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There are many reasons you might need to make an image transparent. For example, you could need to put a logo on a photo, but the only image you have of the logo has a white or black background. On the other hand, maybe you want to swap out the background of an image for a solid color. Or perhaps you want to give a selfie a better-looking background before sharing it on social. Whatever the reason, you will need a reliable transparent background maker.
There are a lot of free and paid photo editors available for changing the background of an image. However, with so many options it can be hard to pick the right one for you. To help you find the best tools to remove backgrounds, we have compiled a list of the top transparent background makers today.
We will also teach you how to make a background transparent. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to create transparent backgrounds for your images.
- Top 3 Free Transparent Background Makers Snapshot
- What is a Transparent Background?
- PhotoDirector - Best Overall
- Photoshop (free trial) - Best for Professionals
- PhotoWorks - Best for Windows Only
- OnlinePNGTools - Best Online Tool
- Online Image Editor - Best for Removing Colored Backgrounds
Top 3 Free Transparent Background Makers Snapshot
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1. PhotoDirector - Best Overall
PhotoDirector stands out as the top photo editor. The software contains several tools, including an automatic transparent background tool. With one click, you can remove the background of any photo. Detailed Review >
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2. Photoshop (free trial) - Best for Professionals
Adobe’s professional photo editing, image creation, and graphic design program. Use selection tools or automatic detection to remove backgrounds from your images. Detailed Review >
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (4)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/photoworks.png "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (4)")
3. PhotoWorks - Best for Windows Only
With PhotoWorks’ Change Background tool you can paint over any object and have the software remove its background for you. Detailed Review >
What is a Transparent Background?
A transparent image is an image that has a clear background, and you can see images behind it. When your image has a transparent background, you can layer it on top of other images. Both GIF and PNG formats support transparency.
5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers on Windows & Mac
1. PhotoDirector - Best Overall
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (5)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/photodirector.jpg "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (5)")
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 10/10
Transparent Background Tools: 10/10
With PhotoDirector creating a photo with a transparent background is effortless. The software includes a set of Guided tools, which makes editing straightforward. You won't need to have any editing experience to be able to jump in and make stunning images. The Guided tools include Background Removal with AI-powered object detection, allowing you to select the subject of your photo with a click. Then replace its background in seconds or save it as a transparent PNG.
If you need more advanced background removal, you can use the software's layer editing. The object detection in the layer editor will allow you to select multiple subjects in a photo.
Besides background removal and replacement, PhotoDirector includes a vast selection of powerful photo editing tools. For example, the program features animation tools, blending options, photo filters, and other artistic effects that you can apply with a few clicks of a button.
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2. Photoshop (free trial) - Best for Professionals
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Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Overall Rating: 9/10
Transparent Background Tools: 9/10
Adobe Photoshop is one of the most popular image editing tools. It includes a variety of selection tools and auto-detection for background removal. Unfortunately, Photoshop has a steep learning curve, making it less than ideal for photo editing newcomers. On the upside, once you master the software, you can use it to make gorgeous images with transparent backgrounds.
A seven-day free trial of the software is available for Mac and Windows devices. With the free trial, you can access all the tool’s features. However, once the trial expires, you must pay for a subscription plan to keep using the platform. The paid version of Photoshop comes with a hefty price tag.
3. PhotoWorks - Best for Windows Only
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (7)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/photoworks_ui.jpg "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (7)")
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 9/10
Transparent Background Tools: 8/10
PhotoWorks is a versatile photo editing software program for Windows systems. The tool allows you to enhance an image and add a transparent background with just a few clicks.
Just like Photoshop, PhotoWorks offers a limited free trial. With the free trial, you can create transparent image backgrounds and perform other edits, and your edited image won’t have watermarks. Once the trial expires, you must buy a plan to keep using PhotoWorks. The software takes up a fair amount of memory space, making it unideal for individuals with limited RAM or hard drive space.
4. OnlinePNGTools - Best Online Tool
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (8)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/onlinepng.jpg "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (8)")
Compatibility: Web browser
Overall Rating: 7/10
Transparent Background Tools: 8/10
OnlinePNGTools is the best PNG maker for creating images with transparent backgrounds online. You can access the tool via a web browser. You can use the drag and drop interface to upload images. The site will convert your uploaded image into a PNG image with a transparent background. You can then save the converted image to your system.
