It is common practice in the fields of product photography and graphic design to have the background of a photo digitally removed in order to better highlight the object itself. It is possible to totally remove backgrounds from images with modern editing software. Photoshop also allows you to turn white backgrounds into transparent ones, allowing you to easily remove them from the picture altogether or superimpose your subject over a new one. This article serves as a guide on how to make and save a free transparent background in Photoshop.
So, Let’s dive in now!
What Is a Transparent PNG Background?
The PNG file format allows for transparent backgrounds. The vast majority of images consist of a fixed number of pixels, all of which are typically colored (even if they’re all white). With a transparent background, there are no pixels in the background, so what’s behind it can be seen. You’ll want to make sure that your logo looks good on every page of your website, whether it’s for your freelance work, small business, or charity.
When you make the background of your image transparent, you can be sure that it will look professional wherever it is shown, whether that’s on third-party websites, social media, or your own site. A PNG with a transparent background will blend in perfectly with your site’s theme and aesthetic without requiring any color adjustments on your part.
PNG vs JPG vs GIF
A PNG is just one type of image file that you can use on your website, and it may not be the one you know best. However, it is quite helpful, so you should learn as much as you can about it.
JPGs are often used for pictures on websites because their file sizes are small. This will also improve your site’s speed, which is great for search engine optimization. However, JPGs can’t save images with translucent backgrounds, and their quality degrades during compression. Therefore, if you were to remove the background from your image (as we’ll see in the next part) and then save the image as a JPG, the transparent backdrop would appear as a solid white or black. When a translucent image or one with extremely crisp, clear lines is required (such as a line drawing or other iconic visuals), PNGs are the best option.
A GIF is another alternative. While it is true that GIF files with a transparent backdrop are possible, PNG files provide several advantages. Because of their superior compression, PNGs result in reduced file sizes. In addition, while PNGs offer more transparency choices, GIFs are limited to only allowing a single color to be set as translucent.
Their Usage
Graphic design and web development best practices that requires a wide variety of file formats, each with its own set of uses. Most low-contrast web photographs can be adequately represented using JPGs. Images with a translucent background or high contrast should be saved as PNGs. Animated images should also be saved as GIFs.
There are several variations of the PNG file format worth noting. Among these are RGB, grayscale, and palette-based systems. In most cases, an RGB format that allows for transparency is the best option. This also guarantees that your image will be rendered in full color and offers the added benefit of complete transparency.
Remember that you can also save an image in WebP, a format that supports translucent backgrounds in PNGs but has significantly reduced file sizes, for use on a website. However, the image must first be transformed from WebP to PNG.
How to Make Free Transparent Background in Photoshop
The vast majority of images consist of a fixed number of pixels, all of which are typically colored (even if they’re all white). There are no pixels present in a translucent background, making the area behind it visible. However, to effectively draw attention to a certain area of an image, a transparent background can be used. And it can be used to enhance the design and direct the focus of the observer. So, with a transparent background, anything can be made if you use your talent and imagination. Here is how to make free transparent background in Photoshop:
#1. Open it
Simply drag and drop your image file into Photoshop, or open it from your computer, and then go to Window > Layers.
#2. Replicate it
Select the entire image by pressing Control+A (on PCs) or Command+A (on Macs), copy it by pressing Control/Command+C, and then paste it on a new layer by pressing Control/Command+V.
#3. Hide it
The backdrop layer can be hidden by clicking the eye icon in the Layers palette, which displays to the right of your image.
#4. Remove it
Select Quick Actions Remove Background from the Properties panel’s Quick Actions menu.
#5. Save it
Save as a PSD (Photoshop) or PNG file to keep the transparency after Adobe Sensei analyzes the image and removes the background.
Tools To Use to Make a Transparent Background in Photoshop?
The following are tools you need to use to make a transparent background in Photoshop:
#1. Background Eraser Tool
Step 1: Open the image in Photoshop
Step 2: Use the E key on your keyboard or choose the Background Eraser Tool.
Step 3: Remove the irrelevant portion
Step 4: Save the picture
#2. Quick Selection Tool
Step 1: You can use the W key on your keyboard to access the Quick Selection Tool.
Step 2: Pick
Step 3: Select the desired portion with the Quick Selection Tool. If the first frame selection goes beyond the desired range, select the excess area with Alt and then delete it from the selection; if the desired area is not already selected, select it with Shift.
Step 4: Save the picture
#3. Magic Wand Tool
Step 1: Open the image in Photoshop
Step 2: You can access the wand by pressing the letter W on your keyboard.
Step 3: Decide what to keep
Step 4: Save the picture
Make Your Background Transparent Using Lasso tool
- Step 1: Open the image in Photoshop
- Step 2: Select the Lasso Tool by either clicking its icon or pressing the letter L on the keyboard.
- Step 3: Pick the one that you want to keep
- When using the lasso tool, select straight-lined polygonal images like squares or triangles in the image. Drawing a straight line at 45 or 90 degrees while holding Shift will also choose standard polygonal shapes.
