What is the best AI photo background remover?
People spend too much time manually removing backgrounds, and AI isn't always the magic it claims to be.
How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Need to add text to an image but don't have a good place to put it? Try adding it as transparent text in Photoshop!
This tutorial will show you how to create a transparent text area, meaning the typography itself is completely transparent, allowing the image underneath to show through. We surround the text with a solid block of color, usually white, to reveal the shape of the letters, and then the text becomes the frame for the subject. This is a great design trick for images that are too busy for the text to be legible.
Creating transparent text in Photoshop is easy. Start by adding a new layer above your image and filling it with white. Then, add your text. To make the text transparent, we’ll use Photoshop’s Advanced Blending options to turn the typography layer into a highlight layer. This will punch holes in the shape of the letters, leading directly to the image below.
Step 1: Open the image
Start by opening the image you want to add a transparency effect to. For example, I downloaded this image of the New York skyline from Adobe Stock :
Step 2: Add a new layer
In the Layers panel, the image is on the Background layer. Click the Add New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
A new blank layer named Layer 1 appears above the image.
We will use this layer to create the white area around the text.
Step 3: Fill the new layer with white
Fill the layer with white by going to the Edit menu in the menu bar and selecting Fill .
In the Fill dialog box , set Contents to White. Then click OK.
Photoshop will fill the layer with white, temporarily blocking the image from view.
Step 4: Reduce the layer opacity
In the Layers panel, reduce the opacity of Layer 1 to 75%.
When the opacity is reduced, the image is now partially visible so we can see when adding text.
Step 5: Select Type Tool
In the toolbar, select the Type Tool .
Step 6: Choose font
In the Options Bar, select your font. We'll use Futura PT Heavy for this example, but any font with thick text will work.
Still in the Options Bar, set the font size to 150 pt. We'll need to resize the text once we've added it, but this should give us a large enough starting point.
Step 7: Set the text color to black
Before leaving the Options Bar, make sure the text color is set to black. If not, press D on your keyboard to reset it to default.
Black will allow us to see the text in front of a white background, but will disappear when we make the text transparent.
Step 8: Add text
Click inside the document and add your text. For example, we will type the words NEW YORK CITY.
Click the check mark in the Options Bar to accept.
In the Layers panel, the new text layer appears above Layer 1.
Step 9: Change text size
Go to the Edit menu in the menu and select Free Transform .
Photoshop surrounds the text with a transform box and handles.
But before dragging the handles, go to the Options Bar and make sure the link icon between the Width and Height fields is selected. This will lock the aspect ratio of the text when resizing so that the letters don't distort.
Then drag any handle to resize the text.
Here, the example will make the text larger to cover as much of the image as possible.
Then click and drag inside the transform box to reposition the text. For example, it will move the text in front of the water border.
When finished, press Enter (Win) / Return (Mac) on your keyboard to accept and close Free Transform.
Step 10: Change Blending Options
In the Layers panel, make sure the text layer is selected and click the Layer Effects (fx) icon at the bottom.
Then, select Blending Options from the top menu.
This will open Photoshop's Layer Style dialog box set to the main Blending Options.
In the Advanced Blending section , change the Knockout from None to Shallow. This will turn the text layer into a knockout layer, meaning Photoshop will use the shape of the letters to punch through layer 1 and reveal the image on the Background layer.
You won't see the effect until you drag the Fill Opacity down to 0%.
Click OK to close the Layer Style dialog box .
Not only does the text itself become transparent, but so does the area on layer 1 directly below the text, as if the text has been punched through.
The image on the Background layer is now visible through the letters.
Step 11: Select Layer 1
Resize the white area around the text so it doesn't cover the entire image.
Click Layer 1 in the Layers panel to select Layer 1.
Step 12: Resize the layer using Free Transform
Go back to the Edit menu and select Free Transform.
Before dragging the transform handles, go back to the Options Bar and this time unlink the Width and Height fields. This will allow us to drag the handles freely without worrying about the aspect ratio.
Then drag the top and bottom handles towards the text. Press Enter (Win) / Return (Mac) on your keyboard when you're done.
Step 13: Adjust the layer opacity
Finally, adjust the opacity of layer 1 to fine-tune the visibility of the text.
Increasing the opacity will make the white area around the text more readable. Decreasing the opacity will blur the text area in the image.
The example will set the opacity to 85%.
After increasing the opacity, the final transparent text area result should look like this.
How to Turn a Photo into a Pencil Sketch in Photoshop
This tutorial will show you how to easily turn a photo into a pencil sketch using Adobe Photoshop.
How to Resize Images Properly in Photoshop
Many people used to find resizing images very annoying until they learned about Photoshop's simple channel-based protection method.
How to create poster effect for photos in Photoshop
Add a quick and easy poster effect to your images using Photoshop to recreate the classic look of posters printed with limited ink colors.
6 AI Photo Editing Tools Better Than Photoshop
There are many AI photo editors that make Photoshop a second choice and AI features are useful tools for editing photos without having to learn complex Photoshop.
