Private browser-based background removal explained

Your selected image stays in the browser

The background remover reads the image you select and processes it on your device. The original file and the temporary result preview are held by the browser while you work with the page.

Polr Labs does not need to upload the selected photo to an application server to create the cutout. Closing the page or resetting the tool removes the temporary browser preview URLs created for that session.

The model still has to load

The first removal can take longer because the browser downloads the machine-learning model and runtime files needed to perform the task. Those files are program assets, not your selected photo.

A later visit may be faster if the browser keeps the files in cache. Private browsing, storage cleanup, strict browser settings, or a model update can cause the files to download again.

Run a reproducible network check

You can verify the local-image claim in a desktop browser. Open Developer Tools, choose the Network panel, clear the request list, then select an image. Filter for the file name: selecting it should create a browser preview without an upload request containing that file.

When you start the first removal, model and runtime files can appear in the request list because the program has to load. Those requests are separate from the selected image. Repeat the check after processing and inspect request payloads if your browser exposes them.

• Page and model requests are expected.
• A request that contains the selected image file would contradict local-only processing.
• Run the check again after a deployment or model-host change.

Normal site delivery still uses technical data

Like most websites, Polr Labs relies on hosting and network providers to deliver pages and static files. Those providers may process ordinary technical information such as requested URLs, timestamps, IP addresses, and browser details.

That delivery data is separate from the photo content selected in the tool. The image itself is handled locally by the browser-based workflow.

When not to use an online tool

If an image is legally restricted, highly confidential, or subject to a strict internal policy, follow that policy before using any web-based editing tool. Local processing reduces one kind of exposure, but it does not replace organizational review, device security, or permission from the image owner.

For sensitive work, use approved equipment, keep the browser and operating system current, and avoid processing files on shared or untrusted devices.

References and further reading

We use first-party standards, security guidance, and platform documentation where they help explain the workflow. External pages may change after this guide is reviewed.

• Using files from web applications (opens in a new tab) — MDN Web Docs
• Transformers.js documentation (opens in a new tab) — Hugging Face