AI Object Removal: Figma Plugin vs Photoshop vs Online Tools

Object removal technology has evolved dramatically with the advent of AI-powered inpainting algorithms. Designers now have multiple options: traditional Photoshop workflows, dedicated online tools, and increasingly capable Figma plugins. This comprehensive comparison examines each approach to help you choose the right tool for your specific needs.

The Evolution of Object Removal

Object removal has historically been a manual, time-intensive process requiring skilled retouchers. Traditional techniques involved clone stamping, content-aware fill, and meticulous pixel-level editing. While these methods still have their place for demanding professional work, modern AI algorithms have democratized object removal, making it accessible to designers without specialized photo editing expertise.

The current generation of tools uses deep learning models trained on millions of images. These models understand spatial relationships, textures, and patterns, enabling them to generate contextually appropriate fills that blend seamlessly with surrounding areas. Let's examine how different platforms implement this technology.

Photoshop: The Professional Standard

Capabilities

Adobe Photoshop offers multiple object removal approaches. The Content-Aware Fill feature, enhanced with Adobe Sensei AI, analyzes surrounding pixels and generates fills. The Object Selection Tool combined with Generative Fill in newer versions provides AI-powered replacement options. For complex scenarios, manual clone stamping and healing brushes offer pixel-perfect control.

Strengths

• Maximum control over every aspect of the editing process
• Advanced selection tools for complex object boundaries
• Layer-based workflow enables non-destructive editing
• Professional-grade output suitable for print and commercial use
• Extensive manual refinement capabilities when AI results are insufficient
• Integration with broader Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem

Weaknesses

• Steep learning curve requiring significant training investment
• Expensive subscription cost ($54.99/month for Photography plan)
• Requires context switching away from design environment
• Slower workflow for simple object removal tasks
• Resource-intensive application with substantial system requirements

Best For

Photoshop excels in scenarios requiring pixel-perfect results, complex selections, or integration with broader photo retouching workflows. It's the industry standard for commercial photography, advertising, and situations where image quality cannot be compromised. However, for routine design tasks and quick mockup cleanup, it represents significant overhead.

Online Object Removal Tools

Capabilities

Browser-based tools like Cleanup.pictures, Remove.bg, and similar services offer straightforward object removal interfaces. Users upload images, mark objects for removal with a brush tool, and receive processed results. These tools leverage cloud-based AI models similar to those used in plugins.

Strengths

• No software installation or plugin management required
• Accessible from any device with a web browser
• Simple, intuitive interfaces requiring no training
• Often offer free tiers for basic usage
• Regular updates without user intervention

Weaknesses

• Requires uploading and downloading files repeatedly
• Breaks design workflow continuity
• Privacy concerns with uploading sensitive client work to third-party servers
• Limited integration with design tools
• Subscription costs can accumulate for regular use
• File size and resolution limitations on free tiers

Best For

Online tools work well for occasional object removal needs or situations where you're working across multiple devices. They're particularly useful when you don't have access to your regular design software or need to quickly process an image without installing additional applications.

Figma Plugins: Integrated Workflow Solution

Capabilities

Figma plugins like Imgour Object Remover bring AI-powered inpainting directly into the design environment. Select an image layer, launch the plugin, brush over unwanted elements, and receive processed results—all without leaving Figma. The technology uses the same class of AI models as standalone tools but with seamless integration into the design workflow.

Strengths

• Zero context switching—work stays within Figma environment
• Significantly faster workflow for design-focused tasks
• Free to use with no subscription requirements (for Imgour)
• No file upload/download cycle
• Results immediately available in your design file
• Undo/redo support integrated with Figma's history
• No software installation beyond Figma itself
• Collaborative workflows benefit from shared plugin access

Weaknesses

• Requires Figma desktop or browser application
• Limited to Figma-supported image formats
• Less manual control compared to Photoshop for complex scenarios
• Results quality depends on cloud service availability
• Not suitable for standalone photo editing outside design context

Best For

Figma plugins are optimal for designers who work primarily in Figma and need quick object removal for mockups, presentations, and design exploration. They eliminate workflow friction and significantly reduce the time required for common photo editing tasks. For teams already invested in Figma, plugins represent the most efficient approach to object removal.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Real-World Workflow Examples

Scenario 1: E-commerce Mockup

You're designing a website mockup and need to remove a distracting sign from a lifestyle product photo. Using a Figma plugin takes 30 seconds: select the image, launch the plugin, brush over the sign, wait for processing. The result is immediately in your design file.

The same task in Photoshop requires exporting the image, opening Photoshop, using Content-Aware Fill, saving, and re-importing—consuming 3-5 minutes and breaking your creative flow. For design iteration, the plugin approach is 10x faster.

Scenario 2: Professional Product Photography

A client needs flawless product images for a printed catalog. Here, Photoshop's extensive toolset and manual control become essential. You need to perfectly remove reflections, adjust lighting, and ensure the background matches precisely. The plugin produces good results, but Photoshop's layered approach and manual refinement capabilities deliver the required perfection.

Scenario 3: Presentation Deck Cleanup

You're preparing a pitch deck and need to remove watermarks from concept images for internal review (never for client delivery). A Figma plugin provides the fastest path: no file exports, no additional applications, results instantly available in your slides. The whole operation takes under a minute.

Making the Right Choice

The optimal tool depends on your specific context:

The Hybrid Approach

Many professional designers use a combination of tools. Figma plugins handle 80% of object removal needs—quick mockup cleanup, presentation prep, and design exploration. For critical client deliverables or complex scenarios, they fall back to Photoshop. This hybrid approach maximizes efficiency while maintaining quality standards where it matters most.

Conclusion

AI-powered object removal has matured to the point where multiple viable options exist for different use cases. Photoshop remains the professional standard for demanding work, but its overhead makes it inefficient for routine design tasks. Figma plugins like Imgour Object Remover offer the best balance of speed, convenience, and quality for designers working within Figma environments.

The trend is clear: as AI technology continues improving and design tools add more capabilities, the need to context-switch to dedicated photo editors diminishes. For most design workflows, integrated plugins now deliver professional results without workflow disruption, making them the pragmatic choice for modern designers.