How to Make a Picture Transparent in 4 Ways [All Free]
For example, whether you are designing brand images or creating presentations, knowing how to make images transparent is a fundamental and valuable skill.
Does your image format support transparency?
Transparent images allow the images to seamlessly blend into different backgrounds without obvious borders. Masteringhow to make a picture transparent open endless creative possibility.
For example, creating a transparent photo is crucial for logos, icons, overlays, and web graphics. However, not all file formats handle transparency in the same way.
💡File formats that support transparency
PNG – Widely supported, can have varying degrees of transparency, suitable for web and digital use.
JPEG – Cannot have true transparency due to their technical limitations. If forced to use JPEG, design around its constraints (e.g., solid-color backgrounds).
GIF – Limited to 256 colors, suitable for simple graphics, but not for gradients, either fully transparent or fully opaque.
TIFF – Suitable for printing and professional environments, file size is larger.
WebP – Supports lossy and lossless compression, files are smaller than PNG, but it has not yet received widespread support.
SVG – Achieves transparency through opacity, lossless scaling, very suitable for web and responsive design.
4 ways to make a picture transparent [Free]
Here are various ways to achieve transparency effects from using online AI background remover like UltraPic to some manual operation.
Next, we will introduce simple and quick methods to make a picture transparent. You will only need to spend a minute to create transparent images.
How to make a picture transparent with Background Remover
Among the sea of tools out there, UltraPic stands out as an effective online background remover. Its intelligent AI engine, drag-and-drop simplicity, and high-quality outputs make it ideal for users at all levels.
You don’t need Photoshop skills or hours of editing time. UltraPic is perfect for users who want speed, simplicity, and pro results in just a few clicks. Whether you’re on desktop or mobile, it’s browser-based—meaning zero downloads and no complicated setup.

AI-powered high-quality image background-removing easy
Instantly remove any background and generate custom backdrops with AI. Boosting conversions effortlessly.
Here are the detailed steps to remove background from image in one second.
1. Head to the UltraPic website and drag in your image. No sign-up required.
2. UltraPic’s AI automatically detects the subject and removes the background in seconds. Then you can use simple sliders to adjust shadows, contrast, and brightness, or resize the image to fit different platforms.
3. Export your file in PNG to get a transparent background picture.
How to make a picture transparent in PowerPoint
Even PowerPoint’s built-in tools can handle basic transparency. It simplifies background removal for basic projects.
1. Open PowerPoint and go to Insert > Pictures.
2. Select the image, clickPicture Format > Remove Background.
3. Use Mark Areas to Keep or Mark Areas to Remove to refine the selection.
4. Right-click the picture andSave as Picture(choose PNG).
How to make a picture transparent in Google Slide
Google Slides lacks a native background remover, but add-ons can help. Remove.bg Add-On can automate background removal with AI.
1. Open Google Slides, go to Insert your image from your computer as an example. Right click the image and select Format Options.
2. Then go to Adjustments, change the image transparent by setting the Opacity value.
3. Right-click the edited image and selectSave to Keep.
✍Tips: Complex backgrounds may require additional edits in professional online background remover like UltraPic.
How to make a picture transparent in Microsoft Paint 3D
Microsoft Paint 3D offers basic transparency features.
1. Launch MS Paint 3D, and clickMenu > Open your image in Paint 3D.
2. Click Magic Select and outline the area you want to keep.
3. Paint 3D will auto-detect the subject. Use Add or Remove buttons to refine the selection:
- Add: Draw over areas to keep.
- Remove: Draw over areas to delete (e.g., background).
4. Click Done, then right-click and choose Make Transparent.
5. Save as PNG to keep transparency.
✍Tips: It is best to avoid using low-resolution images, especially since jagged edges are harder to fix.
FAQ about creating a transparent picture
Why does my transparent image have a white background after saving?
You likely saved the file as JPEG, which doesn’t support transparency. Always save as PNG or WebP (inUltraPic, PowerPoint, Paint 3D, etc.). Double-check format settings before exporting.
Which tool is best for complex backgrounds (e.g., hair, trees)?
AI-powered tools like UltraPic handle complex edges best. Avoid Paint 3D or PowerPoint for detailed work.
What’s the difference between opacity and transparency?
Opacity: Refers to how "solid" an object or layer is. Higher opacity (100%) means fully visible; lower opacity (e.g., 50%) makes the object semi-see-through.
Transparency: Describes parts of an image that are completely see-through (e.g., a removed background).
Conclusion
Whether you choose UltraPic for precision, GIMP for affordability, or online tools for speed, each method suits different needs. Remember to save as PNG and test your image in various backgrounds. Ready to enhance your designs? Start experimenting today!