Delete Background and Vectorize Midjourney Images with Free AI Tools for PoD (Print On Demand)

Rob Cubbon
11 May 202307:45

TLDRThis video tutorial outlines a method for enhancing AI-generated images for Print On Demand (PoD) products. It addresses the common issues of non-transparent backgrounds and low resolution in mid-journey images. The host demonstrates using free tools like Clipping Magic for background removal and Vectorizer.ai for vectorization, ensuring the images are sharp and scalable. The process concludes with Inkscape for resizing and exporting the image at the correct DPI for PoD platforms like Amazon Merch, Spreadshirt, and Redbubble.

Takeaways

  • 🎨 AI image generators create great images for merchandise and books, but they have limitations like no transparent background and low resolution.
  • 🖼️ Mid-journey images are typically small and at 72 DPI, which is insufficient for high-quality print on demand (PoD) products like t-shirts.
  • 🔍 The desired image resolution for PoD is 4,000 pixels wide and 300 DPI to ensure quality on products like Amazon's Merch On Demand.
  • 🛠️ Clipping Magic is a free tool that can remove backgrounds from images, which is essential for preparing images for PoD.
  • 📐 Vectorizer.ai is a free beta tool that can convert images into vector format, allowing for scalability without loss of quality.
  • 🎭 Inkscape is a free software that can be used to adjust image size and resolution for PoD, although it may not be as user-friendly as other options.
  • 🔄 The process involves upscaling the image, removing the background, vectorizing it, and then exporting it at the correct size and resolution for PoD sites.
  • 👕 The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare AI-generated images for t-shirt designs on platforms like Amazon, Redbubble, and Spreadshirt.
  • 📝 The script emphasizes the importance of vivid colors and sharp lines in vector artwork for merchandise, avoiding gradients and blends that don't translate well.
  • 🔍 The use of specific prompts in AI image generators, such as 'T-shirt design' and 'Vector artwork', helps in obtaining images suitable for PoD products.
  • 🚫 Negative prompts, like avoiding watermarks and brands, are crucial to ensure the generated images are ready for commercial use without additional editing.

Q & A

  • What are the two main problems with mid-journey AI image generating images for Print On Demand (PoD)?

    -The two main problems are that these images come with no transparent background and they are very small, typically a thousand pixels wide and deep with a 72 DPI resolution, which is not suitable for high-quality PoD products.

  • What resolution and DPI are recommended for PoD products like T-shirts?

    -A resolution of four to five thousand pixels wide and a DPI of 300 is recommended for PoD products to ensure high-quality prints.

  • What is the purpose of using the site 'clippingmagic.com' in the process described in the transcript?

    -Clipping Magic is used to remove the background from the AI-generated images, providing a transparent background which is essential for PoD products.

  • What does 'vectorize' mean in the context of the video script?

    -To vectorize an image means to convert it into shapes and lines that can be scaled to any size without losing quality, which is ideal for PoD products.

  • Why is 'vectorizer.ai' useful for the process described in the video script?

    -Vectorizer.ai is used to convert the raster image into a vector format, which allows for resizing the image to the required dimensions for PoD without losing quality.

  • What is the role of Inkscape in the process shown in the video script?

    -Inkscape is used to edit and export the vectorized image with the correct size and resolution, making it suitable for PoD sites like Amazon's Merch On Demand.

  • What file format is recommended for exporting the final image for PoD sites?

    -An SVG file format is recommended for the initial export because it is compatible with editing software like Inkscape. However, the final image should be exported as a PNG with a resolution suitable for PoD.

  • What aspect ratio does the video script suggest for Merch On Demand by Amazon?

    -The script suggests a slightly portrait aspect ratio for Merch On Demand by Amazon, but also mentions that a square aspect ratio can work well, especially for designs with slogans.

  • What is the 'niji5' mode in mid Journey, and how is it suitable for T-shirt designs?

    -The 'niji5' mode in mid Journey is described as a kawaii cute and anime type style, which works very well for both kids and adult T-shirts, providing a unique and appealing design for PoD products.

  • Why is it important to avoid gradients and blends when preparing images for vectorization?

    -Gradients and blends are not handled well by the AI program used for vectorization. To maintain sharp lines and clean colors, it's better to avoid these effects in the initial design.

  • What is the recommended DPI for exporting the final image for PoD, and why is it important?

    -A DPI of 300 is recommended for exporting the final image because it ensures a high-resolution print that is suitable for PoD products, providing a clear and detailed image on the final product.

Outlines

00:00

🎨 Enhancing AI-Generated Images for Merchandise

This paragraph discusses the use of AI image generators to create images for merchandise, such as T-shirts, which can be sold on platforms like Amazon, Redbubble, and Spreadshirt. However, it points out two main issues with AI-generated images: the lack of a transparent background and the small size with low resolution. The speaker introduces a method to overcome these limitations using free tools like Clipping Magic for background removal and Vectorizer.ai for vectorization, which allows for resizing the images to a higher resolution suitable for printing on merchandise. The process also includes using Inkscape to ensure the image is exported in the correct size and resolution. The importance of choosing the right AI prompt for creating vector artwork with sharp lines and vivid colors is emphasized, along with avoiding gradients and watermarks.

