Transparency

Objects, backgrounds, and entire images may be made transparent in Photoshop. In order for an image to support transparency, the image must be of a file type that supports transparency. Older BMP and JPG files do not support transparency. PNG, GIF, PSD and TIFF can support transparency. JPG2000 files can now support transparency. The alpha channel is used to designate transparency. Transparency is indicated by a grey & white checkerboard pattern.

Check For Transparency

Some files like GIF only save the colors used in the file. Therefore it is necessary to change the color mode to RGB. Once in RGB color, Photoshop will support transparency, until the file is saved. When saving, you must choose a file type that supports transparency. Currently PNG, and GIF are the most popular transparent supporting file types.

Select:

Image

=> Mode

=> RGB

Deleting Objects and Backgrounds For Transparency

You have multiple options for deleting the background of an object. All of which require the layer to be unlocked.

To Unlock A Layer

From the Layer panel

Select layer to be unlocked
Identify if it is locked or not
Select the lock tool from the layer panel

to switch between locked and unlocked

An unlocked layer displays no lock next to the name

Background Eraser Tool

One option to delete objects and backgrounds to transparency is the Background Eraser Tool (BET) . The BET can be found behind the eraser if it is not already visible in the tool bar. Right click on the eraser to find it.

Once selected, click and drag the eraser to delete objects to transparency. If you make a mistake you can undelete the erased object part by clicking <ctrl-d>

Select Tools

Any of the select tools can be used to select a region to be made transparent.

Select the selection tool.

Click and drag the area to be selected.

Once selected hit the delete key on the keyboard.

Mistakes can be undone using <ctrl-d>

Magic Wand and Quick Select Tools

The magic wand and quick select tools can be especially useful. They select irregular shaped areas quickly based upon color. They can be tricky to learn, but once mastered they are very useful.

Adjusting the Tolerance up allows the magic wand and quick select tool to select more area in one click.

Lowering the Tolerance restricts the magic wand and quick select tool to smaller selection areas.

Adding a contrasting color background layer helps to identify areas to be deleted

In this image, a green layer has been temporarily placed as the background to help identify areas that need work.

Once satisfied with the source image, use the magic wand to select the background. Then click Select -> Inverse to highlight the subject.

Once the subject is selected it can be copied and pasted into the target image.

Remove the background color layer. Then save the file, and export the image as a GIF or PNG.

Then save the file, and export the image as a GIF or PNG.

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