How To Make Background Image Transparent In Google Slides

by

Google Slides is a versatile platform that allows you to create dynamic and interactive presentations. One of its many features is the ability to adjust the transparency of background images. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to make a background image transparent in Google Slides.

Why Make a Background Image Transparent?

Creating a transparent background can make your slides look cleaner and more professional. It allows you to overlay text or other images without completely blocking the background, giving your slides a layered effect. This can add depth to your presentation and make it more visually appealing.

Steps to Make a Background Image Transparent in Google Slides

Step 1: Upload the Image

Firstly, you need to upload the image that you’d like to make transparent. Click on the “Insert” button at the top of the page, then select “Image”, and finally “Upload from computer” to select your desired image.

Step 2: Adjust the Transparency

Once your image is uploaded, you would have to adjust its transparency. However, Google Slides does not currently have a built-in feature to adjust the transparency of an image directly. Instead, you’ll have to use a workaround by adjusting the transparency in another program, such as Google Drawings, and then importing the image back into Google Slides.

Here’s how you do it:

Open Google Drawings and upload your image. Click on the image and then select “Format Options”. In the sidebar that opens, you’ll see a slider under “Adjustments” for “Transparency”. Slide this to your desired level of transparency.

Here’s the code for that:

        var image = DocumentApp.getActiveDocument().getBody().appendImage(imageBlob);
        image.setTransparency(0.5);

Once you have adjusted the transparency, you need to save the image. Right-click the image, select “Download”, and then choose “PNG” (which supports transparency).

Step 3: Import the Image to Google Slides

Now, return to your Google Slides presentation and import the image you just saved. Click on “Insert”, then “Image”, and finally “Upload from computer”. Choose the image you just saved, and it will appear in your slide with the adjusted transparency.

Conclusion

While it is not directly possible to adjust image transparency in Google Slides, this workaround using Google Drawings can help you achieve the desired effect in a few straightforward steps. It’s a bit of an extra step, but it’s worth it for the added visual appeal it can give your presentations.