How to Make an Image Transparent in Google Slides

Published On - January 17, 2026

ivan Blogging

Making an image transparent in Google Slides might seem tricky at first. But don’t worry—it’s actually super easy and a lot of fun! Whether you’re creating a presentation for school, work, or just for fun, adding a see-through effect to your images can give your slides a polished, professional look. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy software to do it.

TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read)

You can adjust the transparency of an image directly in Google Slides using the Format options menu. Simply click on the image, go to Format options > Adjustments, then slide the Transparency bar to your liking. While Google Slides doesn’t let you erase image backgrounds, you can use free online tools to make an image transparent before uploading. Easy, right?

Why Make an Image Transparent?

Great question! Here are a few good reasons:

  • Layering Text Over Images – If the image is too bold, transparent images help your text shine.
  • Adding Focus – Dim the background image so people focus on the content in front.
  • Design Vibes – Let’s be honest, it just looks awesome!

Step-by-Step Guide to Make an Image Transparent

Ready to jazz up your slides? Let’s walk through the steps, one click at a time.

1. Insert Your Image

If you haven’t added it yet, here’s how:

  1. Open your Google Slides presentation.
  2. Click on Insert in the top menu.
  3. Select Image, then pick where to get the image from (Upload, Drive, Photos, etc.).

Your image will now appear on the slide. Yay!

2. Select the Image

Click on the image you just added. You’ll see a blue border around it. That means it’s ready to customize!

3. Open Format Options

This is where the magic happens:

  • Right-click the image, then click Format options.
  • Or go to the top menu, click Format > Format options.

A toolbar will pop up on the right side of your screen. That’s your design hub!

4. Go to Adjustments

Under Format options, click the arrow next to Adjustments to expand it. You’ll see three sliders: Transparency, Brightness, and Contrast.

5. Adjust the Transparency

Now comes the fun part!

  • Slide the Transparency bar to the right.
  • The more you slide, the more see-through your image becomes.

Play with it until it looks 👌 just right.

Bonus Tip: Use Transparency With Text

Want a stylish slide with a transparent image and bold text on top? Easy!

  1. Insert your image and make it a little transparent using the steps above.
  2. Click Insert > Text box, then type your message.
  3. Place the text box over the image.

Voilà! You’ve got a sleek, professional look in seconds.

What If I Want to Remove the Background?

This is a bit different. Google Slides can’t do this directly. But don’t worry, we’ve got a workaround!

Use a Free Online Tool

There are websites that remove backgrounds like magic. Try these:

Here’s how to use Remove.bg:

  1. Go to Remove.bg.
  2. Upload your image.
  3. It removes the background instantly!
  4. Download the new, transparent image.
  5. Insert it into Google Slides and follow the steps above for even more transparency fun.

Cool Ways to Use Transparent Images

Still not sure where to use this trick? Here are some fun ideas:

  • Title Slides – A faded background image with bold text in front makes a great first impression.
  • Comparison Slides – Use two transparent images side-by-side to really show differences or similarities.
  • Charts with Personality – Pop a lightly transparent image behind your graphs to make your data look more exciting.

Oops! Messed Up? No Problem

We’ve all been there. Good news: You can always reset things.

  • Click the image.
  • Go to Format options > Reset image.

Everything goes back to how it was. Disaster = avoided.

Extra Styling Options

While you’re in the Format options menu, don’t stop at transparency. Try these too:

  • Brightness – Make your image lighter or darker.
  • Contrast – Sharpen or soften the edge balance
  • Drop Shadow – Add a subtle shadow for depth.
  • Reflection – Make it feel glossy and clean.

So many ways to make your slides pop!

Quick Recap!

To make an image transparent in Google Slides:

  1. Insert your image.
  2. Select the image and open Format options.
  3. Go to Adjustments.
  4. Slide the Transparency bar until it looks perfect.

Final Thoughts

Making images transparent adds a whole new level of creativity to your slides. It’s fast, it’s fun, and best of all—it’s free! Whether you’re explaining a big idea at work or jazzing up a school project, a see-through image can make everything smoother and cooler.

Now you know the secret. Go on, try it out and see how amazing your presentations can look. Happy sliding!