LocalBG

LocalBG is a background-removal app for images, videos, and GIFs that processes files on your own machine. It is best suited to people who value offline use or want local tools for repeatable workflows. Its free tier handles unlimited full-resolution images, but batch processing and video work require Pro.

Overview

LocalBG keeps image and video processing on the user’s device. Files can be processed offline; an internet connection is needed for license activation or renewal and optional update checks. The maker says media is never transmitted and the app does not collect or transmit personal data from within the app. That makes LocalBG a sensible choice for private files or disconnected work, though anyone who wants a browser-based workflow should look elsewhere.

The command-line interface supports automation, and the maker documents running the Linux AppImage headlessly in cron jobs, Docker, and CI pipelines. It can also be wrapped in a self-hosted HTTP API with frameworks such as Express or FastAPI. A practical installation caveat: 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. Its tools include custom backgrounds, sticker export, watermarks, alpha masks, auto-centering, shadows, reflections, AI enhancement, resizing, compression, and layered PSD export. That range suits users who want to finish cutouts in one workflow, although Free excludes resizing and compression.

Pro adds bulk processing, video and GIF background removal, ONNX AI model import, AI Enhance, Edge Despill, resizing, compression, and PSD export. Video support covers MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, and MKV, with ProRes 4444 alpha-channel or green-screen MP4 export. GPU acceleration is listed for Windows, with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel support. These capabilities make Pro more useful for production work than the free single-image workflow, but they do not make the app a fit for users who need processing to happen in a cloud service.

Pricing

LocalBG is freemium. Free costs nothing and processes unlimited images at full resolution, one at a time, without an account or watermark. It supports JPG, JPEG, PNG, and WEBP, but has no bulk processing, resizing, or compression. It is a strong option for occasional or individual cutouts; the one-at-a-time limit makes it less practical for larger queues.

Pro costs €8 a month, billed monthly after a 3-day free trial; prices exclude VAT. It adds bulk work, video and GIF removal, AI model import (ONNX), AI Enhance, Edge Despill, resizing, compression, PSD export, and use on three devices. One Pro license can be activated on up to three devices. A 14-day money-back guarantee is offered. Pro suits users who regularly handle batches or video, while the free plan is the clearer choice if single-image processing is enough.

Platforms

LocalBG is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and self-hosted use, and offers API access through a command-line interface that can be wrapped in a self-hosted HTTP API. The maker documents headless Linux server workflows. Windows users also get listed GPU acceleration support. This platform range is useful for people integrating local processing into an existing setup, but the unsigned installer warning is worth weighing before installation.

Who it's for

Choose LocalBG if you need local or offline background removal, want unlimited single-image processing without an account, or plan to automate jobs on Linux. Pro is the better fit for batch workloads, video, GIFs, or the extra editing and export tools. It is less suitable if you need a browser-first service or if the free plan’s single-image limit is too restrictive.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Unlimited, full-resolution free image processing makes it useful beyond a short evaluation, with no account or watermark required.
• Pro: Offline processing and local handling suit private files and work without a reliable connection.
• Pro: CLI access and documented headless Linux use support repeatable automation.
• Con: Free processes only one image at a time and omits bulk processing, resizing, and compression.
• Con: Video removal and the broader batch workflow require a monthly Pro subscription.
• Con: The installer is not code signed yet, so operating systems may flag it.

Alternatives

AI Background Removers is a useful category overview for comparing tools. Choose Cutout.Pro instead if you want support across mobile, web, and desktop platforms, or a subscription starting at $5 a month for 80 credits. Slazzer may suit users seeking a free plan for personal use and evaluation, though it includes only 2 free credits; its platforms include API, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Pixelcut is an option for people who want a mobile or web app with limited background removal and upscale on its free plan. BackgroundRemover is worth considering if open-source software that can be installed locally for free is the priority. Don's Tools Background Remover may fit users who want to process up to 150 images at once for free.

Knockout API is a web- and API-based alternative whose free plan includes 30 images per month. RemoveBackgrounds.ai may suit users who want a free web or mobile option with batches of up to 30 images. Erase.bg offers a free starter plan with 3 credits, 3 downloads, and personal use.

Verdict

LocalBG is a strong choice for people who want private, offline background removal and a genuinely usable free image workflow. Its local automation and Pro batch and video tools make it especially compelling for regular workflows. Look elsewhere if you need cloud or browser-based processing, or if the unsigned installer is a deal-breaker.