How to Create Images with Transparent Backgrounds in Paint Shop Pro Photo XI

Graphic design programs have literally advanced leaps and bounds over the past decade. The most used feature of graphic design programs when creating websites is that of being able to make images with transparent backgrounds, used in website buttons and headers.

Things You'll Need

• Paint Shop Pro Photo XI

Instructions

1. Open the Paint Shop Pro Photo XI application. Create a new GIF image layer. Scroll to the “File” tab on the command bar; a submenu will open. Select “New” under the submenu; a pop-up box will open. Specify the dimensions and make sure to select “Raster Background Image” and click the “Okay” button.

2. Now scroll to the “File” tab on the command bar; a submenu will open. Select “Save As”; a file box will open. Scroll to the “GIF" selection and then click on the “Save” button. You have now created a GIF image capable of having a transparent background.

3. Add text or images into the GIF image as desired and as new layers. Add the desired text and images to the GIF. Make sure you always create these as new layers. You can do this by accessing the “Layers” tab on the command bar and selecting “New Layer.” Make sure to make all of your new layers "Vector" layers.

4. Save the image as a GIF, but create a copy first. When you are all done adding the new layers, check that the Vector Background Layer is at the bottom. You can do this by selecting that layer and right-clicking on it--a submenu will open. Select “Arrange” and then select “Send to Bottom”.

Tips & Warnings

• Create one layer that is transparent. Then cut and paste the image, or create it over the layer as a new Vector layer. This way the lowest layer (the transparent background) is always transparent, and unaffected by the other layers.

• Always save a copy of your image prior to making it transparent, this way you can go back if you need to.