3 Most Favorite Features in Photoshop 2025
Photoshop 2025 packs new AI tools, smarter selections, and features you didn't know you needed until now.
How to Create a Monochrome Color Effect in Photoshop
This tutorial will show you a quick and easy way to add a monochrome color effect to an image using Adobe Photoshop.
How to create a shadow border in Photoshop
This tutorial will show you how to add canvas space and drop shadow to your photo in Photoshop to create a simple yet stylish photo border.
Why is Lens Blur a Photoshop tool used for artistic photo editing?
Adobe's Lens Blur tool makes it easy to review your photos, adding depth and focus to your photos.
Not AI, Actions is the Photoshop feature that users love
Hidden away in the app, Photoshop Actions is a beloved feature of the popular photo editing tool, meant to speed up workflows without the need for AI.
Why is using both Lightroom and Photoshop overkill for most photographers?
Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop are two of the best photo editing tools, but while many professionals use both together, you only need Lightroom if you're an amateur photographer.
How to create Picture in Picture effect in Photoshop
This tutorial will show you how to create a cool Picture in Picture effect with Adobe Photoshop by taking a single photo and creating the illusion that a smaller, cropped version of the same photo is inside it.
5 Reasons Why Photoshops Generative Workspace Is Adobes Best Feature
Generative Workspace is one of the top AI features announced at Adobe Max 2024. It will be the new home for your Generative AI images and files.
How to Create a Water Reflection Effect Using Generative Fill in Photoshop
With Generative Fill, powered by Adobe's Generative AI called Firefly, anyone can add realistic water reflection effects to their photos simply by drawing a selection, typing a few words, and clicking a button.
How to Paste an Image into a Selection in Photoshop
This tutorial will show you how to copy an image and paste it into a selection in another image using the Paste Into command in Adobe Photoshop.
Solving Microsoft Teams OneDrive Error File Sync
Tired of Microsoft Teams OneDrive Error blocking file sync? Follow our step-by-step guide to solve Microsoft Teams "OneDrive Error" File Sync issues quickly. Proven fixes for smooth collaboration in Teams channels. Get your files syncing error-free today!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Workflows and Power Automate Errors
Tired of Microsoft Teams workflows and Power Automate errors halting your productivity? Get step-by-step solutions to common issues like authentication failures, timeouts, and flow errors. Fix them in minutes and automate effortlessly!
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Download Error on Macbook
Facing Microsoft Teams "Download Error" on MacBook? Discover proven troubleshooting steps to resolve download failures quickly, from cache clears to reinstalls, and get back to smooth teamwork.
Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Where is Teams Folder Error
Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Where is Teams" Folder Error? Discover proven, step-by-step troubleshooting fixes to resolve it quickly and restore smooth teamwork. Latest methods included!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams JavaScript Error on Desktop App
Frustrated by Microsoft Teams JavaScript Error on desktop app? Discover proven steps to fix it fast: clear cache, update, reset, and reinstall. Get back to seamless collaboration in minutes!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Guest Login Error
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Guest Login" Error? Discover step-by-step fixes, from quick cache clears to admin settings, to resolve guest access issues fast and collaborate seamlessly. Updated with the latest tips!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams For PC Download Error
Tired of the Microsoft Teams "For PC" download error blocking your work? Follow our proven, step-by-step guide to resolve it quickly and get Teams running smoothly on your PC today.
Solving Microsoft Teams Windows 7 Login Error
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Windows 7" login error? Discover step-by-step fixes for this frustrating issue on Windows 10/11. Clear cache, edit registry, and more – get back to seamless collaboration today!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Error Code 0x80070005 (2026 Guide)
Tired of Microsoft Teams Error Code 0x80070005 blocking your meetings? Follow this 2026 guide with step-by-step fixes for access denied issues. Get Teams running smoothly in minutes!
How to Install the Microsoft Teams Add-in for Outlook 2026
Master the installation of the Microsoft Teams Add-in for Outlook 2026 effortlessly. Boost your productivity with seamless scheduling and meetings. Follow our proven, up-to-date steps for instant success!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams License Error 2026
Struggling with Microsoft Teams "License Error" 2026? Discover proven, step-by-step solutions to resolve it fast. Clear cache, check licenses, and get back to seamless collaboration—no IT help needed!
The Best Exercises for 50+
Whether youre in your 50s, 60s, or even 70s, its not too late to prioritize your health and put yourself first. Here are the best exercises for people 50 and older.
Solving Microsoft Teams Error Caa50024 on Windows 10/11
Struggling with Microsoft Teams Error Caa50024 on Windows 10/11? Follow our step-by-step fixes to resolve crashes and launch issues quickly. Latest proven solutions for seamless teamwork.
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Login Error AADSTS50011
Stuck with Microsoft Teams login error AADSTS50011? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve the reply URL mismatch issue and log in seamlessly. No tech skills needed!
How to Fix Microsoft Teams Win 7 Compatibility Error
Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Win 7" Compatibility Error blocking your meetings? Get instant fixes with our step-by-step guide, including workarounds for older Windows versions. Resolve it now and stay connected!