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✦ Free & open sourcePhotographers

unbagrnd

Local AI background remover running entirely on your device

Local AI background removal for your photos

Fast, private, open-source background extraction across desktop and mobile

Free forever · open source · MIT
✓ Light setup✓ Browser-based✓ Real-time collaboration
7.4
ZEKAI
Local AI background extraction
Free & open source · Photographers
Ease of setup7
Usefulness8
Maintenance9.5
Community5
★ 179
GITHUB
Oct 2026
UPDATED
MIT
LICENSE
🛠 Don't want to self-host? We can set it up →
⚡ Quick answer

unbagrnd is a cross-platform desktop and mobile app that removes backgrounds from images locally using ONNX Runtime. It suits photographers seeking a privacy-focused alternative to cloud APIs without subscription fees or data exposure risks.

Runs on
Cross-platform
Hosting
Desktop
Languages
Rust
License
MIT

What it is

It executes IS-Net models locally via Rust bindings to generate precise alpha channels or composite images onto solid colors with drop shadows. You can process single images or entire folders in batch runs, manually brush over cutouts, and adjust edge smoothing or feathering.

Who it's for

It suits photographers and editors who handle sensitive image batches and prefer local processing over cloud subscriptions. It does not suit those seeking an integrated cloud-based DAM or browser-based plugin ecosystem.

Key features

Local Neural Inference

Runs ONNX models directly on your device without sending image data to the cloud.

Batch Processing

Handles multiple files in a single run with template renaming, drop shadows, and ZIP exports.

Edge Refinement Controls

Adjusts outline shift, smoothing, and feathering live to handle complex elements like hair and fur.

Manual Brush Correction

Allows you to paint over imperfections with undo and restore capabilities for precise cutouts.

How to start

Up and running in 3 steps

1
Download the installer for your platform from the releases page.
2
Launch the app and wait for the one-time model download to complete.
3
Drop your images into the window for local background removal or batch processing.
Real talk

Our honest verdict

What's great

  • Processes images completely offline after the initial model download
  • Handles batch folders with custom background colors and template naming options
  • Offers manual brush tools and edge feathering to fix complex cutouts
  • Runs natively across macOS, Windows, Linux, and Android devices

Where it falls short

  • macOS builds lack code-signing and require manual quarantine bypass via terminal
  • Model downloads add around 43 to 170 MB of initial data usage per model
  • Building from source requires configuring Rust 1.88+, Node.js 20+, and Tauri toolchains
Cost

Pricing & license

The software is entirely free under its MIT license with no paid tiers or API costs. The only cost is your own local device storage and processing power.

Paid work

Open remote AI-training roles

870 open remote AI-training roles, updated November 14, 2026; most pay $20–$170 an hour. Zekai lists them free; the application goes to the employer’s platform.

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Use it, or have us set it up

📄 Free PDF: unbagrnd for Photographers
A plain-language guide to getting your first result. Sent to your inbox.
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Questions

FAQ

Does this app require an internet connection?

Only on first use to download your chosen AI model; all subsequent inferences run completely offline.

Can I process multiple images at once?

Yes, you can drop a whole folder into the window to batch process cutouts and export them as a ZIP.

How do I fix macOS blocking the app on first launch?

Run xattr -cr /Applications/unbagrnd.app in your terminal to clear the quarantine flag caused by missing code-signing.

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