Removing grey background from stock vector download of lights

Question

I have downloaded some Christmas lights to place on top of another bit of artwork (which I expected to be transparent). When I remove the background it just comes up with the black circles around the lights.

I understand it needs a colour in the background but then it is not really on a transparent background right?

Not overly good with Illustrator hence downloading the file to add on to my own artwork. Can someone please explain if there is a way I can use this file to add over a logo and keep a white background (or transparent?

Thanks

Brad @ Roaring Mouse · Answer

Transparency can mean many things. In the case of some of these stock vectors, they do indeed use Transaprency Effects, and do indeed work, but with a big caveat in that they are not as up-to-date in terms of Illustrator's current capabilities, so you need to know the limitations and requirements (i.e. having something behind for it to interact with).

One of the forum members,@Monika Gause has a great video that explains the issue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tiqm5hdQA5A

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