How to save and export files with a transparent background

In this tutorial we will show you how to save and export files with a transparent background in Inkscape. This is important for designs such as sublimation. When exporting you may still have issues with a white background showing. We will show you how to get around this so your files export with a transparent background

In this tutorial we are using this fall sublimation bundle but we have a great selection of Fall Sublimation Designs for you to choose from.

Step 1 - Export File Options Explained

When you Export a file, it is saved as PNG. Before we export, we need to understand the export settings. The export examples below are a visual guide. We will be exporting with a transparent background in a later step. So for now, the images will have a white background.

Set up your Design

We quickly set up our work area and placed multiple PNG designs in one document. If needed, resize the images to the required size for the document. For designs that have been ungrouped, you will need to use the Move Tool and click + drag a bounding box around all of the objects to select and resize together.

We have a great tutorial on grouping and ungrouping of objects in Inkscape if needed.

Locate Export PNG Image Panel

When saving as an image for use in projects like sublimation, you will want to save as PNG. JPG will not allow a transparent background.

To save as a PNG file go to File > Export PNG. The Export PNG Image window will appear on the right hand side.

You will have four options for exporting.

Page Export Area

The Page Export Area option exports everything on the page area. As an example, we resized the design so it was a bit off the page. Then we exported it.

We then opened the exported PNG file in Inkscape. This is the result you will get when exporting the page area. Anything that is off the page will be cut off.

We added a blue background to give a better visual. You can see that the export has a white background.

Drawing Export Area

The Drawing Export Area does the opposite of the Page export option. Everything on the workspace space, whether on or off the page, is included. We duplicated the design to show this example.

This is the result of the exported PNG image.

Selection Export Area

With the Selection Export Area, the areas that are selected will be exported. This is especially useful when a purchased product contains multiple designs on one page.

We selected the top right image. Even when exporting, it doesn’t matter if the object is off the page. As long as that selection is active, the area will be exported.

When opening the exported PNG in Inkscape, this is what we see.

There is one important thing to note when using the Selection Export Area. Any overlapping images will also be exported. In the example below, we repositioned another design behind our selected one. Then selected the top “Pumpkin Spice everything” design and exported it.

We then opened the PNG image. Everything within the selected area was exported.

Custom Export Area

The Custom Export Area is not often used but does allow you to select your export requirements.

Step 2 - Export Files with Transparent Background

As noted at the beginning, your image may export with a white background. We need to change one small setting in the Document Properties to fix this.

Edit Document Properties

Go to File > Document Properties. Near the bottom of the Document Properties window you will see Background Color. The white rectangle indicates that a white background is being exported.

Click on the white rectangle to open the small window. Then change the A: or Alpha to 0 either by using the sliders or typing in the value.

Click on the "X" to close out of this window.

Now go back to the Export PNG Image Panel. Change the DPI to 300 for a better resolution result. For the Filename, click on Export As and choose a location. Then, click on Export. Next, we opened the exported PNG in Inkscape and added a color background for a visual reference.

As you can see, after changing one little setting, we can now export with a transparent background.

Step 3 - Save File with Transparent Background

Saving your design as a SVG is the best option if you want a transparent background. That is, as long as a background hasn’t been added. Saving as a SVG means you can go back at any time and edit your design. It is also a popular format for use with cutting machines.

All we need to do is go to File > Save as. Then, in the window that appears, choose a location and name. Next to Save as type choose either Inkscape SVG or Plain SVG. Then click Save.

Once saved, test the SVG in another program like Silhouette Studio. The file shows up with a transparent background.

Now you know how to save and export files with a transparent background in Inkscape. By changing a single Document setting, you now have more flexibility when exporting images. We hope that you enjoyed this tutorial and can use what you have learned in future projects.