Making background Transparent

[jdmarsh2g]

Hello everyone,
I'm very new to working with graphics.
How does one go about making the background of an image transparent instead of (e.g. white)?
Would like images to be to be placed over backgrounds of any color without having to worry about a white background around the image.

If there is a white background can I erase around it so its transparent?

thanks,
Jonathan

[handrawn]

Hi welcome

have a read of this thread [and the link given by sledger at post#2]

http://www.talkgraphics.com/showthread.php?t=44911

this task is basically different depending on whether you use a vector based app such as xtreme, or a pixel based one such as photoshop

a search of the forum should bring up more examples too...

[Albacore]

If it is a pure vector drawing without any images brought in it can be placed in front of any coloured background. However if it is an photo or image then you will need to save that image as png. type file when you export. I have tried to keep my answer very simple you may want to post your file to the forum under Manage Attachments so that we can give you more help.

[jdmarsh2g]

Sorry for the delay but here is the image that I was trying to make the background transparent... with ...

[steve.ledger]

Hi JD,

This is a very simple job for the shape-editor or pen tool.

Using the shape editor:



Using the pen tool in Xara Xtreme.



About 90 seconds work.

[jdmarsh2g]

Thank you I appreciate will get right to it.

thanks,
Jonathan

[jdmarsh2g]

Does the image have to be of a certain type? Can it be done to any type of image?
Do I have to import the image as a certain type?
Will look for more of a step by step tutorial.
Just started using this graphics program etc... Any other suggestions to get up to speed are greatly appreciated. In the mean time will keep trying....
thanks Sledger

[jdmarsh2g]

I have gotten all the way to using the select tool and holding control and shift but the number 3 does not have the effect that the tutorial is showing.
Looking through the shortcuts to see what 3 is suppose to represent.

[jdmarsh2g]

Does the image have to be of a certain type? Can it be done to any type of image?
Do I have to import the image as a certain type?
Will look for more of a step by step tutorial.
Just started using this graphics program etc... Any other suggestions to get up to speed are greatly appreciated. In the mean time will keep trying....
thanks Sledger

[steve.ledger]

Perhaps seeing me work on your image and answering this way might help you more than typing more words

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