Why does my transparent image have a white background?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
June 18, 2020
2 replies
2365 views

Hey, I recently started designing vintage rap t's and have made some really cool ones. I am at the stage now where I'm sending them off for printing, but I have come across a small issue that I haven't been able to get around. I save my design as a PNG to my desktop, with a transparent background, when I open the image from the desktop, it has a white background, but when I then drag the file into photoshop, it's transparent? I can't print my designs with the files because the white background will show, does anyone know a way around this? It's super annoying and I just wanna get my business started.

Thank You.

TJ.

This topic has been closed for replies.

Progressive Graphics VB

Inspiring

Can you add a sample image please.

Just to get started, I would say you might be looking at the PNG in Preview, which will offer a white/grey background as default, see the same file open simultaneously in PS and Preview and note the checkered background in PS.

I would also check with your printer before submitting PNGs. PDFs might be safer but check first.

I assume you are trying to print on something other than a white substrate, if so see proofs before going to production, it will save you much heartache in the long run.

johnr67380114

Participating Frequently

Are you just double clicking and viewing in your default viewer (i.e. Preview)? Preview adds a gray background to transparent PNGs for viewing purposes only. If the PNG is transparent in PS, it will be transparent when printed (presuming your print provider supports transparent PNG).

T

TJMolyneux94Author

Participating Frequently

Yes that's what I have been doing. It shows as transparent in photoshop and when I look at the file in my files, but when I double click to preview it, it has the white background.

The printing company said this '

are you able to provide artwork with a transparent background but with no transparencies in the actual print area?

These transparencies are printed with a white under-base which may show on a black t-shirt'.

Is there something I'm missing or have I done everything right?

Progressive Graphics VB

Inspiring

The Print Company is giving themselves an out if something shows up that wasn't supposed to. I'm confident you have things set up correctly as far as transparency is concerned.

If you have not submitted anything yet a quick cheat is to open your "flattened" PNG with transparent background in PS. Note it must be 1 single layer. Then add a layer of a contrasting solid color behind it, red, black, blue or yellow, any is good as long as it doesn't match the colors of your design.

If you can't see anything other than the color you added behind, either by eye or with the cursor show up where there should only be background color, you are good.

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