- Step 4: Save the picture
Make Your Background Transparent Using the Pen Tool
Step 1: Open the image in Photoshop
Step 2: Click the pen tool
Step 3: Pick the one that you want to keep
Images with clean lines and curves can be easily selected with the Pen Tool. Select the area of the image that aligns with the outline. Select the path you want to edit, open the Paths panel, give it a new name, hold down Ctrl, and click the path layer.
Step 4: Save the picture
What Other Tools Can You Use to Make a Transparent Background Apart From Photoshop?
Adobe Photoshop is the gold standard for photo editing and the program of choice for working with transparent PNGs, but it is far from the only option. We’ll check out how to use Adobe Photoshop and some alternate tools that you can also also use to make a transparent background apart from Photoshop:
Make Your Background Transparent Using Canva
Canva is an online-based tool that doesn’t cost anything to use. Creating a Canva account is the first step. Your work can be saved and accessed at a later time. However, it offers a 30-day free trial, during which time you can erase an unlimited number of backgrounds at no cost.
Step 1: Make an image
You can choose the size you want to make when you click the “Create a design” button. You’re free to use any measurements you choose.
Step 2: Upload image
You can start the logo upload process by dragging and dropping your logo into the left panel. Check out the “Uploads” section to see how far along it is. Once it has finished uploading, you may select it to incorporate it into your layout. You can also adjust the dimensions to suit your needs.
Step 3: Remove the background image
- To access the image in your design, select it. Among the several options that pop up, “Effects” is one that you can use. Pick the repercussions.
- “Background Remover” will be the first menu choice you see.
- Just one click, and you’re done! Easy!
Step 4: Download Image
- In the top right hand corner, click Download.
- Check the option labeled “transparent background” and use the PNG file format. In such case, select “Save”
Make Your Background Transparent Using Adobe Photoshop
Making the background transparent is the first step in using a logo with a colored background. After that, you can save the file as a Portable Network Graphic (PNG), an industry standard for sharing photos online. Find out the steps to make transparent background in Adobe Photoshop below.
Step 1
Open Logo File
Step 2
- Add A Transparent Layer
- To create a new layer, go to “Layer” > “New Layer” (or double-click the square icon in the layers window).
- The newly created layer must be translucent by default.
- Select your content layer and drop the new layer underneath the picture layer.
Step 3
- Get rid of the background
- You can make a portion of an image transparent by selecting it with the magic wand or lasso tool. To attain the desired effect, use a tolerance setting of 32, though you can also try alternative values.
- Click the trash can icon. If you have a transparent background, the selected area will disappear and be replaced by a gray and white checkered background.
Step 4
- Save As A Transparent PNG Image
- Navigate to “File” > “Save As” Check the box labeled “PNG (*.PNG)” to use PNG images. It’s important to remember that even though a PNG file’s transparent backdrop may appear striped in Photoshop, the actual output will be smooth. This logo has a translucent backdrop, so you can easily add it to your site.
Make Your Background Transparent Using Fiverr
You can hire someone to complete simple tasks for you using the website Fiverr. Among these jobs is the modification of logos and photographs to remove backgrounds. This is a terrific alternative to spending a lot of time and energy on creating a transparent background when you only need it for a few photographs. The following are ways to make transparent background by using Fiverr:
Step 1
- Use the Logo Gigs section of Fiverr.
- If you want to check out the main logo gig page, go here. You can browse profiles of people who are willing to do background removal or PNG transparency work for you.
Step 2
Select a Gig
Step 3
- Pay for a Service on Fiverr
- Once you’ve located a service provider with positive feedback, a quick turnaround time, and the appropriate offering, you can make your purchase with little effort using the shopping cart.
- Fiverr’s service fee is new this year, so factor it into your pricing strategy.
- Simply email your purchased image file (in high resolution, if possible) and any specific instructions after making your purchase. If you want a good job done, it’s best to be explicit.
Making Layers Transparent
The ability to make layers transparent is a useful skill to have if you need a transparent image for a portfolio. Making a layer transparent allows you to add it to other photos or position it on items without having to worry about the layer’s opacity or how it blends into the background. You can utilize layers to edit your images in the same way.
- To make a layer invisible, go to the tab labeled “Layers,” which resembles a folded piece of paper.
- A drop-down menu will appear at the top of the Layers panel, where you can choose the opacity. The minimum value is 0%, and the maximum is 100%.
- To keep the image’s transparency, save it as a.PNG file.
Creating Transparent Selections
It may be necessary to make a portion of your layer transparent in order to merge or combine images in your portfolio. To achieve this effect, repeat the steps for selecting your layer from above, but this time ensure that all layers beneath the target image are translucent. Using the selection tool, highlight the region you wish to modify, and then:
- Right-click the area and select “Copy” to make a copy.
- Use the Delete key to get rid of the current selection.
- Create a new layer and paste the copied selection into it.
- Reduce the layer’s transparency.
