askvity

How do I make the background transparent in Photoshop when exporting?

Published in Image Export 3 mins read

To make the background transparent in Photoshop when exporting, you'll need to use the correct file format and settings. Here's how:


Steps to Export with a Transparent Background

  1. Go to the File Menu: In Photoshop, begin by clicking on File in the top toolbar.
  2. Select "Save As": From the dropdown menu, choose the option Save As.
  3. Choose the Correct Format: Select either TIFF, PNG, or GIF as your format. These are the file types that support transparency.
    • PNG: Recommended for most cases because it supports a wide range of colors and maintains transparency very well.
    • GIF: Good for simple graphics with limited colors.
    • TIFF: Suitable for high-quality images, but it results in larger file sizes.
  4. Enable Transparency (GIF or TIFF): If you are saving as a GIF or TIFF format, look for the "Save Transparency" option, usually found on the bottom left of the save window, and ensure this box is checked. This step is crucial for maintaining transparency.
    • PNG: Transparency is an inherent attribute of the PNG format, and does not require specific checking when saving.


Key Considerations

  • Layer Visibility: Make sure that the background layer you wish to be transparent is actually hidden in your Photoshop document before exporting. Only the visible layers will be exported, and if the background layer is still active, it will be included in your output, blocking transparency.
  • Format Choice: Choose the format according to your project needs. If you require high quality images and are concerned about file size you could try to optimize your png. If you are working with simpler images and limited colors use GIF.
  • File Size: Be mindful that higher-quality formats or high-resolution images will create larger files.
  • Image Complexity: PNG is better for complex images with many colors due to its high color fidelity and lossless compression, but the file sizes can be larger than GIFs. GIFs are better for simple images or animated images.


Example

Let's say you have a logo with no background in Photoshop.

  1. Hide any visible background layers.
  2. Click File > Save As.
  3. Choose PNG from the format options.
  4. Click Save.


Your exported file will now have a transparent background and can be used on any background.

Related Articles