how can i use this stock vector without the gradient background?

[tillyj24720771]

I want to use the christmas lights on my leaflet artwork in InDesign. However it always comes up with a black backround. How can i make the background transparent so there is only the lights showing?

[Monika Gause]

You can try and just delete the background in the AI file.

Then save it and place in your InDesign file.

BUT: this file will only work in RGB transparency blend space. So if you have set up your InDesign file as CMYK in CMYK blend space, then this will be very ugly.

Safest is to create the complete image with background in Illustrator. Then export a pixel image and depending on the image you might leave the conversion to the color management on output in InDesign or you need to open it in Photoshop, convert it, maybe do some adjustments and then place in InDesign.

Leaving this link here as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tiqm5hdQA5A 

[tillyj24720771]

thanks so much for helping me. When i remove the background in illustrator the image looks like the below... what am i doing wrong... ?

[Monika Gause]

That's normal.

When you place it in InDesign and set the Transparency blend space to RGB, it should work. 

But that transparency blend space might not work with everything else you have in your file. That's why you might need to create the complete thing in Illustrator.