Canva: Isolate subjects with Magic Grab

Brenda Cadman, Canva Verified Expert·Sep 2025

Demo summary

The demonstration shows how to use Magic Grab to automatically separate a main subject from its background to move or resize it independently.

Step-by-step

Click on the photo in your design
Select Edit from the top menu
Choose Magic Grab
Wait for Canva to automatically isolate the subject
Reposition, resize, or delete the isolated subject

Options

Delete the subject entirely
Repurpose the isolated subject in a different design

Watch out for

Works best on images with a clear subject-background contrast

Tips

Use this tool to shift layouts slightly without disturbing the rest of the image
Use it to feature your subject more prominently

Highlights

“it often does a very clean job of it”

All demos from “How to Use Canva AI & Magic Studio | Full Tutorial for Beginners (2025)”

2:170:29Remove image backgrounds with Background RemoverThe tutorial shows how to use the one-click Background Remover tool on a subject photo to isolate it from its original environment.Canva· AI Background Remover
2:460:35Generate new backgrounds with Background GeneratorThe creator demonstrates selecting a photo and using a text prompt to replace a wall with a generated cafe scene using Canva's Background Generator.Canva· AI Background Generator
3:310:31Modify photos with Magic EditThe video walks through brushing over a specific part of an image and using a text prompt to replace that section with a new element.Canva· AI Inpainting
4:020:20Remove objects with Magic EraserThe creator demonstrates brushing over unwanted objects or logos in a photo to have Canva automatically fill the gap using Magic Eraser.Canva· AI Object Remover/Eraser
4:220:39Isolate subjects with Magic GrabCurrentThe demonstration shows how to use Magic Grab to automatically separate a main subject from its background to move or resize it independently.Canva· AI Inpainting
9:540:43Remove video backgroundsThe video demonstrates the AI-powered Video Background Remover isolating a subject in a video clip for layering over new backgrounds.Canva· AI Video Editor
10:370:26Sync video to music with Beat SyncThe creator shows how to use Beat Sync to automatically align video transitions and clip timing to the rhythm of an audio track.Canva· AI Music Video Generator
14:030:49Animate designs with Magic AnimateThe tutorial demonstrates applying cohesive motion styles to an entire multi-element design with a single click using Magic Animate.Canva· AI Animation Generator
Watch “How to Use Canva AI & Magic Studio | Full Tutorial for Beginners (2025)” →

AI Inpainting

3:310:31Modify photos with Magic EditThe video walks through brushing over a specific part of an image and using a text prompt to replace that section with a new element.Brenda Cadman, Canva Verified Expert
4:220:39Isolate subjects with Magic GrabCurrentThe demonstration shows how to use Magic Grab to automatically separate a main subject from its background to move or resize it independently.Brenda Cadman, Canva Verified Expert