How to Remove a White Background in Illustrator (3 Methods, 2026)

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To remove a white background in Illustrator, the quickest method is Image Trace with Ignore White turned on, then Expand. You can also set the object to the Multiply blend mode so white disappears over other colors, or crop with a clipping mask. This guide uses Adobe Illustrator and covers each method.

Quick Steps

1. Select the image.
2. Open Window > Image Trace and pick a preset.
3. Tick Ignore White in the Advanced options.
4. Click Expand to get editable vector shapes without the background.

Removing White Backgrounds in Illustrator: Step by Step

Method 1: Image Trace with Ignore White

Select the image and open Window > Image Trace. Choose a preset such as Black and White Logo or High Fidelity Photo, open Advanced and tick Ignore White. The traced result has no white fill. Click Expand to turn it into shapes.

Method 2: Multiply blend mode

Select the image and open the Transparency panel. Set the blend mode to Multiply. White becomes transparent over other artwork, though lighter colors also darken.

Method 3: Clipping mask

Draw a shape around the part of the image to keep, select both and choose Object > Clipping Mask > Make. This removes background by hiding it.

Clean up

After tracing, use the Direct Selection Tool to delete leftover white shapes and use Pathfinder to merge pieces.

Tips for Better Results

• Use a high-resolution image for cleaner traces.
• Use Ignore White on logos and line art, which have flat colors.
• For photos with complex backgrounds, remove the background in Photoshop first.
• Save the original image link in case you need to retrace.

Common Problems and Fixes

• A white halo remains: use a lower threshold or retrace with Ignore White.
• Colors changed after tracing: pick a preset with more colors.
• Multiply darkens colors: use trace or a mask for exact colors.

Why This Skill Matters for Design Jobs

Illustrator is named in 44% of the 412 graphic, brand, visual and UI design job posts ArtBlast tracked from March to August 2026 (181 posts), so everyday skills like this one are what employers expect. Browse illustrator jobs, graphic designer jobs and freelance illustrator jobs, and see what the work pays in the illustrator salary guide. Not sure which Adobe app to learn? Read Photoshop vs Illustrator.

Need the software? Try Illustrator on Adobe (free trial available). The single app costs $22.99 a month in the United States on an annual plan billed monthly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove a white background in Illustrator?

Use Image Trace with Ignore White turned on and expand the result, or use the Multiply blend mode.

Can I make a PNG transparent in Illustrator?

Yes. Trace the image with Ignore White or use a mask, then export with a transparent background.

What is Ignore White?

An Image Trace option that does not create shapes for white areas.

Does Illustrator remove backgrounds from photos?

Not well. For photos, remove the background in Photoshop and place the result.

Sources

Steps were checked against the official guides in November 2026. Menu names can change slightly between versions.

• Adobe Illustrator User Guide
• Adobe plans page, US prices (single app $22.99 a month, annual commitment billed monthly). Adobe shows local prices by country.

Job data: ArtBlast job tracking, March 13 to August 12 2026, distinct posts (one per employer and title) with a full description. Graphic, brand, visual and UI cohort: 412 distinct posts and 364 employers.