Create a Transparent Background Using Free Graphic Software

For those of you who don't own a fancy graphics program like PhotoShop, you can still create images with transparency.

There are a few free graphics programs for download that probably do just about the same types of things, but the one I began with was Paint.NET. (go here to download it: http://www.getpaint.net/)

I do have PhotoShop, but have not taken the time to figure it out, and the free program gives me the ability to do what I need to, for now, when designing for my Zazzle shops.

Removing background images (isolating images) from my photos is essential to my work.  If you take a lot of photos for your Zazzle store, and would to use them as transparent images, I hope this tutorial will help.

This is how I remove the background from my photos.  It may not be the best way or even the correct way, but it's what I do.

Once you are in the Paint program, don't forget to size your images at 300dpi for use on Zazzle products.  (I think t-shirts and some other products need only 200dpi, but I always use the 300 setting for a good clear picture.)

To do that, click on "image" in the top bar, to the left, and then choose 300 in the Resolution line.  After that you can choose your preferred picture size.  (Be sure to also click the "Maintain aspect ratio" to keep the image from being distorted.)

Once you have uploaded the Paint.NET program to your computer,  select "open" in the "file" area which is in the top left corner of Paint.NET, and find the picture you will use.

In my example, I will remove the background from a queen conch shell which I photographed on the window sill in my house. 

If I want to add this pretty seashell to products in my Zazzle shop, such as t-shirts, bags or mugs, it will look better without the background.

With the lasso you will trace along the perimeter of the image in small, manageable sections and then click the "cutting" scissors icon in the top bar.  To do this, click on the lasso and then position your mouse on the page and hold down the left button while your move the lasso over the image.  Wherever you stop, the lasso will attach to itself to make a loop.  Go right off the "paper" to make sure and erase all of the edge.

In my example to the left, you can see how I used the lasso to follow the edge of the shell and then after making the cut, a checkerboard pattern shows which indicates that the area is transparent.

Continue doing this until your image has all of the background cut away, except for the part that is close to the item you want left. If you can't get very close to parts of the image, don't worry, they will be removed with the eraser.

Once my image is singled out and it looks to me like the entire background is transparent, I add a layer of white or black (choose a color that is different from what the background color was) to check for small areas I may have missed while erasing.  It will also show any jagged edges that need to be smoothed out.

It's tedious work, but your end product can be used in many ways, when done correctly.

Additionally, a shadow can be added to create an effect that makes the image pop off the page.