How to Create a PNG Transparency in Photoshop

One of Photoshop's tools is an advanced output image creator.

One of the many advantages to using Adobe Photoshop over other photo-editing programs is the program's ability to output image files in a number of different formats. Although the traditional picture file takes a ".jpg" ending, other file endings have advantages and disadvantages as well. One of those endings is ".png" which allows a unique image shape, that doesn't have to include the background white around an oddly-shaped figure.

Instructions

1. Click "File" and "New" to create a new image project file. This will call forth a dialog that asks how you would like to set up the new image.

2. Define the boundaries of the image using the "Width" and "Height" dialogs, inserting the number of inches or pixels across where you want each dimension to be. Make this slightly larger than you want the image in your file to be.

3. Click "Transparent" under "Contents" to set your background to transparent.

4. Click "OK". You will notice that the background is a checker-board pattern. This is to let you know that it is transparent; those colors won't appear in your final output image.

5. Draw or paste your image into the file. If you keep your image away from the edges, you will create a seamless transparency.

6. Click "File" and "Save As" when finished. A dialog box will pop up asking you where to save it, what to name it and what file type to use. Type your file name, select your location and under the file type, click the drop-down menu and select ".png". Click "OK."

Tips & Warnings

• In the interlacing dialog, most times it doesn't matter if you interlace or not. If you are creating an exceptionally large image for Internet use, choose "Interlaced" to allow slower connections to gradually download the image instead of line by line.

References

• Media College: How to Create a Transparent Background in Photoshop