How to Get Rid of Background of Image in Illustrator
Illustrator is one of the best ways to create illustrations, drawings, designs, and many more. By default, the software provides a solid white artboard in the background of your work. It is helpful since it allows you to view your artwork better. But there might be instances that you don’t like the white background being present. This is especially true when you’re done with your artwork and saving it. Hence, you might want it to appear on a transparent background. If that’s the case, keep reading this guide. That way, making background transparent in Illustrator becomes an easy task.
- Part 1. What is Illustrator
- Part 2. How to Make Background Transparent in Illustrator
- Part 3. Pros and Cons of Using Illustrator
- Part 4. Best Alternative to Illustrator in Making Background Transparent
- Part 5. FAQs About How to Make Background Transparent in Illustrator
Part 1. What is Illustrator
For vector-based artwork, Adobe Illustrator stands as one of the most used and leading tools. It became an essential tool for illustrators, designers, and artists worldwide. The program was developed by one of the popular computer software companies, which is Adobe. Illustrator also boasts a huge array of powerful tools that users can utilize for their work. Using it, you can design icons, logos, complex illustrations, and sketches. Despite being popular and widely used, the tool still gets regular updates. Adobe wants to ensure that its users will continue to use the tool with its newly added features and functions. Having that said, here are the key features of Illustrator you need to know.
Key Features of Illustrator
◆ Illustrator excels in handling vector graphics. It ensures that your designs remain sharp and clear at any size.
◆ Adobe Illustrator provides a rich array of drawing tools. Starting from the Pen tool for precise paths to the Shape Builder for intuitive shapes.
◆ Typography is a highlight in Illustrator. The software allows you to manipulate text in countless ways. It offers a range of font options, spacing controls, and more.
◆ Advanced color options are also available. Hence, you can craft color palettes, fill shapes, apply gradient color schemes, and so on.
◆ It provides a Layer function that enables you to divide the elements of your design into distinct layers. Hence, it simplifies the process of editing one layer without affecting the rest.
Part 2. How to Make Background Transparent in Illustrator
As mentioned above, Illustrator has a white background artboard when you create a design. Yet, some wanted it to be transparent when they export it. If you’re in the same situation, worry no more. Adobe Illustrator offers various approaches to do it. Here, we’ll teach you the Image Trace method. With that, here’s how to remove background from a photo in Illustrator.
Firstly, launch Adobe Illustrator and open your file. Click the File > Open, or just press Ctrl + O on your keyboard. Then, import your image.
Now, choose and enable the Show Transparency Grid by heading to View. Optionally, you can press Ctrl + Shift + D (for Windows) or Cmd + Shift + D (for Mac). It will enable the transparent grid.
From the left toolbar, choose the Selection Tool and select the image. Then, navigate to the Window tab and select the Image Trace option from the drop-down menu.
The image tracing window will appear. From there, change the Mode section from Black and White to Color. Under the Advanced menu, choose the Ignore White option by clicking its checkbox.
After customizing the settings, click the Trace button. The process will begin, and you’ll have a photo with a transparent background.
Part 3. Pros and Cons of Using Illustrator
Now that you have learned to cut images from the background in Illustrator, it’s time to know its pros and cons. Despite its popularity and capabilities, there are still some benefits and drawbacks you need to consider.
Pros of Using Illustrator
◆ Excels at working with vectors, ensuring that the image retains its quality regardless of size.
◆ Offers tons of different tools, including making background images transparent.
◆ It can recover files, even those you haven’t saved yet.
◆ It can handle most file types, such as JPEG, PNG, TIF, BMP, PDF, and more.
◆ Its image tracing tool is a time-saving feature.
Cons of Using Illustrator
◆ The software requires user training. Its extensive features may overwhelm beginners.
◆ It may be resource-intensive as it consumes massive storage space.
◆ It only offers a 7-day free trial. Thus, it may not be suitable for users with budget constraints.
Part 4. Best Alternative to Illustrator in Making Background Transparent
No doubt, purchasing and learning how to delete an image background using Illustrator is worth it. Yet, it might not always be the case for users who want a free tool to erase the backdrop. If you want a practical method to do it, there’s one tool that we highly recommend. To cut the chase, MindOnMap Free Background Remover Online is that one. It is an AI-powered tool that excels in removing image backgrounds. It can detect and erase the background automatically. Apart from that, it offers tools where you can choose what to remove yourself. Plus, changing the backdrop to any solid colors or images is possible with this tool. As its name implies, it is accessible online through various web browsers. It means you can make your background transparent at any time and 100% for free! Instead of using Illustrator to erase the image background, use this one. Follow the easy steps below.
Navigate to the MindOnMap Free Background Remover Online website. Click Upload Images and choose the desired photo.
Using its AI technology, the tool will process your photo. Then, it will provide you with a transparent background in an instant. If you’re not satisfied, use the Keep and Erase options.
Finally, choose the Download button at the lower middle part of the interface. And it will be saved on your computer.
Part 5. FAQs About How to Make Background Transparent in Illustrator
How do I make the background of an artboard transparent in Illustrator?
To make the background of an artboard transparent in Illustrator, simply head to the overhead menu. Select the View tab and choose the Show Transparent option. Alternatively, you can use Control + Shift + D (Windows) or Command + Shift +D (Mac) keyboard shortcuts.
How much does Illustrator cost?
Adobe Illustrator is available through Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions. Pricing varies, and there are different plans. Illustrator pricing starts at US$22.99/month.
Should I draw in Photoshop or Illustrator?
Illustrator is better for vector-based drawings and designs. On the other hand, Photoshop is ideal for raster-based images and photo editing. Choose based on your project needs.
Conclusion
As shown above, that’s how to make background transparent in Illustrator. It might be overwhelming at first, but as long as you follow the guide above, it will never be challenging again. Now, if you prefer a straightforward method, use MindOnMap Free Background Remover Online. It is a perfect alternative if you have an internet connection already. With just a few steps, you can make your image background transparent and 100% free.