Making a Transparent Background
Perhaps you need the subject of your image to be opaque while the background is see-through so that you can easily combine images or reposition the subject. Making a background that is transparent will allow you to do this. The following are ways to make a transparent background:
- Click on File, then New in Photoshop, and a new window will appear.
- To make the contents of the background invisible, click the arrow next to “Background Contents” and then click OK.
- To verify that a layer is transparent, open its Layers panel and make sure it has the appearance of a striped white and gray box.
- Add your image
- Once you’ve dropped your image into the translucent backdrop, you can crop out the parts of the picture that you don’t need. Furthermore, Select the Eraser or Magic Eraser tool from the image’s menu on the left to get started. Select the area you’d like to make transparent, and then drag the eraser over it.
Getting the Most out of Your Transparent Photos
- Making an image transparent in Photoshop is only half the battle; you also need to ensure that it won’t take on a new background when you open the file. The trick is to prevent the layers from merging when you save your Photoshop document.
- Choose PNG from the Format menu when prompted to save your new transparent image. Select a location on your computer where you can readily access the image later, and then click the Save button.
- If you’re using Photoshop and you don’t see the option to save as a PNG file, it’s because the image you’re working on is in the CMYK color space and needs to be converted into the RGB color space before you can save it. You will lose all of your hard work if you save as a JPG.
More Applications for Creating a Transparent Background
Transparent backgrounds for logos can be made in a number of ways. Here is a rundown of some supplementary resources that you use to make a transparent background after from Photoshop. However, when modifying a logo on a mobile device, keep in mind the file size and maintain a high quality when uploading to desktop sites.
- Canva: Canva is a web-based editor that makes it simple to make professional-looking graphics. We can make the background of an image translucent in the browser, so it’s like having a stripped-down version of Adobe Photoshop at your fingertips.
- Snappa: Snappa is a simple online application for making graphics for use in online media including social media, advertisements, blogs, and more. It’s free, and it works just like Canva to make it simple to create images with a translucent background.
- Lumina: Lumina is a desktop program (Mac and PC) that merges classic photo editing techniques with AI tools. You can easily automate the removal of unwanted elements, the coloring of the sky, and many other image adjustments.
- InPixio: InPixio is a desktop application (Mac and PC) that may be used to eliminate distractions from photos. You can use this one with confidence knowing that they offer assistance in English, French, German, and Spanish.
How to Save Transparent Background in Photoshop
The backdrop color can be changed to transparent in Adobe Photoshop whenever a new image file is created. But if you want to save the file with a transparent background, you will need to use the “Save As” function and choose a file format that allows transparency. PNG and GIF are the most used formats and support transparency. When you save your file in one of these formats, the parts of your image that are transparent will be saved as transparent pixels.
Here is how to save a transparent background in Photoshop:
- Select “Save As” from the “File” menu.
- Select “PNG” or “GIF” from the “Format” drop-down option.
- Simply select “OK” to store the file.
Read Also: How to Delete Background in Photoshop: Fast & Easy Methods
Achieving a Background Transparency When Saving an Image
Setting a new image’s background layer to transparent is an option when working with Adobe Photoshop. To preserve the image’s transparency, though, you’ll need to click “Save As” and pick a file format that allows for it.
PNG and GIF are the most widely used transparent image formats. These formats preserve transparency by keeping a tally of transparent pixels. Any pixel in a PNG or GIF file that hasn’t been given a color value will seem transparent when the file is opened or viewed.
How Do I Make an Image Have a Transparent Background in Photoshop?
In only a few clicks, you can remove the backdrop from an image in Photoshop and give it a translucent appearance. Launch Photoshop and load the picture you wish to opacify. Next, click “Layer” at the top of the window, and then “New Layer.” In the Layers palette, a new layer will be added to the current backdrop layer.
How Can I Make a Transparent Image in Photoshop?
There are a couple of ways to make a picture transparent in Photoshop. Use the eraser tool if you want to try that. To make an area of an image transparent, select the eraser tool, tweak the brush size and hardness, and then click and drag.
How Do I Change a White Background to Transparent in Photoshop?
There are numerous scenarios in which you would want to turn a white background into a transparent one in Photoshop. Imagine you want to add a logo or image on your website, but the white background is distracting. You could use a transparent background if you have a photo that would benefit from it.
Is There a Way to Make a White Background Transparent in Photoshop?
To make a white backdrop transparent in Photoshop, you can use one of several methods. Use the eraser tool if you want to try that. Erase the white background by selecting the eraser tool from the toolbar.
How Do You Change the Background Color to Transparent in Photoshop?
In Photoshop, you can make the background transparent using a few different methods. Use the eraser tool if you want to try that. The backdrop color can be made translucent by using the eraser tool and clicking on it.
What Is the Best Way to Save a Transparent Background in Photoshop CC?
You can select between a Background layer and a Transparent layer when you start a new document in Photoshop CC. Don’t worry if you build your document with a Background layer instead of a Transparent layer; it’s simple to switch between the two.
Final Thoughts
We do hope this article helps as a guide to your quest on how to make a background transparent on Photoshop. Let’s hear from you in the comment section below!
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