The platform is free, and you don’t need an account to use OnlinePNGTools as you do with other online platforms. However, the website is limited in tools, so don’t expect it to fulfill all your editing needs.
5. Online Image Editor - Best for Removing Colored Backgrounds
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (9)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/onlineimageeditor.jpg "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (9)")
Compatibility: Web browser
Overall Rating: 7/10
Transparent Background Tools: 7/10
Online Image Editor is another web-based PNG creator that you can use to make PNG images transparent. You can upload any image, including GIF images. Online Image Editor converts images to your selected format when you upload them.
The online tool is free to use and works as long as you have an internet connection. Besides the transparent background maker tool, Online Image Editor offers other basic photo editing options, such as image filters and cropping.
Best Free Transparent Background Makers Comparison Chart
| Software | PhotoDirector | Photoshop | PhotoWorks | OnlinePNGTools | Online Image Editor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows, Mac | Windows, Mac | Windows | Web browser | Web browser |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Includes Backgrounds | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Sky Replacement | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Object Removal | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Free Download | Free Download | Download | Download | Download | Download |
PhotoDirector vs
Photoshop
PhotoWorks
OnlinePNGTools
Online Image Editor
OS
Windows, Mac
-
Beginner-friendly
Yes
-
Includes Backgrounds
Yes
-
Sky Replacement
Yes
-
Object Removal
Yes
-
How to Make Image Background Transparent on Windows and Mac
Follow these steps to make your image background transparent with PhotoDirector 365 for Windows and Mac:
- Download PhotoDirector 365 and install it on your computer. After installing the software, launch it.
- After launching the app, upload the image you want to work on. With the photo selected click the Guided tab at the top of the page.
- After clicking Guided, you will have access to a toolbar at the left of the window. The toolbar will reveal guided editing options, including Extract and Compose. Click Extract or Compose to reveal a dropdown menu and press Background Removal.
- When the Background Removal editor appears, navigate to the panel on the left that contains tools and sliders. Click on Object Segmentation — the button with the tree silhouette symbol. After you click Object Segmentation, the system will automatically identify the main subjects within the image and highlight them.
- Go to the brush options and click the checkbox labeled Remove Unselected Area then click Apply to proceed with the removal.
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (10)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/step3_guided.jpg "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (10)")
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (11)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/step4_remove.jpg "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (11)")
Fine-tune: If the edges around the extracted subjects are imperfect, click the brush icon in the left-hand editor. Use the brush on the unwanted edges, and PhotoDirector's AI will remove them.
![5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (12)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cyberlink.com/www.cyberlink.com/prog/learning-center/html/5708/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker/PDR19-YouTube-235_Best_Transparent_BG_Maker.jsp/img/step5_fine_tune.jpg "5 Best Free Transparent Background Makers [Windows, Mac] (12)")
After cleaning up the extracted subjects, export the picture as a PNG file to get a photo file with a transparent background.
Download the Best Transparent Background Maker for Free
With a transparent background maker, you can make your pictures better by removing unwanted elements from the image’s background. Of all the transparent background makers that we have tried, PhotoDirector is the best because it is simple to use, loaded with great features, has a great free version, and has an inexpensive subscription for access to lots of additional, incredible creative assets.
Download PhotoDirector and try it for free today.
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Transparent Background Maker FAQ
What is a PNG file?
PNG (portable graphics format) is one of the most commonly used uncompressed image formats. Unlike JPEG file formats, PNG images can display transparent backgrounds and contain 24-bit RGB color palettes. Also, the open format has zero copyright limitations.
Due to its unique features, the PNG format is ideal for making digital stickers, logos, icons, and similar forms of digital art.
What is the difference between JPEG, GIF, and PNG?
GIF is a file format that allows you to create animated images. While PNG and GIF formats have similarities, you cannot animate PNG images. However, PNG has some advantages over GIF. For instance, unlike GIFs, PNGs offer transparency and superior color support.
However, the JPEG file format can support more color variations than GIF and PNG. This feature makes JPEG a better choice for full-color images that contain complex shading and color variations. However, JPEG doesn’t allow for transparency.
