Top 5 Ways to Remove Transparency from PNG Files

Lola Lin

Lola Lin

August 10, 2025

5 min read

Removing transparency from PNG files is a common task for designers, developers, and content creators. No matter if you're preparing images for an app store, website, or print materials, knowing how to remove transparency from PNG can save you time and hassle. In this guide, we'll dig in to the top 5 ways to remove transparency from PNG files, including tools like Adobe Express, remove.bg, and manual methods for Mac users. Let's get started!

Remove transparency from PNG files

1. Use Adobe Express to Remove Transparency

Adobe Express offers a free online tool to remove transparency from PNG files quickly. This is perfect for users who need a simple, no-installation solution.

  • How it works:

    1. Go to the Adobe Express transparent PNG maker.
    2. Upload your PNG file.
    3. The tool automatically removes the transparency.
    4. Download your new PNG with a solid background.

  • Key benefits:

    1. No software installation needed.
    2. Works directly in your web browser.
    3. Free to use for basic functions.

Use remove.bg to remove transparency

2. Use Assembo.ai to Create Custom Backgrounds

Assembo.ai is a great tool for product photography and background removal. While it specializes in creating transparent backgrounds, you can also use it to add solid backgrounds to your PNG files.

  • How to use Assembo.ai:

    1. Upload your PNG to Assembo.ai.
    2. Choose a solid color background.
    3. Download your image with the new background.

  • Why try Assembo.ai:

    1. AI-powered background removal and replacement.
    2. Batch processing available.
    3. High-quality results.

Learn more about Assembo.ai's features.

Use Preview on Mac to remove transparency

3. Remove Transparency Using Mac's Preview App

If you're a Mac user, you can remove transparency from PNG files using the built-in Preview app. This method is completely free and doesn't require any additional software.

  • Step-by-step guide:

    1. Open your PNG file in Preview.
    2. Click File > Export.
    3. Choose PNG as the format.
    4. Uncheck the 'Alpha' checkbox.
    5. Save your file.

  • Important notes:

    1. This method works best for simple transparency removal.
    2. Some versions of Preview may not have the Alpha checkbox.
    3. For batch processing, consider using Automator.

For more details, see this Stack Overflow discussion.

Use remove.bg to remove transparency

4. Use remove.bg to Replace Transparent Backgrounds

While remove.bg is best known for removing backgrounds, you can also use it to replace transparent areas with solid colors.

  • How to use remove.bg:

    1. Go to remove.bg.
    2. Upload your PNG file.
    3. After processing, click 'Edit'.
    4. Choose a solid color background.
    5. Download your modified image.

  • Advantages:

    1. AI-powered for precise edge detection.
    2. Quick processing time.
    3. Free option available.

Use Photoshop to remove transparency

5. Remove Transparency in Photoshop

For advanced users, Adobe Photoshop offers complete control over transparency removal.

  • Photoshop method:

    1. Open your PNG in Photoshop.
    2. Create a new layer below your image.
    3. Fill this layer with your desired background color.
    4. Flatten the image.
    5. Save as a new PNG without transparency.

  • Alternative method:

    1. Go to File > Export > Export As.
    2. Uncheck 'Transparency'.
    3. Choose your format and export.

  • Why use Photoshop:

    1. Complete control over the process.
    2. Can handle complex images.
    3. Batch processing possible with Actions.

For Photoshop help, visit Adobe's support community.

Final Thoughts

Removing transparency from PNG files is a simple process once you know the right tools and methods. Whether you choose online tools like Adobe Express and remove.bg, Mac's Preview app, or professional software like Photoshop, each method has its advantages. For quick results, online tools are great, while Photoshop offers more control for complex images. No matter if you're preparing app icons or product images, these methods will help you remove transparency from PNG files effectively.

See Also