How to Make a Picture Transparent in Word - Step by Step

Why make an image transparent using Word

Making an image transparent in Word allows you to improve layout design without needing advanced software. Here's why you might want to use this feature:

• Enhance text readability: Without losing the clarity of the image, you can put the text over the images. If you lower image opacity, then it will help your words appear to be visible and clean.
• Create modern, minimal designs: A transparent image makes your document appear sleek and refined. Fades will help you avoid having harsh edges and visual clutter.
• Blend images into page elements: You can also take out the backgrounds from photos and make them similar to the color of the document. The shift from section to section looks smooth.
• Draw attention to key content: Reducing image visibility makes you lead the focus to charts, headlines, or other important text. It gets your audience where you want them to be.
• Layer visuals for depth and style: With this, you can stack transparent shapes, icons, or logos, giving you a rich layered effect. It presents a creative impact without overwhelming your content.

Make a picture transparent: "Insert shape with picture fill" feature

If you're using Word 2016 or newer, the "Insert Shape with Picture Fill" method gives you full control over image transparency. This method works on both Windows and Mac. Follow the steps below to make your picture transparent easily and precisely.

STEP 1
1. Insert a shape

Go to the "Insert" tab on the top menu. Click on "Shapes" and choose a rectangle or any shape that suits your layout. You're not limited to just rectangles, you can use circles or other shapes too.

STEP 2
1. Draw the shape

Click and drag to draw the shape on your document. Position it exactly where you want the transparent image to appear. Don't worry about the size yet—you can resize it later.

STEP 3
1. Open format shape options

Right-click the shape you just created. From the menu, select "Format Shape." A pane will appear on the right side of your screen. This is where you'll control the fill and transparency settings.

STEP 4
1. Apply picture fill

In the Format Shape pane, click on "Fill," then select "Picture or texture fill." Next, click "From a File" and choose the image you want to use. It will fill the shape instantly.

STEP 5
1. Adjust transparency

Still in the "Format Shape" pane, find the "Transparency" slider. Drag it to your preferred setting, 0% for full visibility, 30% for mild fade, or 100% to make it invisible.

Make the background transparent: "Transparency presets" feature

If you're using Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, or later, you can easily make the background of a picture transparent using built-in transparency presets. Here's how you can do it step by step:

STEP 1
1. Insert your picture

Go to the "Insert" tab, click "Pictures," and choose the image you want to use. Once inserted, you'll see your picture on the document, ready for editing.

STEP 2
1. Select and adjust your image

Click on the image to select it. Resize or reposition it depending on where and how you want the transparency to appear in your layout.

STEP 3
1. Open transparency settings

With the image still selected, go to the "Picture Format" tab at the top. In the "Adjust" group, click on "Transparency" to open quick transparency tools.

STEP 4
1. Apply preset or custom transparency

You'll see several preset transparency options. Click on the one that fits your design. For more control, choose "Picture Transparency Options" and adjust the slider manually.

Remove the image background in Word

STEP 1
1. Insert and select your picture

Start by inserting the image you want to edit. Click on the image to select it. Once selected, you'll see a new tab appear on the toolbar called "Format" or "Picture Tools."

STEP 2
1. Click "Remove Background"

In the "Format" tab, look for the "Remove Background" button, usually on the far-left side of the ribbon. Click it. Word will automatically detect the background and highlight it in magenta.

STEP 3
1. Refine the selection

Use the tools "Mark Areas to Keep" and "Mark Areas to Remove."Use your mouse like a pencil to mark the parts you want to keep or erase. Once everything looks right, click "Keep Changes." Word will remove the magenta-marked areas and keep only the parts you selected.

Basic transparency options are available in Microsoft Word, but the selective transparency settings are not accurately covered. It is not easy to blend edges or fine-tune opacity for different parts of an image. That's where CapCut stands out. Using its amazing features, you can get complete control of transparency so you can perfect your image. Continue reading to learn how to achieve custom transparency in CapCut.

