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How do I remove the artboard background in Illustrator?

Published in Illustrator Artboard 2 mins read

To remove the artboard background in Illustrator, you'll need to enable the Transparency Grid, which effectively makes the background transparent instead of the default white.

Steps to Remove Artboard Background:

Here's how to achieve a transparent artboard background:

  • Locate the View Tab: At the top menu of your Illustrator window, find the "View" tab.
  • Access Transparency Grid: Click on the "View" tab, then scroll down the menu until you see the "Show Transparency Grid" option. Select it.
  • Observe the Change: After selecting the "Show Transparency Grid", the artboard's white background will transform into a gray and white checkerboard pattern. This indicates that the background is now transparent.

The transparency grid does not print or export; it's just a visual aid to show you that areas are transparent. When you export your artwork, the areas shown with the transparency grid will be transparent unless a background is specified in the export settings.

Practical Insights:

  • Visual Aid: The transparency grid helps you visualize which areas of your artwork will be transparent when you export the file.
  • Export Settings: Be mindful of your export settings as these can add a background back in. If you want a transparent background in the final output, be sure to select a format that supports transparency, such as PNG or SVG.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove the default white background of the artboard, displaying a transparent background represented by the grid.

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