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Remove an image background in GIMP and export a transparent PNG

These instructions can be used with the free desktop app GIMP. The names may differ slightly between Windows, macOS, and Linux. Add an alpha channel to the layer where you can remove the background and export to PNG.

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Remove an image background in GIMP and export a transparent PNG overview: Make a layer with transparent information, Select and delete background, Export as PNG, Check results and try again
An overview of this guide’s steps and checks, not a screenshot of the app.

Who this guide is for and what to prepare

  • People who want to make the solid color background of product images and logos transparent

What you need

  • Copy the original image and prepare an image that allows you to easily check the outline.

Make a layer with transparent information

Open the image using File > Open, right-click the object in the layers panel, and select Add Alpha Channel. If the item is gray, it has already been added. An alpha channel is required to preserve the translucency of PNG.

  1. open image
  2. Select target layer
  3. Add alpha channel

Select and delete background

For a solid color background, select Tools > Selection Tools > Select Color Gamut and click on the background. Adjust the threshold, zoom in to see if the subject is selected, and press Delete. The checkered part is transparent.

  1. Select color gamut
  2. Click on the background
  3. Check the outline and press Delete

Export as PNG

Enter logo-transparent.png in [File] > [Export As] and press [Export]. Check the PNG settings and try [Export] again. JPEG is not selected because it cannot retain transparent information.

  1. Export as
  2. Change the extension to .png
  3. Confirm PNG settings

Check results and try again

Place the completed PNG on a viewer or document with a colored background and make sure there are no white squares or missing outlines. If you cut too much, lower the threshold and reselect Ctrl+Z. If you want to keep the editing process, save the XCF separately using [File] > [Save As].

  1. Check PNG on another background
  2. If you remove too much, restore it.
  3. Save XCF if necessary

Limitations and requirements

  • Transparency is not preserved when exporting to JPEG

Frequently asked questions

Even if I delete it, it remains white.

Check whether you have added an alpha channel to the target layer or selected another layer.

The edges of hair and shadows become jagged.

Lower the gamut selection threshold, adjust the contours with selection masks and foreground extraction, and then delete.

Official sources and verification date

Sources checked: . Check the official sources below for changes to supported systems, plans and menus.

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