What is the Cheapest Way to Put a Product on a White Background

When you’re launching a new product or running an online store, having clean, professional product photos is essential. A crisp white background helps your product stand out and looks polished across marketplaces like Amazon, Etsy, and Shopify. But professional photo studios can be expensive. So, what is the cheapest way to put a product on a white background?

In this guide, we’ll explore cost-effective and creative ways to achieve a white background for product photography without breaking the bank. We’ll also discuss different methods, tools, and frequently asked questions to help you get started, whether you’re a small business owner, a DIY creator, or a budding e-commerce seller.

Why Use a White Background for Product Photography?

Before we jump into cheap methods, it’s important to understand why a white background is ideal:

• Focuses attention on the product
• Looks clean and professional
• Meets platform requirements (like Amazon’s white background rule)
• Easier to edit or remove background if needed later
• Improves loading speed and visual consistency on websites

Cheapest Ways to Put a Product on a White Background

Here are the most budget-friendly solutions, ranked from free to low-cost options:

1. Use Natural Light + DIY White Backdrop (Free or Under $10)

Best for: Beginners, casual sellers, or budget-conscious creators

• What You Need:
  • Natural daylight (e.g., near a window)
  • White poster board, foam board, or a white sheet
  • Smartphone or basic camera
• How to Do It:
  Set your product on a white surface near a window. Use a foam board or white sheet as the background and another to reflect light onto the product.

Pros:
✔ Extremely low cost
✔ Easy to set up
✔ No editing software needed

Cons:
✘ Requires good daylight
✘ May need slight post-editing for brightness

2. Use Free Background Removal Tools

Best for: Social media sellers, casual online listings

• What You Need:
  • A product photo with any background
  • A free tool like Remove.bg, Canva Free, or PhotoRoom

How to Do It:
Upload your product image and use the AI-powered background remover. Many tools let you replace the background with solid white in seconds.

Pros:
✔ Fast and easy
✔ No professional skills needed
✔ Great for e-commerce listings

Cons:
✘ May not be perfect for complex edges
✘ Limited features in free versions

3. DIY Lightbox Setup ($10–$30)

Best for: Consistent product photography at home

• What You Need:
  • Cardboard box
  • White tissue paper
  • White poster board
  • LED desk lamps or clip lights

How to Do It:
Line the inside of a cardboard box with white poster board and cut out sides to diffuse light with tissue paper. Light the box from both sides.

Pros:
✔ Great lighting control
✔ Reusable
✔ Looks professional

Cons:
✘ Initial setup takes time
✘ Still may need basic editing

4. Use a Budget Photo Editing App

Best for: Improving low-light or uneven white backgrounds

• What You Need:
  • Basic editing tools like Snapseed, Canva, or Lightroom Mobile
  • A product photo shot against a light background

How to Do It:
Use the “Selective” or “Brush” tools to brighten the background and make it appear white without affecting the product itself.

Pros:
✔ Free or low-cost apps
✔ Clean white effect
✔ Quick adjustments on your phone

Cons:
✘ Learning curve for beginners
✘ Not ideal for batch editing

5. Affordable Online Freelancers ($5–$20 per image)

Best for: Those needing bulk editing or a polished, professional look

• Where to Look:
  • Fiverr
  • Upwork
  • Online photo retouching services

What You Get:
Professionally edited product images with pure white backgrounds, often returned in 24–48 hours.

Pros:
✔ High quality
✔ Saves you time
✔ Ideal for Amazon or Etsy listings

Cons:
✘ Small cost per image
✘ Dependent on turnaround time

Summary: Cheapest Ways to Get a White Background

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cheapest way to put a product on a white background?

The cheapest way is to use natural light and a white poster board or sheet to photograph your product, then brighten the background slightly using a free app like Snapseed. It’s virtually free and works great for small-scale use.

2. Can I use my phone to take product photos with a white background?

Absolutely. Most modern smartphones have excellent cameras. Use a DIY white background and good lighting for best results. Apps like Lightroom can help enhance the final image.

3. What free tools can remove a background and make it white?

Top free tools include:

• Remove.bg (automatic AI background removal)
• PhotoRoom (free mobile app)
• Canva Free (limited background remover) These are perfect if you’re asking “what is the cheapest way to put a product on a white background” with minimal effort.

4. Do I need a lightbox for white background product photos?

A lightbox isn’t necessary but helps with consistent lighting. You can create a DIY version using a cardboard box and white paper or buy one online for under $30.

5. What type of lighting is best for white background product photos?

Natural light is free and very effective. For indoor setups, use daylight-balanced LED lights or lamps positioned on either side of your product to minimize shadows.

6. How do I avoid shadows when shooting on a white background?

Use multiple light sources from different angles, shoot near a bright window, or reflect light using white foam boards to soften shadows.

7. Is it better to edit the background or shoot with a white one?

Whenever possible, shoot on a white background to save editing time. But if that’s not feasible, editing tools or freelancers can help you achieve the desired look.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re starting a small online shop or leveling up your product photography game, there’s no need to overspend. The cheapest way to put a product on a white background is surprisingly simple — and effective. Use natural lighting, free editing tools, or a DIY lightbox setup, and you’ll get professional-looking results at a fraction of the cost.

Consistency and clarity matter more than expensive gear. With the tips above, your products will shine on any platform — and your budget will thank you.

This page was last edited on 8 April 2025, at 2:53 pm