Eroica Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Hi, in Affinity Photo, if my PNG has a white background, is there an easy way to make the background transparent? Similar to this technique: https://www.sitepoint.com/easily-remove-white-or-black-backgrounds-with-blending-sliders-in-photoshop/ It uses Photoshop's "Blending Options" inside Layer styles, which I didn't find in Affinity Photo ... Alternatively, is it possible to remove the background by playing with the color channels? If yes, how exactly would I do that? I know that I could use the selection brush or "Magic Wand" tool to remove the background, but I assume it's "more perfect" by using the blending technique or playing with the color channels. I'm new to image manipulation though, so I would be grateful for any help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carl123 Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Try Filters> Colours> Erase White Paper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff MEB Posted January 2, 2017 Staff Share Posted January 2, 2017 Hi Eroica, Welcome to Affinity Forums :) In Affinity Photo go to menu Filters ▸ Colors ▸ Erase White Paper. This may not work for all colour images without protecting the subject with a selection first as it was designed to remove white from black and white drawings/sketches. In Affinity Designer (there's no filters here) select the layer, click on the cog icon on the top right of the layers panel to open the Blend Options dialog, then on the on the Source Layers Ranges graph (on the left), drag the right endpoint to the bottom and the left endpoint to the right until the white starts disappearing just around the borders of the elements (they become semi transparent) see screenshot below. You can also use this method in Affinity Photo. Ninjag-O-G 1 Quote A Guide to Learning Affinity Software | Affinity Quick Reference | Call for Camera Images Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alfred Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 In Affinity Designer (there's no filters here) select the layer, click on the cog icon on the top right of the layers panel to open the Blend Options dialog, then on the on the Source Layers Ranges graph (on the left), drag the right endpoint to the bottom and the left endpoint to the right until the white starts disappearing just around the borders of the elements (they become semi transparent) see screenshot below. You can also use this method in Affinity Photo. When I use that technique (in either Affinity Designer or Affinity Photo) after copying the image from the SitePoint article and choosing 'File > New From Clipboard', dragging the right endpoint to the bottom gives me a completely semi-transparent image. Dragging the left endpoint to the right then restores opacity to the main subject while keeping the background transparent. Quote Alfred Affinity Designer/Photo/Publisher 2 for Windows • Windows 10 Home/ProAffinity Designer/Photo/Publisher 2 for iPad • iPadOS 15.7.9 (iPad Air 2) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eroica Posted January 2, 2017 Author Share Posted January 2, 2017 @carl123, @MEB The problem I noticed with "Erase White Paper" was that somehow, instead of a transparent background I ended up with a cyan overlay (the image's object was 80% cyan color). Although I have to admit I just tested it again, and this time it worked ... However, MEB's second method worked flawlessly, thanks for all your hints! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
uncle808us Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 Sweet trick very handy. Thanks Meb. Quote Mac MacBook Pro 15 in. OS X 10.9.5, Mid 2012 456.77 GB Affinity Design and Photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronwyn Trina Posted September 16, 2017 Share Posted September 16, 2017 Great, this was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlafrance Posted January 31, 2018 Share Posted January 31, 2018 Perfect. "Erase White Paper" did the trick. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al S Posted September 10, 2018 Share Posted September 10, 2018 For me Affinity didn't even come close to Photoshop... The attached image shows Top - Photoshop background eraser tool Middle - Filters ▸ Colors ▸ Erase White Paper Bottom - Blend Options dialog, then on the on the Source Layers Ranges graph (on the left). Am I doing something wrong??? A background eraser tool across all 3 platforms (as good as photoshop) would be great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staff MEB Posted September 10, 2018 Staff Share Posted September 10, 2018 Hi Al S, Welcome to Affinity Forums Do you mind uploading the original image shown on your screenshot please? I can provide you an upload link in case you wish to keep it private - just let me know. Quote A Guide to Learning Affinity Software | Affinity Quick Reference | Call for Camera Images Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al S Posted September 11, 2018 Share Posted September 11, 2018 I just used it to have a try at removing the background.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PaoloT Posted August 24, 2022 Share Posted August 24, 2022 One very primitive trick I've used for decades (in Photoshop) is using the magic wand and then deleting. This might cause too much deletion on the borders, though. But sometimes it works just fine. Paolo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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