I've edited a file in Preview, removing the background using the instant alpha tool, and leaving it as transparent, It all seems fine, but as soon as I save the file (as a png file) the background turns black. Why? I've removed the background from images before and successfully saved them as png's, this is a new problem...
Would appreciate any help or suggestions.
Thanks!
MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7.4), Preview program
Has anyone seen a solution to this problem?
This happens to me too, with Mountain Lion. It appears to be a bug in Preview. If the file starts out as something without transparency, a jpeg or even a png without transparency, Preview doesn't save it with transparency, even though Preview says it is - check the info for the image.
I have just found a workaround which may be useful: Take a screenshot of your image, then use instant alpha on that. It will be saved with transparency - look under info/general in the info panel.
I have got exactly the same problem - but it is weird its only just started - until a few days ago I could create a transparent b/g (and its listed in info) but now when saved I get the same black sections (and listed in info as no alpha) .... taking screen shot adding the alpha layer(s) and then exporting back to png works .... but why oh why? Such a bore....
I have the same problem and it is a huge problem for me and my work. It used to work fine... I don't understand what has happened. I tried to update preview, the problem persists. Hasn't anyone found a solution yet?
While this is still a problem. The workaround is still the most efficient way of dealing with this until Apple fixes this bug.
I had the same problem. Followed all the tutorials on how to make the background transparent using Preview for a png, gif, etc. Everything worked great until I "saved as" or "export"ed the png with alpha. The new file made the background (alpha) black. Then it occurred to me that the image was scanned using grayscale. Re-scanned the image in color mode. No more problems with the alpha turning black when saving.
I hope this helps, I needed to spend way too much time looking for and not succeeding in finding a solution.
Has Apple done this on purpose, so we have to spend more money for graphics software?
It seems like it would have to a deliberate aspect of the application - re turning black like this....
Plus, no one is finding any solutions and Apple is ignoring the situation....
HEY!!!!! Apple!! This is a problem, and has been for more than 3 years, according to this thread alone! A little help, please?!?!?
The issue seems to happen if you are dealing with an image where the color profile (right click on file > Get Info) does not support alpha (e.g. Generic Gray Gamma 2.2 Profile). Unfortunately, I did not find a build in (Preview) way to change the color profile easily. The best ways so far:
- Taking a screenshot (which will create a new image with a different color profile)
- Copy-pasting the image into an existing image with a different color profile before starting any modifications
OS X Lion - Preview. Problems saving an image with a transparent background
