. If you see a suggestion to “Remove people in background,” tap on it to access the Magic Eraser tool.
Once you are in the Magic Eraser tool, Google Photos will analyze the image and look for areas that can be suggested for erasure.
If any suggested areas are found, you will see a text prompt at the bottom of the screen saying “Suggestions found.” These suggested areas will be highlighted with a white border.
If you are using a Pixel 6A, you will also find a toggle at the bottom of the screen that allows you to switch between two modes: Erase and Camouflage. The Erase mode completely removes the object and uses AI to fill in the background based on context. The Camouflage mode changes the color or brightness of the area to make it less distracting.
To use the phone’s suggestions, tap either Erase all or Camouflage all, depending on the mode you are in and the phone you are using.
If you prefer to manually select an object or area for the Magic Eraser, you can dismiss the suggestions by tapping the “X” on the text prompt. Use your finger to draw on the screen, either brushing over the entire area you want to modify or circling it.
Pinch to zoom in for more precise selection. This is especially helpful when making a manual selection.
Once you have drawn your selection, release your finger from the screen, and the Magic Eraser tool will automatically apply the effects to the selected area.
If you want to make further adjustments, you can use the undo and redo buttons at the bottom of the screen or tap Reset to revert back to the original image.
When you are satisfied with the changes, tap Done to save your edited photo. Alternatively, you can navigate back to the main editing screen to continue using other editing tools or save a copy of your photo.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your experience with the Magic Eraser tool on your Pixel 6 phone:
Familiarize yourself with the different modes: Erase and Camouflage. Experiment with both modes to find the best result for your specific photo.
Take advantage of the suggestions provided by Google Photos. These suggestions can save you time and effort in manually selecting areas for erasure.
If the Magic Eraser tool doesn’t provide the desired result, try using manual selection. Take your time to carefully draw on the screen and ensure you capture the exact area you want to modify.
Zoom in for precision. Use the pinch-to-zoom gesture to zoom in on the image and make more accurate selections.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. The Magic Eraser tool is designed to be user-friendly, so feel free to try different editing options and see what works best for your photo.
Remember to save a copy of the original photo before making any edits. This way, you can always revert back if needed.
Conclusion
Thanks to the Magic Eraser tool on Pixel 6 phones, removing unwanted elements from your photos has never been easier. Whether it’s a distracting object or an uninvited guest in the background, you can now effortlessly erase or camouflage them with just a few taps. With its user-friendly interface and powerful AI technology, the Magic Eraser tool is a valuable addition to the Pixel 6’s photography capabilities. So go ahead, unleash your creativity, and capture stunning images without worrying about unwanted distractions.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issue