Why does an image need to be transparent?
A transparent image is an image with a clear background. Having such a background enables an image to be seen behind it. If you want to put your logo on a different image or a colored background, you should convert it to PNG first. Doing so will give the logo image a transparent background and prevent it from entirely blocking the image behind it.
Also, if you have a photograph with a bad background, you can make the image transparent and impose it on a different photo with a better background.
What features should I look for in a transparent background maker?
Select a high-quality transparent background maker by looking out for these features:
- User-friendliness
- Device compatibility
- Speed
- Affordability
- Support for various image file formats specifically PNG
- Additional photo effects
- Color correction tools
What is the best free image editor for iPhone and Android?
Here are our top five choices:
- PhotoDirector
- Pixlr
- PicsArt
- Snapseed
- Adobe Photoshop Camera
PhotoDirector makes the top of the list for Android and iOS users because it is easy to use and offers everything you need to make an image gorgeous. The app also provides AI support, enabling users to edit images more quickly and accurately. If you are interested in learning more about mobile editors, you can check out our article.
What is the best free image editor for PC and Mac?
Here are our top five choices:
- PhotoDirector
- GIMP Photo Editor
- Movavi Photo Editor
- BeFunky
- Pixlr
PhotoDirector is the number one free image editor for Windows and Mac computers. The all-in-one photo editing software enables creators to make works of art with just a few clicks. It is also user-friendly and offers various tools for enhancing and altering images for different platforms.
You can even combine photos and turn them into beautiful slideshows with royalty-free background music. In addition, PhotoDirector gets free regular feature updates that ensure users always enjoy the best of what the software offers.
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FAQs
How do I make the background of my Mac transparent? ›
- Step 1: Insert the image into the editor. ...
- Step 2: Next, click the Fill button on the toolbar and choose Transparent. ...
- Step 3: Adjust your tolerance. ...
- Step 4: Click the background areas you want to remove. ...
- Step 5: Save your image as a PNG.
To create a transparent background for an image, follow these steps: Step 1: Go to Wondershare PixCut, click on Upload Image to upload the image. Step 2: Wait for its background eraser to make the picture's background transparent. Step 3: Click on Download Free to download the picture with transparent background.
How do you make a PNG background transparent on a Mac? ›Choose “File > Export…”
Select “PNG” from the Format drop-down menu at the bottom of the dialog box. Make sure “Alpha” is checked because this preserves the transparency channel. Unchecking it will result in the undesired white background mentioned above. Give it a name, choose a location, and hit “Save.”
How do I make a JPEG transparent? To make the JPG background transparent, upload your photo or drag n drop it to the editor. Next, remove the background from the image by clicking on the 'Remove BG' button. Once the JPG image is transparent, download it in multiple file formats.
How do you make a full background transparent? ›Click Picture Tools > Recolor > Set Transparent Color.
How do I make background transparent without Photoshop? ›1) How do you make a white background transparent without Photoshop? There are plenty of options to remove a white background without Photoshop. These include iMyFone MarkGo, PIXLR, Clipping Magic, PhotoScissors, and even Word, paint, Publisher, and PowerPoint.
Can paint make PNG transparent? ›Go to Menu > Save as > PNG Image and make sure that > Transparency is set.
Can Microsoft Paint make transparent background? ›Paint has an option of 'Transparent Selection' under 'Select' drop-down, which claims to make the background color of the selected area of the image transparent or opaque. Please follow these steps: Open image in paint. In Image Section under Select Option Select 'Transparent selection'
Which is the best free app to remove background? ›- 1) Pixelcut: The Easiest Way to Remove Backgrounds.
- 2) Apowersoft Background Eraser: Batch Background Remover.
- 3) Superimpose: Creative Cutouts on iOS.
- 4) InShot Background Eraser: Simple Background Removal on Android.
- 5) Remove.bg: The Best Browser-Based Background Remover.
- Background Eraser.
- Ultimate Photo Blender/Mixer.
- Transparent Photo Frames.
- Snapseed.
- Adobe Photoshop Mix.
- Apowersoft BG Remover.
- Afterlight.
