help for a newb (Removing Background From Image)

[xtn]

hey guys,

i really don't know much about messing with graphics. i would like to know how to remove the background of an image so that there is nothing behind it. i attached an example. i want to remove the white background from the green image and use it as an icon. i just really don't know what to do...

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I'm assuming you used photoshop...

Assuming the button in one layer and the background is another layer, just delete the background layer.

 

[GoCubsGo]

The attachment you provided already has a transparent background. Transparency was preserved due to the image being a png.

As a png you are ready to make it into an icon...easily.

But in order to remove a white background from such an image you can take your wand tool in photoshop and select the white background. Be sure the layer you are working on is unlocked. Once you selected your white background hit the delete key. Save as a file type that will allow you to preserve transparency and that's it.

 

[xtn]

are you sure my icon doesn't have a "white background? b/c the file that i uploaded did, and it has a background when i changed my folders icon...but thanks for your help!

i do not have photoshop, but a program called "gimp". ill have to look and see if i have any tools similar to what you guys posted about.

 

[xtn]

jessica, you were right about the image. when i opened it in gimp it had no white background. but when i use it as an icon it does. can anyone explain this? i have another image that has a white background, but when i open the file it tells me it is all one layer. is there anyway to select all the white in the image and make it transparent or is there a way to divide the image up into multiple layers?

 

[20rogersc]

How are you using it as an icon?
Just using the preview image shown?
Or actually turning it into an icon file?

 

[xtn]

"get into" of a folder. then click on the icon image in the upper left hand corner. then just copy and paste whatever you want in place of the boring blue folders mac has as a default.

 

[decksnap]

I don't think that works the way you want unless you've actually converted it to an .icns file. That would explain the white background.

 

[xtn]

is there a program i should use to convert the file? free program preferably...

 

[20rogersc]

I think this should work, without the need to convert it to .icns.
Use an app like http://www.mkd.cc/pinki/ to create an icon for the file.
Then do the normal copy-get info-paste.

 

[xtn]

thanks very much! that worked great!

still would like to know if there is a way to divide an image into layers if my program is telling me its only one, or is there a way to make a certain color transparent?

 

[CanadaRAM]

thanks very much! that worked great!

still would like to know if there is a way to divide an image into layers if my program is telling me its only one?

That's a bit like asking how to put the eggs back into their shells if you have a plate of scrambled... The only way to recreate layers is to cut and paste different elements of the flat image and put them in new layers. For simple shapes and consistent colours, it is fairly easy -- use the Lasso tools or the Magic Wand tool to choose areas of the image, cut, and paste.

For images with complex outlines and blended colours, anti-aliased text or many internal elements, it is difficult to impossible.