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How to make a Shape Transparent in Google Slides (The Easiest Way)

February 18, 2024 2.8K views

Google Slides provide a vast canvas for creativity, enabling you to explore and seamlessly implement innovative and visually stunning slides. However, when incorporating shapes or images on top of text or other elements, it may appear sharp and distract from the overall slide. To address this, you can make these shapes transparent in Google Slides. In this article, we will delve into the process of achieving transparency to maintain a harmonious and engaging visual experience in your slides.

How to make a shape transparent in Google Slides

How to make a transparent shape?(step-by-step)

If you wish to add text or make adjustments for a more creative and presentable slide, consider creating a transparent shape. Here's how to step-by-step make a shape transparent in google slides:

Step 1: Open your Google Slides presentation where you wish to add a transparent shape.

Step 2: Go to "Insert" on the toolbar, allowing you to import the desired image or shape effortlessly.

Step 3: Opt for shapes by navigating to the "Shapes" section, offering a variety of options, including shapes, arrows, callouts, and equation figures.

Google Slides Insert Menu

Step 4: Drag the mouse outward on your slide to position and size the shape according to your preference.

Google Slides reposition shape

Step 5: Click on the shape to select it, then access the paint icon to fill the shape.

Google Slides Paint Icon

Step 6: Choose the transparent option located at the bottom of the paint menu after selecting the shape to make it transparent.

Google Slides Transparency option

Step 7: You now have a transparent shape that seamlessly integrates with the background, enhancing your visual presentation.

Google Slides make shape transparent

How to Set Transparency for Images and Text?

Now, let's look into the techniques of "How to change the transparency of images and texts". This will make your chosen image or text truly stand out, capturing attention and emphasizing the focal point of your design.

Step 1: Select an image and import it into your slide, and then adjust the size as needed.

Google Slides import photo

Step 2: Click on the text box icon at the top of the toolbar. Drag the text box across the picture if you want your text to overlay the image.

Google Slides Text Box

Step 3: Write your text and adjust the color, font size, and font style according to your preferences using the options available at the top.

Google Slides format text box

Step 4: To make the photo transparent,  click on the image, and then choose "Format options" from the toolbar.

Google Slides Image Format options

Step 5: On the right side, formatting options will appear. Navigate to “Adjustments” and find the opacity toggle to adjust the transparency of the image.

Google Slides image color adjustments

Step 6: If you go all the way to 0, the picture will become completely transparent. Experiment with opacity to achieve the desired visual impact.

Google Slides make image transparent

How to change the opacity of a shape?

Step 1: Begin by inserting the shape. Click on the "Shapes" icon in the toolbar, explore the options, and choose the shape that fits your preference.

Google Slides Shape Options

Step 2: Draw out the selected shape according to your specific requirements.

Google Slides insert shapes

Step 3: After selecting the shape, navigate to the Fill icon. Apply your desired color.

Google Slides Paint Icon Options

Step 4: Click on the Fill icon again. In the Fill window, select the + Custom icon at the bottom, opening a new tab.

Google Slides custom Paint Options

Google Slides custom Paint Options

Step 5: Adjust the Transparency slider to set the desired opacity level for the shape. Once satisfied, click Ok. Your shape is now seamlessly transparent.

Google Slides Color Properties

Google Slides Color Properties

Step 6: Now that you have achieved transparency, feel free to go back and fine-tune the opacity to your liking.

Google Slides change opacity of shape

Google Slides change opacity of shape

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FAQs

Q1. Where is the Transparency tool in Google Slides?

By following these steps, you can easily access and utilize the Transparency tool in Google Slides.

Step 1: Choose the object in Google Slides that you intend to modify.

Step 2: Navigate to the top menu bar and click on the Format tab.

Step 3: Hover over Transparency within the Format menu.

Step 4: From the submenu that appears, select Transparency.

Q2. How to make the background of an image transparent?

By following these steps, you can efficiently change the background transparency in Google Slides.

Step 1: Open Google Slides in your browser.

Step 2: Click on File > Open to upload your document.

Step 3: Locate the Slide button on the toolbar and click it.

Step 4: Choose the Change Background option.

Step 5: In the new popup window, find the Color setting.

Step 6: Select the Transparent option.

Step 7: Confirm your changes by clicking Done.

Q3. Why are transparent images not showing up as transparent in Google Slides?

  • Ensure your picture is in PNG format and genuinely possesses a transparent background.

  • Download the image to your device and then upload it directly to maintain its transparency in Google Slides.

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Once you've mastered how to make a shape transparent in google slides, be it images or shapes, you can seamlessly adjust them to meet the specific needs of your presentation. WPS Office simplifies this process, providing an easy-to-use and entirely free office suite where everything is conveniently at your fingertips. Experience the ease of WPS Office – download it now to elevate your presentation game.


15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.