Am I insane? (aka transparent backgrounds)

[ldymcbth]

OK - I am trying to make my daughter's 3rd bday invites on Scrapblog (I do this, then print them via Target's photo center) - theme is Under the Sea with Ariel. I found a load of Ariel & Flounder clipart I wanted to use, but none of them have transparent backgrounds. I don't have Photoshop or anything fancy like that - is there any way for me to make them transparent? Or is there some source for transparent ones out there somewhere? I feel like I've lost my mind!!!

 

[Dom13]

There might be some free software out there that you can turn the background transparent with. Be aware that the transparency only works with GIF or PNG formats. So you'd need a program that can save in those formats.

I think Adobe has a free 30 day trial for Photoshop Elements. You could download that and use it.

 

[sritter78]

You can make it transparent in word or Publisher.

* Insert the picture you want to use in Word.

* Then make sure that the picture is highlighted. You will now it is highlighted if there are white dots around the perimeter of the picture. If you don't see them, click on the image to highlight it.

* This will open the "Picture" toolbar and there is a button that looks like stick and is half yellow and half blue that is called "Set Transparent Color". For images like these that have a white background you can use this tool, by clicking on the "set transparent color" button then point your mouse on the white area and click and the background will be removed. If the background behind the picture is not a solid color/constant it is more difficult to remove what ever is around the image that you want.

* Once you have done this you can click on the "text wrapping" button to move the image around and the white block around the picture will be gone.

 

[jbmckenzie]

I use paint.net. You can download the program at www.getpaint.net. It is a free program. If you go into the boards there are directions on how to "erase" the background and then save as a png file type. I have used this programs for a long time with no problems. You can download different "add-ons" that will allow you to do many different things...even use paintshop brushes.