Saving an image with transparent background

[ToddPig]

I'm creating a visual BOM, and would like to include pictures for each part.  In Solidworks, I have the option to remove the background when saving as a PNG file.  I can't figure out how to do this in Inventor.  

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

[pball]

This is under the options when exporting as a PNG.

[mcgyvr]

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@pball wrote:

This is under the options when exporting as a PNG.

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For all exportable image formats really.. Not just ping..

[ToddPig]

I don't have that check box. Is there another check box I need to check for that check box to show up?

[CGBenner]

@mcgyvr @ToddPig @pball 

I tested with .jpg and the transparency did not work, but with .png it worked fine.  Never knew about this until today.  I love learning new stuff!

[ToddPig]

Solidworks is the same way (I don't think JPG's can be transparent.)

[mcgyvr]

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@ToddPig wrote:
I don't have that check box. Is there another check box I need to check for that check box to show up?

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@ToddPig  What version of Inventor are you using?

When you do a "File--> Export-->Image" and press the options button next to the save button what do you see there?

[Bill_Bogan1]

.jpg is a lossy compression format, I've never seen the option to export with transparency. PNG & TIFF both support transparency. PNG is a much smaller file size. Sometimes smaller than .jpg sometimes not. 

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Folks,

Here is a convoluted workaround. It should work. You can export the idw as an AutoCAD dwg. Then start a new part -> Import -> pick the dwg -> pick XY plane. Export the ipt as an image (check "Transparent Background" option).

Many thanks!

[ToddPig]

Autodesk Inventor Professional 2018
64-bit edition
Build: 112, Release: 2018 - Date: Thru 02/16/2017

[ToddPig]

if "Inventor" was called "Work Around" it would make more sense.

[TheCADWhisperer]

Attach example file here and I will demonstrate correct technique.

[cadman777]

Sounds to me like an increasing number of people are using Inventor like structural steel programs function.

Hmm ... where have I seen that before??

I just open the png file in my Paint program and change the background color to Transparent.

It's one more step, but it's simple, quick and it works.

It's one of my myriad of 'Work Arounds'...

I wonder if the BOM 'thumbnail' can be used like that?
Anybody know a way to change the background to transparent, and then use it instead of making a new png file for every part in a model? It would be an excellent workflow for flatpatterns. Can you imagine making pics for 700 parts in a structural project, showing the end treatments on all the structural members? Yikes!

[jaecewendling]

Any idea why it is not selectable (greyed out)? 

[swalton]

I'm on Inventor 2025.  I can set the png background as transparent when exporting an .ipt or .iam file.  I see that Transparent Background is not select-able for .idw files.  

What type of file are you trying to export?

[SharkDesign]

Are you saving a ray traced image? If so vote on this
https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-ideas/save-ray-traced-image-with-transparent-background/idi-...

[jaecewendling]

I was trying to export a .idw file. 

[Bill_Bogan1]

@jaecewendling,

If I understand your comment correctly, you want to save an IDW as an image - is that correct? 

Would you mind explaining how you use an image of a drawing as opposed to a print of a drawing? (just curious)

As a workaround you could do the following:

1. Modify the drawing color scheme so that the background is white for everything. (Inventor 2025 Help | To Customize Color Scheme | Autodesk)

2. Change the color of the Drawing sheet to white. Inventor 2025 Help | Sheet Tab Reference (Document Settings) | Autodesk

3. Then you can at least save everything to a PNG with a white background (if that helps at all). 

The best thing to do is go to Inventor Ideas and submit your idea/criteria/rationale for enabling the alpha channel option. If no request exists others who desire the same change will vote for it. If one exists already, vote for it to help elevate the request to the customer-oriented product managers.

[SharkDesign]

Export as DXF, open with Inkscape (free vector editor)

You get all your lines and you can do what you want including save as PNG with transparent background. Results of shaded items may vary though