Photoshop question-#2?

Question

In addition to my previous question about preferred saving formats, I was also curious about saving images with transparent backgrounds in Photoshop. Is there a particular format that is preferable when you wish to save any image that has a transparent background while in my Photoshop program? (For example; If I were to save a round image [like the planet earth] which has a transparent background, once I save it, would the background be a white square around the image? I'm curious about this because if I were to design a logo for someone in a particular non-square shape and they wished to use JUST this shape for whatever reason, how do I do this without the white background being saved around the shape? Does saving a shape, or particular color text with a transparent background save only the shape [or text] of the image?
And again, which format is best for saving purposes and why?

Answer 1

Gif, TIF, and Png formats all save a transparent background.

GIF and PNG are common for logos on the web.

Answer 2

How you save the image depends on what you intend to do with the image.

All complex multi-layer images should be saved as PSD documents to ease editing the image later. If you need to also provide copies of the image to use in production in a different format, that's fine, but always keep the original PSD.

It is true that generally speaking, only GIF and PNG support transparent backgrounds for the Web. If you intend to work solely with the Web, you should export your transparencios as PNG files for the Web, unless they must be animated or you need to ensure backward compatibility with older browsers, in which case you should send them out as GIF.

If you intend to work with print, there are a number of formats that support transparencies, including TIFF and EPS, which are the most common formats used in print. Which you use depends on your printer's specifications.

Answer 3

I find that saving the images you choose to use individualy with NO backround at all to work best.
Example I will take a standard 8.5X11.0 size of a page of paper it can be any size you choose.
This will act as your backround you can do anything you want here. It will be white to start with, You decide what you want to do for a finished backround COLOR, any words or lettering.
Next you can choose any image either individualy or combined. I prefer individualy and I use the copy and paste to add these anywhere you want to your backround.
This method will allow you to move any images anywhere you want.
I use jpeg format a lot however remember you don't loose the quality using TIFF Format.
I also rarely use the transparent backround, only because I haven't found a real need to use it.
Also, remember there is no right or wrong way to accomplish your final piece, meaning you can get there several different ways. Expieriment around you can and will find different ways to get the same result.
I tend to save several images and incorperate them one at a time .
This allows you to not loose the images using the don't save option.
Don

Answer 4

You should save in native .psd format, as that is the default for an image that is still being worked with. Most other image types will add a default background image of white when you save them.

Answer 5

PNG and GIF files are for use on a web page and are ok for a logo that isn't going to be printed. However, you really should be using Adobe Illustrator for logos. Photoshop is best for photo editing and photo printing.