Remove a background in a bmp file

[johng7918926]

Can anyone provide me with a step by step instruction as to how I can remove the white box that is the background of my bmp file?

[Peru Bob]

Can you post a screenshot of it?

[Mark_Sand]

I'm guessing you want to replace the white background with transparency.

If that is the case, here is one way:

1. Duplicate the Background layer.

2. Turn off the visibility of the Background layer or just delete it.

3. On the copy layer use the Magic Wand tool to select any portion of the white. This selects all the white. In this example I unchecked the Contiguous box on the options bar since there was background within the flower pot.

4. Delete the selection, which is then replaced by transparency (indicated by checkerboard pattern).

5. Save the file in a format that supports transparency, such as psd, gif, png, tiff, depending on where you plan to use the picture. Note that bmp and jpg do not support transparency.

The reason for the copy layer:  If you select the white on the Background layer and delete it, it is replaced not by transparency but by the current color as defined in the background color chip on the toolbar. Since this is white by default you end up where you started.

If this is not what you want do to, please clarify.