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Open-source GIMP 3 plugin for local AI background removal - Printable Version

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Open-source GIMP 3 plugin for local AI background removal - kocabiyik - 07-29-2026

[Image: withoutbg-gimp.png]
Hi everyone,

I've been working on an open source plugin that brings ML powered background removal directly into GIMP 3.
Everything runs locally on your own machine. The plugin talks to a local withoutBG server (Docker or the macOS app), so your images never leave your computer.

Features
  • Works with GIMP 3
  • Fully open source (The model running on your computer is with open weights)
  • Runs locally
  • Creates a non destructive layer mask instead of permanently deleting the background
  • Supports macOS and Linux today (Windows should also work with a local Docker backend)

The workflow is:
  1. Open an image.
  2. Go to Tools > WithoutBG > Remove Background…
  3. The plugin generates a matte and applies it as a layer mask, so you can continue refining it using normal GIMP tools.

Documentation: Source code: I'd appreciate any feedback on:
  • Installation experience
  • UI/UX
  • Performance
  • Feature requests
  • Bugs or compatibility issues

I'm actively developing it and would be happy to improve it based on feedback from GIMP users.

If you find the plugin useful, I'd also appreciate a ⭐ on GitHub. It helps other GIMP users discover the project and motivates continued development.

RE: Open-source GIMP 3 plugin for local AI background removal - rich2005 - 07-29-2026

Using kubuntu 24.04 / Gimp 3.2.4
With due respect to all the work you put into your project. I got as far as "docker" and stopped. I appreciate a local installation but what size ?

I do have an alternative "remove bg" AI plugin and that has 600 MB of dependencies - ridiculous. (I got round that by putting it on an external drive).

Sorry for the rant, just hate the way things are going.

RE: Open-source GIMP 3 plugin for local AI background removal - kocabiyik - 07-29-2026

I understand the concern.

Modern background removal is based on deep learning, so unfortunately I can't package everything into a small standalone GIMP plugin.

withoutbg-openweights-v3-service-cpu is the lightest Docker image and is about 927 MB, including the model and runtime.

If you run into any issues or have suggestions for making the installation simpler, please feel free to open an issue on GitHub: https://github.com/withoutbg/withoutbg-gimp/issues. I'm happy to help if I can.