Loading an image into photoshop that has a transperant background

[Tjilpi Mike]

I am wanting to use an image in photoshop that is supposed to have a transperant background. It is a an eps file - vector image. On opening it in photoshop it has the grey square background that is usually associated with transperancy but in using it with other images the background is not transperant. 

Is there a trick in opening these files to utilise the tranperancy it has been created with?

Any help welcome

Thanks

Tjilpi

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[Dean_Utian]

Could you post a screenshot of what you see in Photoshop?

If you have a solid shape, say a circle, in an EPS file, then when it you open in Photoshop, everything around that circle should be transparent. 

What was used to create the EPS?

[Bojan Živković]

If you have downloaded file from the internet or from some stock site then you may have opened preview file which does have fake or non-photoshop transparency checkerboard which is created to simulate Photoshop's way of displaying transparency. Do you have access to another file which is not for preview purpose?

Please post screenshot with file open in Photoshop and Layers panel visible.

[Tjilpi Mike]

Thanks for the offers of held. The file is a shutterstock image downloaded under license. Screenshot is included as requested. 

[Dean_Utian]

From the screenshot, the tranaparency seems to be OK.

Is the problem when you create a new layer with some gaphic behind the crystal ball? If so, could you also show ascreenshot of what it looks like with the layer behind.

[Tjilpi Mike]

Here is a screenshot with a layer behind to which I've added some red brushstrokes. You can see the layer below but nothing on the overall image - indicating to me that the transperancy is not operating as it should 

[Dean_Utian]

Yes, looking at the image more carefully, the grey boxes are not the Photoshop transparency as they would be much smaller. They look the same size as the preview on the Shutterstock page.

As Jane has mentioned, Illustrator will be able to open the EPS showing the different components allowing you to delete the ones you don't want. 

[jane-e]

Hi

It is coming into PS with one non-transparent layer, and the square pixels are part of that one layer. It will be difficult or impossible to get rid of them in Photoshop in the area where they are behind the glass.

The eps is vector and you will need to open it in Adobe Illustrator or another vector package to see the vector layers and delete the one with the checkerboard. You can then use it in Illustrator or Photoshop.

~ Jane

[Tjilpi Mike]

Thanks!

[jane-e]

Let us know how the eps works in Illustrator, and show the layers panel (expanded) if you need to. Sometimes these images are grouped one or more times or there might be a clipping mask. The checkered pattern should be at the very bottom of the stacking order.

~ Jane

[Tjilpi Mike]

This is the Illustrator screen - layers panel opened. 

I could switch off the chequerboard but what remained was not transperant. 

Thoughts??

[Tjilpi Mike]

I deleted the layer and saved it but when it opened in Photoshop it was not transperant

[Dean_Utian]

Try save as an Illustrator (AI) file and try. If you Save As and select EPS, you should see  a Preview Format setting showing Transparent and Opaque. Of course Transparent needs to be selected.

[Dean_Utian]

I think we may have been posting at the same time. So to clarify,

- Delete the 'Background' in Illustrator (rather than imply hiding it).
Illustrator won't give you a preview of transparency do don't be too concerned if it doesn't look right in there.

- Save the file, either as an AI or EPS as I mentioned. You could save as a different name so you keep the original. 

- Bring that new file into Photoshop and test with another layer behind.

[Tjilpi Mike]

Yes tried that - still not transperant in PS

[Tjilpi Mike]

Ok my "tried that" answer was to your earlier reply

I'll try the latest 

[Tjilpi Mike]

thanks for all your help

I want to use these to create a Christmas card idea with grandchildren in the baubles. 

Need to be able to have layers behind and the transperant bauble in front

I'll try your latest suggestion and if not send you vai dropbox as suggested

[Dean_Utian]

I'm also happy to look at the file if you want to share it.  

[Tjilpi Mike]

Well deleting the background group and saving was partly successful. 

Here's the result. 

I can post a dropbox link to the original file in the thread of the conversation . 

Is that OK for you?

[Dean_Utian]

A dropbox link to the file will work for me.

[Tjilpi Mike]

Thanks Dean and Jane for your support. 

Here's the dropbox link -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/slyt5aqf3vkmtsr/758176315-vector.eps?dl=0 

Mike

[Dean_Utian · Accepted solution]

I downloaded your file and see it is complicated in its setup.

Here is what you can do.

- After opening the image in Photoshop without the background (where the globe looks black), convert the layer to a Smart Object. Click on the layer, then the menu icon in the top right of the layer panel (3 horizontal lines) and choose Convert to Smart Object.

- Set the layer to Screen.

- Try add a layer behind.

My version below:

[Tjilpi Mike]

Thanks for your suggestion Dean. This has worked well. 

Appreciate the assistance from you both. 

[jane-e]

Hi @Tjilpi Mike 

I'm glad it's working for you now! Don't forget to remove the image from your Dropbox, as this is a public forum.

~ Jane

[Dean_Utian]

What happens when you delete the 'Brackground' group? It appears to be what you want to remove.