How to Remove Shutterstock Watermarks Safely

Have you ever found the perfect Shutterstock image but weren’t ready to buy it just yet? Many people download the preview version first, but it always comes with a watermark across it. That’s where watermark removers come in.

This article will guide you on how to remove Shutterstock watermarks safely and responsibly. You'll learn how these watermarks work, when it’s okay to remove them, and 5 tools you can use.

Part 1: Understanding Shutterstock Watermarks

Shutterstock is a popular website where you can find high-quality stock photos, illustrations, and videos. These files are created by professionals and are protected by copyright. To prevent people from using them without permission, Shutterstock places a watermark on every unlicensed image.

A watermark is a faint logo or pattern that appears across the image. It makes the photo harder to use until you pay for a license. This helps protect the rights of the original creator. If you want to use the image in a project, you’re expected to buy the proper license first.

So why would someone want to remove a watermark? In many cases, people just want to see how the image looks in a draft design or sample layout. This is common in advertising, blogging, and graphic design work. They remove the watermark only to test it in the project. It is not to publish or share it.

However, removing watermarks without permission for final use is not allowed. It breaks copyright rules and can lead to serious problems. It’s important to understand that removing the watermark doesn’t make the image free to use.

Some people use watermark remover tools during the early stages of a project. This can help you decide if the image fits your work before buying it. But once the design is done, you must go back and replace the test image with a licensed version.

Always remember that the watermark is there for a reason. It supports photographers and artists who rely on selling their work. When you pay for the image, you’re not just getting a clean version. You’re also respecting the person who created it.

Understanding this helps you make better choices. You can still explore layout ideas, but you should never use watermarked content as a final product.

In the next section, you’ll see tools that can help with this process in a safe and responsible way.

Part 2: 5 Best Tools to Remove Shutterstock Watermarks

There are many tools available to remove watermarks, but not all of them work well with Shutterstock images. Here are five tools that are reliable, easy to use, and offer high-quality results.

Shutterstock Watermark Remover 1. Repairit Photo Eraser

Repairit Photo Eraser is an online tool designed to remove watermarks using smart AI technology. It works well for previewing how Shutterstock images look in your design before buying them. The tool is easy to use and supports common image formats.

Key Features

• AI-based watermark removal
• Supports JPG, PNG, BMP, and more
• Batch editing available
• Zoom and select area options
• Browser-based, no installation required

Pros

✅Produces clean edits with high quality

✅Simple interface for fast use

✅Works on multiple images at once

✅Accurate removal from plain or soft backgrounds

✅Supports common photo file types

Cons

❌Needs internet connection to work

❌Less effective on complex patterns

❌Free version has limited usage time

Shutterstock Watermark Remover 2. WatermarkRemover.io

WatermarkRemover.io is a free online tool that automatically detects and deletes watermarks. It’s great for fast editing without creating an account. It’s especially useful when previewing images before purchasing from stock platforms like Shutterstock.

Key Features

• AI-powered removal system
• No login required
• Fast upload and edit process
• Works with various image formats
• Supports solid and semi-transparent watermarks

Pros

✅Very beginner-friendly

✅No installation or setup needed

✅Removes most visible watermarks quickly

✅Accepts a wide range of formats

✅Available for free basic use

Cons

❌Can leave marks on detailed images

❌No manual correction tools

❌Lower output quality at times

Shutterstock Watermark Remover 3. AniEraser.Media.io

AniEraser.io is an AI-based tool from Media.io that helps remove watermarks from both images and videos. It’s a flexible option if you're working with more than just photos. It works best for simple edits and concept previews.

Key Features

• AI editing for photos and videos
• Works in any modern browser
• Cloud storage supported
• Handles logos and text overlays
• Preview before saving

Pros

✅Works on both images and videos

✅No software installation needed

✅Supports layered or stacked watermarks

✅Great for early-stage editing

✅Cloud features help manage files

Cons

❌May not fully clean up detailed images

❌Internet speed affects performance

❌Free version limits export quality

Shutterstock Watermark Remover 4. Fotor

Fotor is a photo editing platform with a built-in tool for removing watermarks. It gives you both automatic and manual options for better control. It’s ideal for design work where you need more editing features beyond watermark removal.

Key Features

• Photo editor with watermark remover
• AI and manual editing modes
• Image enhancement tools included
• No app download needed
• Supports design projects and photo touch-ups

Pros

✅Offers manual adjustments for better precision

✅Includes extra photo editing tools

✅Handles images with tricky backgrounds

✅Web-based and mobile-friendly

✅Suitable for multi-purpose design use

Cons

❌Manual removal takes more time

❌Some tools require paid access

❌Doesn’t support batch removal

Shutterstock Watermark Remover 5. TopMediAI

TopMediAI is an online watermark removal tool designed for stock images like those from Shutterstock. It focuses on simplicity and speed with one-click editing. It’s best for quick cleanups when you're testing layouts or drafts.

Key Features

• Online watermark eraser powered by AI
• Supports most image types
• One-click removal feature
• Free and premium versions available

Pros

✅Fast and easy to use

✅Designed for stock image cleanup

✅Reliable for basic editing needs

✅Doesn’t require downloads

✅No technical skills needed

Cons

❌Can’t process multiple files at once

❌Limited manual control

❌Basic version restricts export options

Conclusion

Removing watermarks from Shutterstock images can be helpful if you're testing how a design will look before making a final purchase. But it’s important to remember that watermarks exist to protect content. Always license the image if you plan to use it publicly or commercially.

Tools like Repairit Photo Eraser, WatermarkRemover.io, and others mentioned in this guide are helpful for temporary use or personal mockups. Supporting creators by paying for stock photos ensures they keep producing great content. It also keeps you on the right side of copyright rules. Let your creativity flow, but always stay legal and respectful.