Changing 'background contents' setting in existing PS document?

[nicksmith0102]

When creating a new Photoshop file you are able to select either white, black or transparent as the documents background. Is there a way to change this after the fact in an existing document? I'm not after other methods - I need to do this for an action.

Cheers

[marliton]

Hi. If the background is a separate layer just fill that layer with the color or erase it the pixels for getting transparency. Otherwise, you need first manually select the background.

[c.pfaffenbichler]

Selecting the Background Layer, setting Foreground Color and filling (or changing the Background Layer to a regular one and removing it) should work out fine in an Action.

[davescm · Accepted solution]

One additional point to add to the correct answers above.

If you want to change the background to be transparent, as opposed to a pixel colour, or even use the eraser tool on it to make part of it transparent - then you will need to change it from a "background layer" to a normal layer (Layer 0). To do this click on the lock symbol in the layers panel.

Dave

[Pixel Relish]

With newer versions of PSD (2020, for sure), select your artboard using the Artboard tool.  Up in the top bar — right side of Size, Width, Height —is a dropdown from which you can select Transparent, White, Black, or Other…; that's your background canvas setting for the document.

[marcosm30167058]

You have just saved me so much time!! Thank you so much!

[HermesWilliam]

You save my life too! Thanks!