Retouched AI
An AI-powered web application for automatic background removal from images. Users can upload images, process them with AI, and download results in JPG, PNG, or PSD formats. Includes post-production service requests and a comprehensive admin dashboard with authentication system.

Project Overview
Retouched AI is a comprehensive web application service that leverages artificial intelligence to automatically remove backgrounds from images. As a frontend developer, I built a modern Next.js application that allows users to upload images, process them through an AI background removal service, and download the results in multiple formats (JPG, PNG, PSD). The application also includes a post-production service feature where users can request further image fixes and enhancements. The entire system is built with a robust REST API architecture, includes a full-featured admin panel dashboard for managing users, orders, and service requests, and implements a secure authentication system for both users and administrators.
Objective
The primary objective was to create a user-friendly, AI-powered web application that simplifies the process of background removal from images. The application needed to support multiple image formats, provide fast AI processing, and offer flexible download options (JPG, PNG, PSD). Additionally, the system required a post-production service workflow where users could request manual image enhancements. The technical requirements included building a scalable Next.js frontend, implementing REST API integration for all operations, creating an admin dashboard for service management, and developing a secure authentication system that supports both regular users and administrators with role-based access control.
Approach
I architected the application using Next.js for the frontend, leveraging server-side rendering and API routes for optimal performance. The application flow begins with users uploading images through a drag-and-drop interface. The images are sent to a REST API backend that processes them through an AI service for background removal. Once processed, users can preview the results and download them in their preferred format (JPG, PNG, or PSD). For post-production requests, users can submit processed images with specific requirements, which are then managed through the admin dashboard. I implemented a comprehensive authentication system using JWT tokens with role-based access control, allowing different permission levels for regular users and administrators. The admin dashboard provides real-time insights into user activity, processing statistics, order management, and post-production request handling.
Deliverables
AI Background Removal Service
Core image processing functionality with AI integration
- Image upload with drag-and-drop interface
- AI-powered background removal processing
- Real-time processing status updates
- Image preview before and after processing
- High-quality AI processing with edge detection
- Support for various image formats and sizes
Multi-Format Download System
Download processed images in multiple formats
- JPG format download with quality options
- PNG format download with transparency support
- PSD format download for professional editing
- Batch download functionality
- Format-specific optimization
- Download history tracking
Post-Production Service Request
System for requesting manual image enhancements
- Post-production request submission form
- Image upload with specific requirements
- Request status tracking system
- Communication system between users and editors
- Before/after comparison gallery
- Service request history and management
REST API Integration
Comprehensive REST API for all operations
- Image upload and processing endpoints
- Authentication and authorization endpoints
- User management API endpoints
- Order and service request API
- Admin dashboard data endpoints
- File download and streaming endpoints
- Error handling and validation
Admin Panel Dashboard
Comprehensive admin dashboard for service management
- User management and analytics
- Processing statistics and metrics
- Order and service request management
- Post-production request workflow
- Revenue and usage analytics
- System health monitoring
- Content management capabilities
Authentication System
Secure authentication with role-based access control
- User registration and login system
- JWT token-based authentication
- Role-based access control (User/Admin)
- Password reset and recovery
- Email verification system
- Session management
- Secure API endpoint protection
User Dashboard
User-facing dashboard for managing images and requests
- Processing history and gallery
- Download history and management
- Post-production request tracking
- Account settings and profile management
- Usage statistics and credits
- Subscription and billing information
Technical Breakdown
Next.js Frontend Architecture
Built a production-ready Next.js application with optimized routing, server-side rendering, and API integration for seamless user experience.
Implemented Next.js App Router for modern routing structure
Created reusable React components for image upload and processing
Set up server-side rendering for improved SEO and performance
Implemented API routes for backend communication
Optimized images using Next.js Image component
Configured dynamic metadata for each page
Implemented code splitting and lazy loading for optimal performance
Image Upload & Processing System
Developed a robust image upload system with drag-and-drop functionality, file validation, and integration with AI processing service.
Created drag-and-drop upload interface with progress tracking
Implemented file validation (type, size, format checking)
Set up image compression and optimization before upload
Integrated with AI background removal API
Built real-time processing status updates using WebSockets or polling
Created image preview components for before/after comparison
Implemented error handling for failed uploads and processing
Multi-Format Download System
Implemented a flexible download system that converts processed images into JPG, PNG, and PSD formats with format-specific optimizations.
Created download API endpoints for each format type
Implemented server-side image format conversion
Built JPG export with quality and compression options
Developed PNG export with transparency preservation
Created PSD export with layer support for professional editing
Implemented batch download functionality
Added download history tracking and management
REST API Integration
Designed and integrated comprehensive REST API endpoints for all application operations including authentication, image processing, and data management.
Created RESTful API client with error handling
Implemented authentication API endpoints (login, register, refresh)
Built image upload and processing API integration
Developed user management API endpoints
Created order and service request API endpoints
Implemented admin dashboard data fetching APIs
Set up API response caching and optimization
Added comprehensive error handling and retry logic
Post-Production Service Request System
Built a complete workflow system for users to request manual image enhancements and for administrators to manage these requests.
