Background won't stay transparent

[Kug...@adobeforums.com]

When I make a project with a transparent background the background becomes white when I export it for use in another application/program/etc.

When I create the project I set the background to transparent. I do not add a new background to compete with the transparent background.

Any way around this?

[Ed Hannigan]

What format did you save the file in? What other application did you put the file in?

[Kug...@adobeforums.com]

Usually the format is JPEG, but I've also done PDF & TIFF.

The other application has been Premiere Pro 2.0. I'd like to use photoshop files with transparent backgrounds in After Effects as well.

Thank you. Sorry I didn't include these details in the initial post.

[Kug...@adobeforums.com]

Oh, I've also exported files such as this to sites that allow you to make your own t-shirts and such. The biggest problem with that is I'll make a JPEG file with a transparent background to be placed on a black t-shirt, but the background is exported as white from photoshop. Thats another example when the background isn't transparent.

Thanks again!

[Ed Hannigan]

JPEG does not support transparency. There are no transparent JPEGS.

I don't know about Premiere Pro. Have you tried PNG or PSD files?

[Kug...@adobeforums.com]

I've never used PNG before. Unfortunately none of the print shops I know of use/allow PSD submissions. I'll do more research on this.

Thank you Ed!

[Robert_...@adobeforums.com]

You should probably ask the print shop what format they recommend and how
they would suggest you do it. Not all formats support transparency, those
that do may or many not be supported by your printer. This is why you need
to talk to them. Some that do support transparency include: TIFF, PSD, PNG,
BMP (I think, haven't used it in ages), GIF and there are a few others but
they aren't widely used. PNG, TIFF or PSD is probably going to be your best
choices.

Robert

[Ed Hannigan]

Note as well, that in many cases, depending what printing process is used, white equals transparency. Background colors show through unless you are using white ink or paint.

[Kug...@adobeforums.com]

Thanks guys!

Very helpful!

[Christi...@adobeforums.com]

I have used Photoshop CS3 and worked primarily on a MAC for the past 5 years. However, at my current employment I have to perform all work using a PC, with Photoshop CS4. When using a MAC, I know you can select images that you wish to be transparent, go to Help, and export image as transparent, allowing you to bring this image into any program displaying only the object, no background is included. How can I perform the same function in Photoshop CS4 on a PC? I have tried searching for help or tips on-line, but instructions either don't work or not explained to where they make sense to me. I hate PC! I love my MAC!!!

Thanks for any help you all can provide.

Thanks,
Christine Shull
Frustrated in Roseburg, Oregon

[Trez...@adobeforums.com]

Photoshop works the same on a Mac or PC. It is platform-neutral. If you are
finding differences, it is because of the substantial interface changes
between CS3 and CS4.

Trez

[Jim_J...@adobeforums.com]

That function over-simplified the process of preparing transparent images and probably burned a few people who used it but did not know any better. Notice that it appeared under the 'help' menu. It was not intended for bright folks like yourself. The humor is that it only takes 10 minutes to learn and understand what it did so that you can do it yourself with a lot more control.