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.