Overview

LocalBG processes media on the user's machine and can work offline. The maker says files are never transmitted and the app does not collect or transmit personal data from within the software. Internet access is needed for license activation or renewal and optional update checks. That makes LocalBG a practical choice for sensitive files or disconnected work, while people who prefer to process everything in a browser should consider another tool.

Its command-line interface supports local automation. The maker documents running the Linux AppImage headlessly in cron jobs, Docker, and CI pipelines; users can also wrap the CLI in a self-hosted HTTP API with frameworks such as Express or FastAPI. Installation has a caveat: the download page says the software is not code signed yet, so operating systems may flag its installer.

Key features

LocalBG imports JPG, JPEG, PNG, WEBP, and GIF, and exports images as PNG or WEBP. Alongside background replacement, it offers custom backgrounds, sticker export, alpha masks, auto-centering, shadows, reflections, watermarks, resizing, compression, AI enhancement, and layered PSD export. That gives creators several ways to prepare a cutout in the same app, though the free plan excludes resizing and compression and Pro is needed for PSD export.

Pro adds batch processing and background removal for MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, and MKV. Video exports can use ProRes 4444 with an alpha channel or green-screen MP4, which is useful for editing workflows that need transparency or chroma keying. The app also lists GPU acceleration for Windows, with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel support.

The CLI and Linux headless support give LocalBG a credible path into scripted workflows, and its API access can be useful for teams that want a local service. One Pro license can be activated on up to three devices. Commercial use is supported.

Pricing

The Free plan is free and processes unlimited images at full resolution, one image at a time, without an account or watermark. It is a particularly useful way to handle occasional images without a recurring bill. It has no bulk processing, resizing, or compression, and its format list is JPG, JPEG, PNG, and WEBP.

Pro costs 8.00 EUR per month, billed monthly after a 3-day free trial; prices exclude VAT. It adds bulk processing, video and GIF removal, AI model import (ONNX), AI Enhance, Edge Despill, resizing, compression, PSD export, and use on three devices. This is the plan for regular production or automation, but the monthly fee is harder to justify for someone who only needs one-off image cutouts. A 14-day money-back guarantee is offered.

Platforms

LocalBG supports API, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, and Windows. Windows users can use the listed GPU acceleration, while the documented headless Linux setup suits server automation. The maker directs support and bug reports to contact@localbg.app.

Who it's for

LocalBG fits people who process sensitive media, work offline, or want to automate background removal on their own machines. The free tier also suits occasional users who can process images individually. Pro is the better fit for creators and teams handling batches, video, or GIFs, especially if its three-device allowance covers their setup.

It is a weaker choice for users who need a browser-first workflow or only need batch processing occasionally: the free plan's single-image limit makes that work manual, and Pro is a monthly commitment.

Pros and cons

Pro: Unlimited, full-resolution image processing is free, with no account or watermark, making occasional use practical.
Pro: Local and offline processing, plus Linux headless operation and a CLI, supports privacy-conscious and automated workflows.
Pro: Pro handles several common video formats and offers alpha-channel or green-screen exports.
Con: Free users must process images one at a time and give up resizing and compression.
Con: Batch processing and video work require Pro at 8.00 EUR per month, excluding VAT.
Con: The installer is not code signed yet, so an operating system may flag it during installation.

Alternatives

AI Background Removers is a useful directory of other tools to compare. Choose Cutout.Pro if Android, iOS, or web access matters alongside desktop and API platforms; its listed subscription starts at 5.00 USD per month for 80 credits. Slazzer is another option with API and desktop platforms; its free plan gives two credits for personal use and evaluation.

Pixelcut suits readers looking for an Android, iOS, web, or API option. BackgroundRemover is worth considering for a free, open-source project that can be installed locally with pip or from source. Clipdrop offers a broader set of tools, including text-to-image, uncrop, cleanup, and relight, with free daily limits on several features.

PhotoScissors is an alternative for readers who prefer monthly image-credit plans, including 10 images for 4.99 USD per month. BackgroundX is a web-only option with signup credits and one trial without signup. Knockout API is aimed at API and web workflows, with a recurring free allowance of 30 images per month.

Verdict

Choose LocalBG if you want background removal to stay on your machine, particularly for offline, private, or scripted work. Its unlimited free single-image workflow is the clearest reason to start with it; look elsewhere if you need browser-based processing or frequent batch work without taking on a monthly Pro plan.

	Cutaway	LocalBG
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	Free	€8/mo
Platforms	Web	api, Linux, macOS, self-hosted, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Replacement backgrounds	Yes	Yes
Batch processing	Yes	Yes
Export formats	PNG, JPG, WEBP	PNG, WEBP
Commercial use	Yes	Yes
API access		Yes

Cutaway vs LocalBG

Cutaway

LocalBG