Transparent Background?

This question was sent in by Deb:

I began using my CD to learn Photoshop techniques for artists several weeks ago. All of a sudden I have a problem - it is likely addressed on the CD - but where??? I am designing my own business cards & website - and I can't figure out HOW to make my background invisible when I cut out & move a figure from one box to the other... The background comes out white, even when I designate it as "transparent" - I even tried doing it in Image Ready, but I'm doing SOMETHING wrong. Help, please!

And here is my reply:

Transparency is usually a function of the type of image you are working with.

If you open an existing photograph, the image will appear in one layer named Background . When you see that the name of the layer is in italics and uses a capital B, then it is an official Phototshop Background layer and you cannot place any layer underneath it. You will not be able to work with complete transparency when you have this type of background layer.

To change this type of layer to a normal layer, just double click on the name of the layer and rename it. Then you will have a layer that can be used for transparent images.

When you create a brand new blank image, and you use RGB color, you can set the background to Transparent at the time you create the new image. Then, you can add layers to the image and the background layer will always be transparent.

When you open some types of prepared clip art or other graphics, the background layer will already be transparent.

Sometimes an existing graphic will not have a transparent background layer. It may have the graphic on a white or colored background. If so, you may have to extract the graphic from the background.

This can be tedious and difficult depending on the edges of the image. First, try using the Magic Wand tool - set the Tolerance Option to 32 and click on the background color you want to get rid of. When the marching ants appear, click the Delete key. You can adjust the Tolerance lower or higher as needed. If this technique does not eliminate all of the background color, use your Eraser tool to get the rest. Use the Magnify tool to get up close where you can see the edges.

For more complicated background extractions, use the Background Eraser Tool or the Extract filter. If you need help with these, let me know.

Another issue may be related to how you are saving the image. If you save a JPG, then the background will always be white or another color. If you use the GIF option, then you can have a transparent background, but you have to check the box labeled Transparency in the Save for Web - GIF box. Depending on how you use the GIF image, you may need to assign a Matte color in that same box. The Matte color will prevent the edges of the image from appearing jagged on a colored background.

Please let me know if you need more assistance.