Adobe Photoshop CS2

Creating Transparent Images

Because Photoshop offers a unique layer system when creating images, many options are available relating to the background of an image. One option is creating a transparent background for an image. Another option is to make an existing image's background transparent.

Using the Transparency Option
Making an Existing Background Transparent
Exporting Transparent Images

For more information on recoloring a background, refer to Working with Colors.

Using the Transparency Option

You can use the Transparency option to create an image on a single layer with no background color values. If you use the Transparency option, you can save your file only in the Photoshop format because no other software can read Photoshop's layer format. However, you can export the image so the file can be used by other programs.

From the File menu, select New...
The New dialog box appears.
In the Name text box, type the name of your image
Set the width and height for the image
From the Background Contents pull-down list, select Transparent
Click OK

Making an Existing Background Transparent

You may find an image you want to use, but may not want the background of that image. Removing the background color works best if the image has a simple one-color background. While it is possible to make a multicolored background (e.g., the background in a photograph) transparent, this process is more complicated and the results vary.

In the Layers palette, double click the background layer
NOTE: This may be the only layer present.
The New Layer dialog box appears.
In the Name text box, verify that it reads Layer 0
NOTE: Do not make changes to the Opacity and Mode settings.
Click OK
From the Toolbox, select Magic Wand Tool
In the image, click the background
NOTES:
The Magic Wand tool selects similar colors in the vicinity of where you click.
An animated dashed line appears around the background or area of similar color.
HINTS:
To add to the selected area, press and hold [Shift] while clicking.
To deselect areas, press and hold [Alt] while clicking.
Once the background is selected, press [Delete]
The background (or selected area) becomes transparent.
OPTIONAL: If the image has a multicolored background (e.g., the background of a photograph), you may find it necessary to repeat steps 5-6 to delete the remaining parts of the background.

Exporting Transparent Images

If you would like to use a Photoshop image in another program, but you need a transparent background, you can use the Export Transparent Image option. This option allows you to open the image with other programs. This is a very precise process and works well for images such as clip art; however, it may not work as well for more complex images like scanned photographs. You can save the image for use in print or on the Web.

Exporting Transparent Images: for Print

If you have not already done so, make the background transparent
From the Help menu, select Export Transparent Image...
The Export Transparent Image Wizard appears.
Select My image is on a transparent background and click NEXT
Select Print
Click NEXT
The Save As dialog box appears.
From the Save in pull-down menu, select the desired save location
In the File name text box, type an appropriate name for the image
From the Format pull-down list, select the desired image format
NOTE: JPEG and CompuServe GIF are the most compatible with other programs.
Click SAVE
A dialog box appears.
NOTE: The dialog box that appears will depend on the format chosen in step 8.
Make the appropriate changes
Click OK
Click FINISH
The image is saved and ready for use in another program.

Exporting Transparent Images: for the Web

If you have not already done so, make the background transparent
From the Help menu, select Export Transparent Image...
The Export Transparent Image Wizard appears.
Select My image is on a transparent background
Click NEXT
Select Online
Click NEXT
Select the desired image format
NOTE: GIF only supports 8 bit color but can be used in most browsers. PNG supports 24 bit color but may not be accepted in older browsers.
Click NEXT
If PNG was selected, go to step 10. If GIF was selected, go to step 9.
If GIF was selected in step 7,
1. Click NEXT
  The Index Color dialog box appears.
2. Make the appropriate changes
3. Click OK
  The Save As dialog box appears.
From the Save in pull-down menu, select the desired save location
In the File name text box, type an appropriate name for your image
Click SAVE
A dialog box appears corresponding to the image format selected in step 7.
Make the appropriate changes
Click OK
Click FINISH
The image is saved and ready for use on the Web.