Before getting into Photoshop, I’d like to mention that you could give LunaPic a try. You can use Lunapic to make your image transparent or to remove the background. You might also try the website Remove Background. It will attempt to remove the background of your pictures. Both of these options require you to upload your picture.

How do you take one of your images and make the background transparent using Photoshop CS4?

There are four steps to do this.

1. Open the image file in Photoshop
2. Unlock the Background Layer
3. Use the Magic Wand
4. Save as a PNG

Open the image in Photoshop

Save the image you want to have a transparent background. Images must be saved, not just copied and pasted. Do any cropping or resizing first. Run Photoshop. File, Open, find the image and open it.

Unlock the Background Layer

Find the Layer panel at the bottom right of the screen. If the layer does not have a padlock, go to the next step. If the layer has a padlock it is locked. Double click the padlock. Click OK in the pop up box. If the layer won’t unlock then ask for help. Some images are protected and can’t be edited like this.

Use the Magic Wand

Find the Magic Wand tool on the left toolbar. Click the Magic Wand icon – make sure the Magic Wand is selected. Click on the background to select it. Press the delete key on the keyboard. If the background goes checked then it is transparent. You may need to repeat this a few times. Sometimes you’ll need to use the rubber tool as well to work on some parts of the background.

Save as a PNG

From the menu choose File, Save. Choose PNG file type from the drop down – this is the only file type which will work as a transparent background.