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I need to edit a small image that uses transparency bits. I edited it in Paint that is included in Windows 7, and lost all the transparency.

Can the Paint app that is included with Windows 7 (aka Microsoft Paint) handle PNG files that use transparency?

I looked through all the options, and didn't see anything except for an option under Selection Options, which serves a different function.

Amazon Dies In Darkness
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2 Answers2

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No. Windows 7 Paint does not support transparency, although using color purple RGB: 255,0,255 could be used as a transparent color. Some programs pick it up, but MS Paint does not natively support transparency.

Paint.net (free program) does support transparency, and is easy to use. It even does support alpha-transparency.

Giacomo1968
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LPChip
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The Windows 7 version of Paint can't handle transparency, but the Windows 11 version of Microsoft Paint added transparency support in 2023. Simply open a transparent PNG and the transparent parts will be shown as a checkerboard.

Transparent star

To enable transparency on an existing image:

  • Click the Layers button on the toolbar
  • In the layers sidebar, find the background layer at the bottom.
  • Click the eye icon to toggle the background off.
  • Save your image

Enabling transparency

Stevoisiak
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