Created post-production request submission form
Implemented image upload with requirement specifications
Built request status tracking system (Pending, In Progress, Completed)
Developed communication system between users and editors
Created before/after comparison gallery
Implemented notification system for status updates
Built request history and management interface
Admin Panel Dashboard
Developed a comprehensive admin dashboard with analytics, user management, order tracking, and system monitoring capabilities.
Created admin dashboard layout with navigation and sidebar
Built user management interface with search and filtering
Implemented processing statistics and analytics charts
Developed order and service request management system
Created post-production request workflow interface
Built revenue and usage analytics dashboard
Implemented system health monitoring and alerts
Added content management capabilities for site configuration
Authentication & Authorization System
Implemented a secure authentication system with JWT tokens, role-based access control, and comprehensive security measures.
Built user registration and login system
Implemented JWT token-based authentication
Created role-based access control (User, Admin roles)
Developed password reset and recovery flow
Built email verification system
Implemented session management and token refresh
Created protected routes and API endpoints
Added security measures (CSRF protection, rate limiting)
User Dashboard & Profile Management
Created a user-facing dashboard for managing processing history, downloads, requests, and account settings.
Built user dashboard with overview and statistics
Created processing history gallery with filtering
Implemented download history and management
Developed post-production request tracking interface
Built account settings and profile management
Created usage statistics and credit tracking
Implemented subscription and billing information display
Key Technical Challenges & Learnings
AI Processing Integration — Handling Async Operations
Integrating with AI background removal service required handling asynchronous operations, processing delays, and managing user expectations during wait times. The AI service could take varying amounts of time depending on image complexity and server load.
I implemented a robust async processing system with real-time status updates. I created a polling mechanism that checks processing status every few seconds, displaying progress indicators to users. For longer processing times, I implemented a notification system that alerts users when processing is complete. I also added queue management to handle multiple simultaneous requests and implemented proper error handling for failed processing attempts with retry logic.
Multi-Format Conversion — Server-Side Processing
Converting processed images into different formats (JPG, PNG, PSD) required server-side image processing libraries. PSD format conversion was particularly challenging as it required maintaining layer information and proper file structure.
I researched and implemented appropriate image processing libraries for each format. For JPG and PNG, I used standard image conversion libraries. For PSD format, I implemented a specialized library that could create proper PSD files with layer support. I optimized the conversion process to handle large files efficiently and implemented caching to avoid re-processing the same images. I also added format-specific optimization options (quality settings for JPG, compression for PNG).
File Upload & Storage Management
Managing file uploads, storage, and serving processed images required careful consideration of storage solutions, file organization, and CDN integration. Large image files needed efficient handling without impacting application performance.
I implemented a cloud storage solution (AWS S3 or similar) for storing uploaded and processed images. I created a file organization system with unique identifiers and proper folder structure. I integrated CDN for fast image delivery and implemented image optimization and compression before storage. I also added automatic cleanup of temporary files and old processing results to manage storage costs.
REST API Error Handling & Retry Logic
Building robust API integration required handling various error scenarios including network failures, API rate limits, server errors, and timeout issues. Users needed clear feedback when operations failed.
I implemented comprehensive error handling with retry logic for transient failures. I created a centralized error handling system that categorizes errors and provides appropriate user feedback. I implemented exponential backoff for retry attempts and added proper logging for debugging. I also created fallback mechanisms for critical operations and implemented proper timeout handling to prevent hanging requests.
Admin Dashboard Real-Time Updates
The admin dashboard needed to display real-time updates for processing statistics, new orders, and service requests. Implementing real-time updates without overwhelming the server was challenging.
I implemented a combination of polling and WebSocket connections for real-time updates. For frequently changing data like processing statistics, I used WebSockets for instant updates. For less critical data, I used optimized polling with appropriate intervals. I also implemented data caching and incremental updates to reduce server load. I added debouncing for rapid updates and created efficient data structures for quick lookups.
Authentication & Security Implementation
Implementing secure authentication with role-based access control required careful consideration of token management, session handling, and API security. Protecting sensitive endpoints and user data was critical.
I implemented JWT-based authentication with secure token storage and refresh mechanisms. I created role-based access control middleware that checks user permissions before allowing access to protected routes and API endpoints. I implemented proper password hashing, CSRF protection, and rate limiting to prevent abuse. I also added comprehensive logging for security events and implemented proper error messages that don't leak sensitive information.
Post-Production Workflow Management
Creating a smooth workflow for post-production requests required coordinating between users submitting requests and administrators/editors handling them. Managing status updates, communication, and file delivery needed careful design.
I designed a state machine for request statuses (Pending, In Progress, Review, Completed) with clear transitions. I created a notification system that alerts relevant parties when status changes occur. I implemented a communication system within the platform for users and editors to exchange messages. I also built a file delivery system for completed work and created a review/approval workflow for quality control.
Outcome
Successfully delivered a comprehensive AI-powered web application for background removal with multi-format download capabilities and post-production service integration. The application provides a seamless user experience for processing images, downloading results in preferred formats (JPG, PNG, PSD), and requesting additional enhancements. The REST API architecture ensures scalable and maintainable backend operations, while the admin dashboard provides comprehensive management capabilities for administrators. The authentication system with role-based access control ensures secure access to all features. The project was completed in 3 months, demonstrating proficiency in Next.js development, REST API integration, AI service integration, file processing, and building complex admin interfaces. The application is now live and serving users with reliable AI-powered image processing capabilities.