- PicsArt.
How do I convert a white background to a transparent PNG? ›
- Upload the PNG file to Fotor, then click on the 'Remove background' button to the left of your screen.
- Give Fotor a few seconds to automatically detect the image object and remove the white background.
- Apply editing effects to touch up, crop, or resize the image.
Go to Select > Invert. On the right side of the screen, right-click on your image and select Add Alpha Channel. This will provide a transparent background.
Can you have a transparent background in JPG? ›JPG does not allow transparent backgrounds. The only thing you can do is have a flat color background that would blend into your website: eg. if your website background is white, then have JPGs created with a white background. Otherwise you need to consider saving as PNG, which does allow true transparency.
Can a PNG have a transparent background? ›They also support opacity and transparency. Because PNGs can have transparent backgrounds, designers can layer them on different backgrounds and the backgrounds will show through. This makes the PNG format an excellent choice for utility assets.
Why are my Pngs not transparent? ›There are a few reasons why your PNG might not be transparent in Photoshop. One reason is that you are using the wrong file format. You should be using a PNG-24 file format to ensure transparency. Another reason is that your image might have an alpha channel, but it is not set as the transparency channel.
Where can I get a transparent background? ›- StickPNG is another website that features nothing but images with transparent backgrounds. ...
- PNGTree has an absolutely massive database of transparent images. ...
- FavPNG is another website that hosts tons of transparent images. ...
- FreePNGs is a moderately-sized transparent image database with roughly 170,000 images.
- Step 1: Add the Image to Microsoft Word. ...
- Step 2: Double Click on The Image. ...
- Step 3: Choose 'Remove Background' ...
- Step 4: Remove Background or Make Part Of Image Transparent. ...
- Step 5: Save File As Image.
GIMP. Perhaps the most well known free software to edit photos like Photoshop, GIMP has been around for ages and is one of the first programs that comes to mind for many people when they think “free Photoshop”.
How do you make transparent in MS Paint? ›Open the image you wish to use in Paint on your computer. Next, click on Select on the left-hand side of the bar located at the top of your page. Select the Transparent Selection option from the available list.
Is there a free wallpaper app? ›Introducing Vellum - find beautiful hand-picked wallpapers. With hundreds of stunning images included completely FREE in the app, you could change your look every day. We have new packs arriving regularly and also a brand new wallpaper every day. With Vellum, you won't need any other wallpaper app ever again.
Is there a free app like PixelCut? ›
PhotoRoom. Similar to PixelCut, PhotoRoom is a free easy to use app that can remove backgrounds.
Is there a free background eraser? ›Auto Background Changer & Background Eraser app is another free option for Android users to erase background from their images. This app can easily erase the background with just one tap automatically. It can make your images transparent by removing their background.
How do I make a transparent background in Canva for free? ›From the File type dropdown, select PNG. If your design has multiple pages, select the ones you want to download from the dropdown, and click Done. Tick Transparent background.
How do I make RGB transparent? ›Make transparent colors in R
The rgb() command is the key: you define a new color using numerical values (0–255) for red, green and blue. In addition, you set an alpha value (also 0–255), which sets the transparency (0 being fully transparent and 255 being “solid”).
PNG – PNGs are the most common file type for transparent background logos. They can display millions of colors within a relatively small file size.
What is transparency on Mac? ›In macOS, transparency – or more properly, translucency – is a visual effect many apps use to create a sense of depth by hinting at content residing in the background. An example of transparency is when content behind a window shows through in interface elements like menus and sidebars.
How do I make my Dock transparent in windows? ›Switch to the “Windows 10 Settings” tab using the header menu of the application. Make sure to enable the “Customize Taskbar” option, then choose “Transparent.” Adjust the “Taskbar Opacity” value until you're satisfied with the results. Click on the OK button to finalize your changes.
How do I change the transparency of windows on a Mac? ›Make the desktop less transparent: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Accessibility , click Display, click Display, then select “Reduce transparency.” The transparent areas of the desktop and app windows become gray.
How do I get transparent mode? ›On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations, and make sure Headphone Accommodations is turned on. Tap Transparency Mode, turn on Custom Transparency Mode, then turn on Conversation Boost.