Whether you want to create a logo or another type of graphic, it can help to be able to have a transparent background. On a standard image, the background will always be the same color, and it can take up more space. But with a transparent background, you can put the image on any background, and you will not have to worry about whether the image will show or not. 

Do vector images have transparent backgrounds? Yes, vector images typically follow the EPS file format, which has a transparent background by default. When creating a vector image, there is no need to change any special settings to make the background transparent. As long as the file is saved as an EPS, it will have a transparent background.

Whether you are a graphic designer or looking to get into graphic design, you should be able to create transparent backgrounds. Designing a vector image is an easy way to do this since you don’t have to select any specific settings. If you can save your file as an EPS, you will have a transparent background.

» MORE: Do EPS Files Have a DPI? [7 Important Facts]

What Is a Transparent Background?

An image with a transparent background means that the image file has a clear background. Most photos and images have some sort of background, whether that is a landscape or a solid color. However, some images, like logos, usually have transparent backgrounds.

• An image with a transparent background will have the main image or icon. The “background” will look like the color that you put the image on.
• If you put the image in a white document, it will appear to have a white background.
• Or if you put the image on a black background, it will look black.
• On the other hand, an image that does not have a transparent background will always have the same color behind the main part of the image.
• Whether you put an image on a black or white backing, the color of the image’s background will show.

A transparent background is not always necessary, but it can be especially helpful for logos or other images that you need to print in different sizes. Working with vector images will almost guarantee that your image will have a transparent background. However, you should know how to create a transparent background.

» MORE: Why is Your PNG File Not Transparent? Easy Fixes

Why Does It Matter?

If you are deciding between having a transparent background or not, you should consider its benefits. Transparent backgrounds are common with vector images, which are often used for logos and other graphics. While you may not always need a transparent background, it can affect how the image looks.

Without a clear background, you are stuck with the color of the background you use when creating the file. Of course, this may not be a problem for images like portraits. However, if you want flexibility with the image, you should make sure it has a transparent background.

Transparent backdrops also make it easier to change the size of an image. If you have a logo that you want to include on different documents, they may require different sizes. You can use a smaller size in your business cards, but you can scale the logo to make it bigger for your website.

“Good design’s not about what medium you’re working in. It’s about thinking hard about what you want to do and what you have to work with before you start.” – Susan Kare

» MORE: 7 Reasons Why EPS Files Are So Large

How to Create a Vector Image

If you need to create an image with a transparent background, a vector file is your best option. Vector images almost always have clear backdrops, so you don’t have to worry about following any complicated steps. Now, you do have to use a program that can create vector images.

Compared to formats like JPG and PNG, you should have an image editor that you can use to create and edit the image. You may not be able to create the image in any program, but you do have a few options. Some common programs you can use to create vector images include Illustrator, Photoshop, and CorelDRAW.

As long as you save the file correctly, as an EPS file, you should have no problem using your vector image with its transparent background. Of course, you will have to pay for some of those programs. However, it will be worth it if you need to create a lot of vector images.

» MORE: Are EPS Files CMYK or RGB?

Choose Your Design Program

The first step to creating a vector image with a transparent background to choose which design program to use. Depending on your design and editing skills, you can choose a simpler program, like Placeit. Or you can use a program with more features, like Illustrator.

• Placeit is an excellent option for anyone who isn’t a designer but needs to work with vector images. It’s an online program, so you don’t have to worry about downloading anything. (Placeit is our recommended option)
• Adobe Illustrator is a popular program for working with vector images. If you already have an Adobe subscription, it won’t cost extra. It is also relatively easy to save your files as EPS files. You can create a file in Illustrator then save it as an EPS file. Make sure to set the background color to transparent.
• If you do not want to use Illustrator, you can also use Adobe Photoshop. Once you create a file, you can edit the image so that it does not have a background.
• Another option to consider is CorelDRAW. You can create an image in the program, and you can export it as an EPS file.

Whether you are a professional graphic designer or need a program for a single project, you can create a vector image with a transparent background. Once you choose the right program for you, it’s time to get to designing.

Create the Design

Depending on the program you choose, the specific steps to creating a vector image will vary. Placeit is probably the easiest program to use, and Photoshop is the hardest. So make sure you follow the steps for the program that you have.

Not only is Placeit the easiest to use, but their library of graphics is the largest and every graphic is fully commercially useable. This way you don’t have to start from scratch.

BONUS: Placeit was kind enough to extend a 15% off discount to All Free Mockups readers. You can find the coupon here.

When using Illustrator, create a file of your choice, add the elements you want, and finalize your design. To download it, save it as an EPS file. Then, go to the preview section and select Transparent for the background.

Creating a vector image in Photoshop is a bit more complicated. You will need to use the Magic Wand tool to get rid of the background. However, you can then save it as an EPS file with a clear backdrop. If you have never used Photoshop, it can take some practice to get the hang of the different tools.

CorelDRAW lets you create a file as normal, and you can add any text or images to your design. When you are ready to export your design, you can click Export and select EPS as the file type. Make sure to select a transparent background when previewing the final image.

Using Your EPS File

Once you finish designing and exporting your vector image, you can use it for many things. For one, you can put it on smaller files, like business cards. Or you can scale the image for a big billboard.

Logos are probably the most common use for vector images, but you can use them to create all sorts of graphics. And luckily, you do not need to be a professional graphic designer to create a vector image.