Transparency lets an image show the page or background behind it. It is commonly used for logos, icons, cut-outs and interface graphics. Not every file format supports transparent pixels.
Alpha channel basics
PNG and WebP can store an alpha channel that records how opaque each pixel is. A fully transparent pixel is invisible; a partially transparent pixel blends with the background.
JPEG does not preserve transparency
When a transparent image is saved as JPEG, transparent areas must be filled with a solid color, often white. Check the background color before conversion if the image will be placed on a colored page.
Removing a simple white background
A color-threshold tool can make near-white pixels transparent, but it cannot reliably separate every subject from every background. Hair, shadows, white objects and anti-aliased edges can be affected. Inspect the result closely.
Last reviewed: 14 November 2026. Always check the current requirements of the destination website or service before publishing or submitting an image.