![](https://cdn.bencrowder.net/images/bqt/transparent-textures/transtex_final_small.png)
Introduction
Here’s how to make a transparent texture actually be transparent — handy for paper cutouts, puppets, and much more. We’re assuming you’ve already prepared your texture images. PNG is a good format.
![](https://cdn.bencrowder.net/images/bqt/transparent-textures/transtex_step1.png)
Step 1
Create a plane for your object. In Material, add a new material and click the checkbox for the Transparency group. Set Alpha (under Transparency) to 0.000. You probably also want to turn off specular highlights for the texture. Just sayin’.
![](https://cdn.bencrowder.net/images/bqt/transparent-textures/transtex_step2.png)
Step 2
In Texture, add a new texture. Under Type, choose Image or Movie. Go down to the Image group and click on the Open button. Load your image.
![](https://cdn.bencrowder.net/images/bqt/transparent-textures/transtex_step3_small.png)
Step 3
In Texture->Image, check the Premultiply and Color Unpremultiply boxes. This smooths the edges and gets rid of the ugly white jaggies.The image says “Anti-alias” because that’s what “Color Unpremultiply” used to be called. I need to fix it.
![](https://cdn.bencrowder.net/images/bqt/transparent-textures/transtex_step4.png)
Step 4
In Texture->Image Mapping, change the Extension setting to Clip instead of Repeat. Unless you want your texture to repeat, that is.
![](https://cdn.bencrowder.net/images/bqt/transparent-textures/transtex_step6_small.png)
Step 6
If your newly transparent object is casting shadows on any other objects, those objects will need to have the Receive Transparent setting on. It’s in Material->Shadow.
The End.
Further Reading
- Use Alpha for Object Transparency (Blender 2.4x docs)
- Transparent Textures (Blender 3D Club)
- Using a texture to make a material partially transparent (Noob to Pro)