Preserve background transparency

johnnye1975 · 10-07-2008

How do i preserve background transparency i photoshop so i do not get a white square around the image when i use the photoshop image in illustrator? Please help somebody?

sami1337 · 10-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnye1975

How do i preserve background transparency i photoshop so i do not get a white square around the image when i use the photoshop image in illustrator? Please help somebody?

Dear johnnye,

You should be able to keep the transparancy if you place a .png bitmap image in an illustrator document.

You may need illustrator cs3, but i have my doubts about that. I tried to place two images myself. Both of which i knew had no background. One apeared with, and one without. Don't ask me why or how it works.

**Tamlin** · 10-07-2008

If you mean when opening a PSD file in Illustrator, try creating a new document in Illustrator and then using File > Place... to import your PSD. If the original file has a transparent background, this will be preserved in Illustrator.

I have to admit that I'm very far from being an expert in Illustrator, so someone with more knowledge will probably be able to suggest a better method.

johnnye1975 · 10-08-2008

Thank you so much for your insight. I appreciate it.

sami1337 · 10-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamlin

If you mean when opening a PSD file in Illustrator, try creating a new document in Illustrator and then using File > Place... to import your PSD. If the original file has a transparent background, this will be preserved in Illustrator.

I have to admit that I'm very far from being an expert in Illustrator, so someone with more knowledge will probably be able to suggest a better method.

Well, i think if you save for web with photoshop as a png 24 with transparancy it should work. You can try to find work arounds and such, but the best methode remains copy pasting directly from photoshop to illustrator. You can just drag and drop it.

**synthetic** · 10-08-2008

The methods mentioned above will work but... I think the best way is to make sure your object is on a transparent layer in photoshop with no background layer... save it as a .PSD (which will hold additional layers in place if needed even if they are turned off for later editing) and then use File>Place as Tamlin mentioned to get object in AI. You will need to keep the .AI file and the .PSD file in the same location (ie same directory) or if you move AI file to another location... it will break the link to the .PSD file and you will have to relink it or Place it again.

The nice thing about doing it this way... this allows you to go back and make updates to the .PSD file in Photoshop and have it updated in Illustrator. You can embed the .PSD file so you don't have to worry about 2 files to keep together but then you loose the quick editing and link with PS then.

Also something to consider... if you have output settings for color set in PS to get accurate color in printing... you may even need to create a clipping path in PS around the object and save it as an .EPS and Place that into AI to retain that color info for set for output. I am not sure if .PSD files carry this info over or not.

johnnye1975 · 10-13-2008

Thank you so much for your insight. I really appreciate all of your guys help. I just discovered this site a few days ago and I think it is awesome. Once again, thanks for your help.

sami1337 · 10-13-2008

Glad i was able to take part in helping you.
It's always a good feeling when you help someone with what you know.

timmorrison · 11-01-2008

thanks very much for this - its really useful

commie-munkey · 11-06-2008

Synthetic had the best option. It is the most versitile.

sami1337 · 11-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by commie-munkey

Synthetic had the best option. It is the most versitile.

Depends.
I want my stuff to be easy and fast to use, and not being able to break something by deleting old files.

**synthetic** · 11-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sami1337

Depends.
I want my stuff to be easy and fast to use, and not being able to break something by deleting old files.

organization is an artist's best friend... it will make things "easy and fast to use"... how hard is it to keep 2 files in a little folder? Learn to keep your projects organized and issues like deleting linked files shouldn't be... an issue really. When you start dealing with hundreds of projects on a weekly basis... you will see how important organization is and how it will speed up your workflow.

**Tamlin** · 11-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by synthetic

organization is an artist's best friend... it will make things "easy and fast to use"...

Dammit!! I knew I was going wrong somewhere...

sami1337 · 11-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by synthetic

organization is an artist's best friend... it will make things "easy and fast to use"... how hard is it to keep 2 files in a little folder? Learn to keep your projects organized and issues like deleting linked files shouldn't be... an issue really. When you start dealing with hundreds of projects on a weekly basis... you will see how important organization is and how it will speed up your workflow.

Yeah i know, that's why i said it depends.

I only do little edits or whatever, nothing major. I guess it's a good practice if you're going to use indesign alot though.

**synthetic** · 11-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by sami1337

Yeah i know, that's why i said it depends.

I only do little edits or whatever, nothing major. I guess it's a good practice if you're going to use indesign alot though.

only good for InDesign? Nah... its good practice for all your graphic projects... no matter what application. I literally have dozens of projects at home (more on work computer)... some finished... some unfinished... some in works... etc. I have one folder called "working desk" that holds ALL my projects... then I have that broken down into subfolders for various clients and for projects with no client... I have folders setup for "illustrator work", "photoshop work", "flash work" etc. I have been told I am anal about file naming and organizing my files but... I usually never have problems locating things or with it slowing me down.

Tamlin... that is just how I handle my computer projects... you should see what my desk and home look like... chaotic lol. My organization is currently best done in virtual land hehe... still trying to bring it over to the real world