Bonus method: Make the image background transparent using CapCut

CapCut is a free, powerful video editor to make an image background transparent easily due to its opacity adjustment feature. You can pick different transparent modes, including brighten, screen, darken, and so on. CpaCut gives you complete control over your opacity, saturation, contrast, brightness (etc.). This method saves you time and will produce professional results. Start making your image transparent by downloading CapCut from here today!

Key features

• Opacity slider: You can adjust the transparency of your image by dragging the opacity slider.
• Remove BG: CapCut allows you to easily remove the background from your image with just one click.
• Export in PNG: You can export images with a transparent background in PNG format using CapCut.

How to make the picture background transparent using CapCut

STEP 1
1. Start a new project

First, open CapCut on your device and create a new project. Once you're in, click on the "Import" button to upload the image you want to work on. After selecting the image, drag it to your timeline or editing canvas.

STEP 2
1. Make the image transparent

Now that your image is in the timeline, select it. To make it transparent, click on the image on the timeline, go to "Video" and select "Basic." Now, adjust the image transparency by dragging the opacity slider. You can select different modes to achieve different visual results.

STEP 3
1. Export the image

Once you're satisfied with your transparent image, it's time to export it. Click on the three-line menu at the top, then select "Export Still Frames." Choose PNG or JPEG as the format. Adjust the resolution and export location as needed, and then hit "Export."

Tips for better image transparency results

To achieve flawless image transparency, either with or without the background, you need to follow the tips mentioned in the following section:

For making a picture transparent

• Combine transparency with effects

A combination of transparency with subtle effects will make your transparent images pop out. A soft shadow or gentle edge will help to blend your image into your layout smoothly. The additional benefit of layering multiple effects is that it really adds to the overall look and makes it look more polished and more professional. CapCut provides lots of visual effects, and you can pick any effect to combine with the transparent image background.

• Maintain contrast for readability

When you apply transparency, always think about the background. To keep text readable, transparent images should go over solid or contrasting backgrounds. Do not place light text over light transparent areas. CapCut also allows you to adjust the text color and style if necessary, so it will still look great on a transparent image.

• Use high-resolution images

Low-resolution images can be rendered pixelated or blurry by transparency. Always use high-resolution images to keep things neat. CapCut allows you to export images in high resolutions, including 2K, 4K, and 8K.

For a background-removed image

• Save images as PNG files

To get the best results, save your images as PNG files. PNGs support the transparency of backgrounds, which is perfect for pre-edited images. Don't use formats like JPG or BMP due to the fact that they don't preserve transparency. For the best transparency, you can export images in PNG with CapCut.

• Check the edges closely

Before saving, zoom in and look at the edges. If you see rough spots or leftover background, use your tools to clean them up. This step makes a big difference in how polished your image looks.

• Test your image on different backgrounds

Try placing your PNG image over various background colors. This helps you spot any missed areas or unwanted shadows. It’s a quick check that keeps your visuals looking crisp everywhere you use them.

Conclusion

Knowing how to make pictures transparent in Word can help make your document visually appealing. Choose which method is suitable for the Word version you are using and your particular design needs. For older versions of Word, you can still adjust transparency, but it's more complicated. Word, however, does not offer advanced editing tools or flexibility. CapCut is your best free option if you want a richer, more customized experience. This means you can have complete control of transparency and image editing features. Download CapCut now to add power to your image editing.

FAQs

1
1. Can you make only part of an image transparent in Word?

Yes, you can make part of an image transparent in Word using the "Set Transparent Color" feature. This method allows you to select one color in the image and make it transparent. However, it's a basic tool with limited control. For more detailed transparency, like partial image fades, CapCut offers greater flexibility, allowing you to edit specific areas of an image before importing it into Word.

2
1. What kind of shapes can I use to apply image fill with transparency in Word?

You can use any shape, such as rectangles, circles, or custom shapes, to apply an image filled with transparency. Simply insert a shape, right-click to format it, and choose "Picture or texture fill." Then, adjust the transparency slider to your preference.

3
1. How much transparency is ideal for background images in Word?

The ideal transparency for background images usually ranges from 0% to 100%. You can adjust based on your document's design and content. For more precise control, use CapCut to adjust the opacity of the image before inserting it into Word for better clarity and contrast.