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!