How to Extract an Object From Any Image on Your iPhone

How many times have you taken a picture and wanted to share just the way someone looked? Maybe you just want an image of them without any background, or you want to make a silly sticker to use on iMessage.

Whatever the reason, your iPhone makes it easy to extract any subject from a photo and share it on other platforms. You can do this in seconds, and the results are pretty amazing. Here’s what you need to do.

This Limited-Time Microsoft Office Deal Gets You Lifetime Access for Just $39

Sick and tired of subscriptions? Get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Home and Business 2021 at a great price!

How to Extract a Person From a Photo on Your iPhone

Your iPhone comes with a feature that lets you lift a subject from any picture you have. This works with photos or images you download from the web. 

Most people will use this feature in the Photos app, but you can also use it in Safari, Quick Look, Files, and other apps. 

Additionally, it’s worth noting that your iPhone needs to support this feature. Luckily, you only need an iPhone XR, iPhone XS, or a later model (including the second-generation iPhone SE) running iOS 16 or later, so most people can use this feature without any issues.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Open the picture you want.
3. Touch and hold the subject you want to isolate until you see a white outline appear.

From that point, you have a couple of options. First, you can continue to touch the subject in the photo and use your other hand to switch to another app. For instance, you can open a Pages document and then release your finger to drop the subject into your file.

Alternatively, you can release your finger and select one of the three options that appear at the top. Copy will let you copy the subject so you can paste it into another app, like a message or email. If you’re running at least iOS 17, Add Sticker will automatically turn the subject into a sticker, which you can then use in any instant messaging app like Messages or WhatsApp.

The Share option will let you share the subject with someone else via AirDrop, Messages, or other apps. Additionally, you might also see the Look Up option, which will let you search the web to find more information about the subject.

Master Your Photos App

The Photos app comes with many different features that take your experience to the next level, and this is just one of them. Whether you want to share a great picture of yourself or turn a friend or family member into a sticker, this is a quick and easy way to isolate a subject and share it with the world.