By: ChangeImageTo.com Team ·
When you remove an image background, you usually have two main options: replace it with pure white, or make it transparent. Both are useful, but they solve different problems. This article explains when to choose each option and how to create both with our free tools.
What is a white background?
A white background means your subject sits on a solid white color, typically #FFFFFF. This is what you see in most ecommerce product photos and catalog images.
You can create this instantly with:
What is a transparent background?
A transparent background removes the background entirely so that only the subject remains. When viewed in editors, it’s usually shown as a gray checkerboard pattern. On websites and designs, the subject takes on whatever background color or image is behind it.
You can create transparent images with:
- Remove Background from Image – export PNG with transparency.
- Change Image Background – remove and optionally keep it transparent.
When to use white vs transparent backgrounds
Use white background when:
- You are preparing Amazon or ecommerce product photos and need a clean catalog look.
- You want consistent social media posts with a minimal, bright aesthetic.
- You’re exporting static images for presentations, PDFs, or print where the background won’t change.
Use transparent background when:
- You plan to layer the subject over different backgrounds in design tools (Figma, Canva, PowerPoint, etc.).
- You need logos, icons, or cutouts that can sit on any color.
- You’re creating templates where the background might change later.
How to switch between transparent and white backgrounds
- Start with background removal: Use Remove Background from Image to get a clean transparent cutout.
- Export transparent PNG: Save the result if you need transparency.
- Add a white background version: Open the same image in Change Image Background to White or Change Background to White Online to generate a white‑background version.