05:03

🖼️ Vectorizing and Scaling AI Images for POD Sites

The second paragraph focuses on the process of taking an AI-generated image without a background and transforming it into a high-resolution vector graphic suitable for print-on-demand (POD) sites. The speaker demonstrates using Vectorizer.ai to convert a small, pixelated image into a clean, scalable vector format. Afterward, Inkscape is used to adjust the image size to meet the requirements of POD sites like Merch by Amazon, Spreadshirt, and Redbubble. The speaker guides through setting custom document pages in Inkscape, scaling the image proportionally, and exporting it as a PNG with a resolution of 300 DPI. The summary also mentions the challenges faced when working with Inkscape and the preference for other software like Illustrator or Affinity Designer for easier manipulation, but the goal is to show the process using free software.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI image generators

AI image generators refer to artificial intelligence tools that create images based on textual prompts or other input. They are used to produce visuals for various applications, including merchandise and book covers. In the video, the creator discusses using these tools to generate images for Print On Demand (PoD) services, emphasizing the need to address issues like background transparency and image resolution.

💡Transparent background

A transparent background in image editing means that the background of an image has an alpha channel, allowing it to be superimposed on any color or pattern without a visible background layer. The video script mentions the challenge of obtaining images with transparent backgrounds from AI generators, which is crucial for applications like T-shirt designs where the image needs to overlay different colored fabrics.

💡Resolution

Resolution in digital imaging refers to the number of pixels in an image, which determines its clarity and size. The script discusses the inadequacy of the standard 72 DPI (dots per inch) resolution for PoD products, which require higher resolutions like 300 DPI for quality printing on merchandise such as T-shirts.

💡Clipping Magic

Clipping Magic is a web-based tool mentioned in the video used for removing backgrounds from images. It allows users to create images with transparent backgrounds, which is essential for the PoD process. The video demonstrates how to use Clipping Magic to remove unwanted backgrounds from AI-generated images.

💡Vectorizer.ai

Vectorizer.ai is a tool that converts raster images into vector format. Vector images are made up of points, lines, and curves that can be scaled to any size without losing quality, which is perfect for printing on various merchandise. The video script describes using Vectorizer.ai to enhance the quality of AI-generated images for PoD purposes.

💡Inkscape

Inkscape is a free and open-source vector graphics editor used for creating and editing SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files. The script mentions Inkscape as the software used to adjust the size and resolution of vectorized images to meet the requirements for PoD sites.

💡DPI

DPI, or dots per inch, is a measure of print resolution. The higher the DPI, the better the quality of the printed image. The video emphasizes the need for a higher DPI, such as 300 DPI, for PoD products to ensure the images print clearly on merchandise.

💡Merch On Demand

Merch On Demand is a service mentioned in the script that allows for the creation and sale of custom merchandise, such as T-shirts, with print-on-demand technology. The video discusses creating images suitable for printing on such platforms.

💡Vector artwork

Vector artwork is a type of digital art composed of geometric shapes and paths that can be scaled infinitely without losing quality. The video script explains that vectorizing AI-generated images allows for the creation of sharp, detailed designs suitable for printing on merchandise.

💡Niji5

Niji5 is a mode in the AI image generator 'mid Journey' that produces images with a kawaii and anime style. The script mentions using this mode to create designs for T-shirts, appealing to both children and adults.

💡Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or screen. The video script specifies the aspect ratio needed for Merch On Demand by Amazon, which is slightly portrait, to ensure the image fits well on T-shirts.

Highlights

AI image generators create amazing images that can be used on merch or books for sale on platforms like Amazon or Redbubble.

Mid-journey images typically lack transparent backgrounds and are small in size, usually 1000 pixels wide and 72 DPI.

For Print On Demand (PoD), images need to be around 5000 pixels wide and 300 DPI.

Clipping Magic is a free tool to remove backgrounds from images effectively.

Vectorizer.ai is a free beta tool that converts images to vector format, allowing them to be resized without losing quality.

Inkscape can be used to export images as PNG with the correct size and resolution for PoD.

A good prompt for mid-journey includes 'T-shirt design' and 'Vector artwork' for sharp lines and flat colors.

Using vivid colors in the prompt can enhance the image quality.

Niji5 mode in mid-journey is effective for creating cute and Anime-style designs.

The aspect ratio specified for PoD is important for proper image placement on merchandise.

Negative prompts like 'no watermark' and 'no gradients' help avoid unwanted elements in the final image.

Clipping Magic's tools allow for precise background removal, even correcting areas like the whites of the eyes.

Vectorizer.ai enhances image quality by converting pixelated images into sharp vector graphics.

Inkscape allows for image size adjustments and export at 300 DPI for high-quality prints.

Adding text or slogans to the design in Inkscape can further customize the image for PoD.

Exporting the final design as a PNG ensures compatibility with various PoD platforms.