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How to make an image transparent in Google Slides is one of the most common design tricks presenters use to make their slides look professional. Learning this quick skill in this guide improves your presentation design — and it only takes a few seconds.
If you want to make a photo or picture transparent in Google Slides, here’s the process: 1. Go to InsertImage and upload or search for your picture.

insert image in google slides to adjust transparency

2. Right-click → Format options or use the toolbar → FormatFormat options

format options menu in google slides for image transparency

3. Under Adjustments, you’ll find a Transparency slider. Drag it left or right to adjust the transparency of your image.

make an image transparent in google slides using slider

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How to Make Shapes Transparent in Google Slides

Shapes are widely used in Google Slides. Making a shape transparent allows your slide to look more professional:
1. Go to InsertShape and choose your shape (rectangle, circle, etc.).

insert shapes in google slides before make it transparent

2. Select the shape → Click Fill color → Choose Custom.

fill color to shape before making it transparent

3. Here you’ll find a transparency slider. Adjust the opacity until you achieve the desired level. And then click OK.

change shape opacity in google slides

How to Apply Gradients to an Image in Google Slides

Gradient effects can bring a distinctive visual impact to your slides. While Google Slides does not allow direct gradient opacity adjustments on images, you can still create a gradient effect with these steps:
1. Insert a rectangle shape and make it the same size as your image.

overlay shape on image in google slides for gradient effect

2.Click Border color from menu and change the border transparent first.

make shape border transparent

3. Select the shape → Fill colorGradient. Choose from preset gradients or customize your own.

apply gradient fill to shape for google slides transparency

3. Select Fill Color > Gradient and start creating a custom gradient. Lower the shape’s opacity so the image underneath is visible.

adjust shape opacity for gradient effect in google slides

FAQs About Google Slides Transparency

Q1: Can I make text transparent in Google Slides?

A: Not directly. However, you can place text inside a transparent shape or adjust the background to achieve a similar effect.

Q2: Can I apply different opacity levels to multiple objects at once?

A:No. You’ll need to adjust each object individually.

Q3: How to make part of an image transparent in Google Slides?

A: Google Slides doesn’t support partial transparency editing natively. To achieve this effect, you’ll need to edit your image in an external editor.

Q4: How to reset images in Google Slides?

A: Select the image → Right-click → Reset image. This removes formatting changes, including transparency and color adjustments.

Q5: Can you apply image transparency in Google Slides for any file format?

A: Transparency adjustments work for most formats (PNG, JPG, GIF). However, only PNG files can retain transparent backgrounds. JPGs will always show a solid background.

Q6: Does making an image transparent affect its quality?

A: No, changing transparency does not reduce resolution.

💬 Conclusion:

Learning how to make an image transparent in Google Slides is a quick way to enhance slide design and highlight key content. For an even faster workflow, try WorkPPT AI PPT Maker — it builds professional slides in seconds and exports directly to Google Slides or PowerPoint.

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