851 Background Remover API

POST Base URL: https://api.hiapi.ai /v1/tasks

Image, video, and audio models are called through the Unified Async API POST /v1/tasks endpoint; only the input fields differ (see input parameters below).

Model summary

Model	851-labs/background-remover
Task	Single-image background removal
Input	One accessible image URL
Output	PNG with an alpha channel
Pricing	Live pricing

Submit one image to separate the foreground and produce a transparent PNG. No prompt is needed for product cutouts, portraits and compositing assets.

Production guidance

Integration notes

Make the image URL directly downloadable. A local file path or a page requiring browser sign-in cannot be used.
This endpoint accepts no prompt, background color, aspect ratio, resolution or other image-generation controls.
Output dimensions match the image submitted to the model. Playground optimizes larger uploads; use an API request with your own image URL to submit the original.
Use callback for terminal notifications and handle them idempotently by taskId, or poll the task retrieval endpoint.
Download or copy successful results promptly and use expireAt to manage temporary outputs.

Best suited for

Product assets

Isolate bags, footwear or ceramics for downstream layouts and composites.

image_url

Portraits and pets

Get a transparent PNG for further editing, then inspect hair, fur and small openings.

image_url

Request parameters

POST https://api.hiapi.ai/v1/tasks

# Create an async task — returns taskId immediately (generation runs async)
# Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your account API key
curl -X POST "https://api.hiapi.ai/v1/tasks" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
  "model": "851-labs/background-remover",
  "input": {
    "image_url": "https://static.hiapi.ai/model-covers/851-background-remover/2026/09/03/1788433602795-7188271fb0d9a807-backpack-input.jpg"
  }
}'

import requests, json

# Business params — fields vary by model (see the model page)
payload = json.loads(r'''
{
  "model": "851-labs/background-remover",
  "input": {
    "image_url": "https://static.hiapi.ai/model-covers/851-background-remover/2026/09/03/1788433602795-7188271fb0d9a807-backpack-input.jpg"
  }
}
''')

# Create an async task — returns taskId immediately (generation runs async)
resp = requests.post(
    "https://api.hiapi.ai/v1/tasks",
    headers={"Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY", "Content-Type": "application/json"},
    json=payload,
)
print(resp.json())  # Returns { code, message, data: { taskId } }

// Create an async task — returns taskId immediately (generation runs async)
// Replace YOUR_API_KEY with your account API key
const resp = await fetch("https://api.hiapi.ai/v1/tasks", {
  method: "POST",
  headers: {
    "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_API_KEY",
    "Content-Type": "application/json",
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
  "model": "851-labs/background-remover",
  "input": {
    "image_url": "https://static.hiapi.ai/model-covers/851-background-remover/2026/09/03/1788433602795-7188271fb0d9a807-backpack-input.jpg"
  }
}),
});
console.log(await resp.json()); // Returns { code, message, data: { taskId } }

model string required

The identifier selecting the background-removal model.

example 851-labs/background-remover

input object required

Input configuration for the image to process.

image_url string required

URL of the source image whose background should be removed. Use a non-empty HTTP or HTTPS URL without whitespace, directly downloadable by the service.

example https://static.hiapi.ai/model-covers/851-background-remover/2026/09/03/1788433602795-7188271fb0d9a807-backpack-input.jpg

callback object optional

Configure a notification when the task finishes.

url string required

HTTPS endpoint receiving the terminal task notification.

example https://your-domain.com/hiapi/callback

when enum optional

Send the notification when the task succeeds or fails.

default final enum: final

Example requests

Leather backpack cutout

This request produces a transparent PNG from a backpack image. The example input and output are both 2048 × 1365; drag the comparison on the model page to inspect the full result.

Request body

{
  "model": "851-labs/background-remover",
  "input": {
    "image_url": "https://static.hiapi.ai/model-covers/851-background-remover/2026/09/03/1788433602795-7188271fb0d9a807-backpack-input.jpg"
  }
}

Getting the result

Save the taskId returned after submission.
Wait for the callback or query GET /v1/tasks/:id.
When status is success, download the transparent PNG from output[].url.
When status is fail, correct the input based on the returned error rather than resubmitting an identical invalid request.

FAQ

Do I need a prompt?

No. Only image_url is needed inside input; the model separates the foreground automatically.

Is the checkerboard part of the result?

The downloaded PNG has an alpha channel. The model page uses a checkerboard to show transparency; it is not embedded in the image.

Can it create a new background?

This endpoint removes the background. Pass its transparent PNG to a subsequent editing or compositing tool.

Where can I check the charge?

Consult live pricing and the task record. View live pricing