Indesign 2020 doesn't support transparent PNG and adds a colored background

[Marine D]

The new version of Indesign doesn't seem to be willing to import transparent PNG files. I tried with a bunch of different images with no background and Indesign automatically adds a green or black background to it (see screenshot below). Any ideas as to how this can be fixed?

Somehow, the same problem occurs with the previous version of Indesign (2019) that is still installed on my computer.

I never had this issue before.

Many thanks for the help

[creadec studio]

Glad to have helped you 😉 

[Christina21822707jk6q]

I purchased a vector image (.ai) with a transparent background from Adobe and am placing it in an Indesign file. When I do so it still shows the "transparent" background: 

I saved it as a PDF and placed it and it did the same thing. I tried saving it as a PNG, but the file is for print and I need it to be high resolution. What am I doing wrong? Any and all assistance is appreciated!!

[rob day]

Hi @Christina21822707jk6q , If you open the AI file, is the checkerboard pattern a layer in the file? If it is have you tried hiding or deleting the layer? Also, when you place .AI or .PSD files in InDesign there is Object>Object Layer Options, which lets you turn layers on or off from within ID.

[Christina21822707jk6q]

Thank you so much! I did need to hide the transparency grid layer. As simple as that seems, I did not realize that was a layer and have no idea when or how I would have figured that out. So very much appreciated!!!

[Willi Adelberger]

If you have an Illustrator file and you want to use it in InDesign—for any purpose—use this AI file and place it in InDesign. Using a PNG in this situation is the error.

If you have transparency and a vector file use PDF/X-4 or AI.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

A very dumb question... but are you working with the actual AI file or a preview/comp image that actually has the 'transparency' grid  in it?

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[Christina21822707jk6q]

Sent from my iPhone

[Christina21822707jk6q]

I guess I'm not sure? When I open the file in AI it says it's converted and RGB/Preview. in the file name and the transparency grid is visible (which I would expect).  The file I downloaded from Adobe Stock is a vector file (.ai) and I am "placing" that file in my InDesign file. And then it is showing the transparency grid, which I didn't expect.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

This would be my guess. I know I have occasionally grabbed the wrong file from a library and only realized the mistake when placing a low-rez or watermarked or otherwise 'compromised' comp image.

I really can't think of any other reason something like a transparency grid would show up in the ID placement, since (in a work flow) they don't exist as part of the actual image.

Double check that you have the actual download-for-use AI, and not either a comp image or even a library index image.

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[Christina21822707jk6q]

Thank you for being so responsive and patient with my questions. It ends up that I had to hide or delete the transparency grid layer of the file in AI before I placed it in InDesign. I never realized the grid was an actual layer. Now I know.

Thanks again!

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

There shouldn't be a "transparency grid layer" unless it's part of the overall image to have that grid as a displayable element. Transparency in Adobe is a virtual thing, with a (somewhat configurable) grid or pattern imposed by the app to show the location and depth of the transparency.

Anything like what you have, a visible part of the file, is just "art" that some users might choose to have show as part of the final composition.

But glad to have steered you to a fix!

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[KCH LTD]

Unfortunately, none of the proposed solutions work for me. Not one. Whether it’s an AI file, a PDF or a transparent PSD, when placed into InDesign, it comes in with a white backaground. My only option is to copy the image in Ilustrator and paste it into Photoshop, then creat a clipping path.

A bad workaround, but the only one I have …

[rob day]

Can you share one of the files that place with a white background? It really shouldn’t be a problem with any of those formats.

[KCH LTD]

Thanks Rob Day. To clarify, the InDesign container box had a white fill. I’m embarrassed that it took me nigh two hours to figure that out. All good.

[James Gifford—NitroPress]

We've all been there. Some of us more than once. 😛

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[creadec studio]

Haha, that make a great timeline chat

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[KCH LTD]

I figured it out. Please ignore and carry on. Thanks.

[wilfrid15B9]

All you need to do is set the PNG image properties of Appearance / FILL to "none". Save first in PGN24 (or standard PNG, not "small file 8-bit"). 

[AnnaTowan]

But why? We as their customers pay so much to not have these issues and they make it even harder for us?!!