What is Image Segmentation?

How it works

Image segmentation classifies each pixel in an image as belonging to a specific object or category. Semantic segmentation labels pixel categories (sky, road, person). Instance segmentation distinguishes between individual objects of the same category (person 1 vs person 2). In AI video production, segmentation enables background removal, selective editing, subject isolation, and compositing. Modern segmentation models like SAM (Segment Anything Model) can segment arbitrary objects from a single click or text prompt, making the technology accessible without training custom models.