Having a problem figuring out how to use layers

[mpion55]

Hello all,

I've been trying to master the use of layers but I've it a snag, and I cannot seem to find a way to accomplish what I would like to do. I'm using photoshop elements 2018. The situation is this. I have a logo that has two elements but they are surrounded by a white background. I would like to get rid of the white background to have the background transparent. I selected the first part of the logo and saved it with "Layer via copy" so far so good. I'm trying to select the second part of the logo using the same process but keep getting the message " Could not make a new layer from the selection because no pixels are selected". The idea was to combine the two layers to have the logo in a transparent background. Is there a way to accomplish what I'm trying to do and if so how?

Thanks

[Peru Bob · Accepted solution]

Try using the magic eraser tool to erase the white.  You may need to adjust the tolerance.

Can you post the image here?

FAQ: How do I capture and post a screen shot or video?

[hatstead]

1. Save your logo to disk and open it in PSE Editor (expert tab)
2. Drag the padlock on the background layer (in the layers palette) to the trash can in order to unlock it
3. Set up the magic wand tool with tolerance=32, contiguous unchecked
4. Click on white background and hit delete on keyboard. ***see below
5. Save logo via File>save for web>PNG 24, transparency checked, in folder on desktop
6. Close PSE
7. Start from scratch with a picture
8. Open your logo from step 5, and drag it onto the picture (or copy/paste). It will come in as a separate layer in the layers palette.
9. Position and resize to suit with move tool.

If the background is a solid color, then the magic wand tool should work. However, if it is a complex background, then you will need to use one of the selection tools to select the foreground (i.e. logo).

Again, the point is to remove the background and save the logo in a file format which supports transparency.

[mpion55]

Thanks for taking the time to answer. Much appreciated.

[hatstead]

You're welcome. Glad to help.

[mpion55]

Thanks! That did the trick for me.