Windows shows a transparent image as black

[357mag]

I've been experimenting with Windows 10 lately and I don't like that circular photo they give you on the logon screen. I prefer squares instead of circles. So I come across an article that explains that you can get rid of the circular image altogether by replacing it with a transparent image. A photo with nothing basically.

So I went into Paint Shop Pro and just told the program to make my background transparent.

I saved it into a folder but when I looked at it Windows showed it as pure black.

When I loaded this image into account pictures it was of course pure black.

I wanted to ask here if anyone has any insight into why this is happening or if you know how you can prevent Windows from turning it black.

[LeviFiction]

What file format did you save it as? Keep in mind JPG doesn't support Transparency. If you saved it as a PNG, use the PNG Optimizer first by going to file -> Export -> PNG Optimizer. This will let you set the transparency and then those settings will be used for PNGs from then on.

If you're using GIF you likewise should use the GIF optimizer and set it to Existing Image or Layer Transparency.

[JoeB]

What file format did you save it as? Keep in mind JPG doesn't support Transparency. If you saved it as a PNG, use the PNG Optimizer first by going to file -> Export -> PNG Optimizer. This will let you set the transparency and then those settings will be used for PNGs from then on.

But I would add that you have to make sure to use the Optimizer every time you save an image as PNG when you want transparency preserved although, as you said, the Optimizer itself does remember your previous settings. I am adding this info because I - and at least one other poster some time ago - couldn't figure out why subsequent PNG saves were losing transparency. I had originally assumed that once you had these settings in the Optimizer that they would apply every time you used the Save As option without first having to run the optimizer again, which it doesn't do.

It would be nice if there was a checkbox or something that allowed you always apply the optimizer settings to all PNG saves, whether as Save or as Save As. There are only 2 reasons I use PNG - to save losslessly and to preserve transparency. I can't think of any reason why anyone wouldn't want to keep the preserve transparency option always active with PNG saves, whether or not the image actually contains transparency.

[357mag]

In the Optimizer box I'm choosing Single color transparency and I'm choosing Existing layer or image transparency but Windows still shows the photo as pure black. I've used the Wizard too and it always shows as pure black.

[JoeB]

In the Optimizer box I'm choosing Single color transparency and I'm choosing Existing layer or image transparency but Windows still shows the photo as pure black.

Try using the Alpha Channel transparency instead of the Single Color transparency option. But maybe it's just an issue with Windows not recognizing the transparency at all for the purpose you are using it, although the hint you got must have worked for the person who provided it.

[357mag]

Once I did try the Alpha Channel option and I got a pure white image.

[357mag]

Does not look like there is a way to do this. I've tried everything I can think of so far.

[Jean-Luc]

Once I did try the Alpha Channel option and I got a pure white image.

Are you sure you have those settings:

[JoeB]

Just to make sure we cover all bases, if you open those images in PSP again do they show the transparency in PSP?

[JoeB]

Once I did try the Alpha Channel option and I got a pure white image.

Are you sure you have those settings:

He said he was using Existing layer or image transparency, not single color transparency.

[357mag]

My settings are like yours. And when I re-open the image in Corel I see the transparent checkerboard pattern. Not a black image at all. I'm thinking this is a Windows problem.

[Jean-Luc]

When I loaded this image into account pictures it was of course pure black.

Ok. I see what you mean. PNG with transparency shows the transparency in black when displayed in File Explorer.
I think transparency is only "visible" or active on a website or in a program able to render it. If you load the "black" image in PSP or Word, you will see the transparency is applied.

[JoeB]

My settings are like yours. And when I re-open the image in Corel I see the transparent checkerboard pattern. Not a black image at all. I'm thinking this is a Windows problem.

This answer to Jean-Luc is confusing and contradictory. You previously said you were using Single Color transparency AND Existing Image or Layer transparency. Now you're saying that you are using Jean-Luc's settings, and his second setting is Areas that Match This Color. It can't be both.

Also, if you use Areas That Match This Color with a completely transparent image then you will not get a transparent image when you save it unless you make sure that the sample color is set to white.

Could you please clarify?

[ehume]

In the Optimizer box I'm choosing Single color transparency and I'm choosing Existing layer or image transparency but Windows still shows the photo as pure black. I've used the Wizard too and it always shows as pure black.

I am using Win 10-64. I created a new transparent file, used the optimizer and found the tab for making it transparent, I saved the transparent image as a .png. Then I looked at it. The directory thumbnail shows a black rectangle, but on opening it with Photos I get a white nothing, as it should be. I guess the thumbnail generating engine for Windows is not smart enough to portray transparent images accurately.

[357mag]

I'm using Areas that match this color. Color is set to white. Single color transparency. It still shows up as black. I think what that fellow said about only websites being able to render transparency might be correct.