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Make Image Background Transparent

Introduction

Many point features or labels can be represented by images, e.g., the McDonalds. However, most images are created in rectangles, which set a color as image background and often disturb the map. Most image files contain an alpha value for each pixel controlling transparency. All professional image processing software have the function of setting alpha value, such as Adobe Photoshop. However, Macromedia Freehand MX, a professional VECTOR graphic software, doesn't have the ability to do that. Fortunately, Microsoft Word has a picture tool which is able to set a color as transparent. Though the result may not be very good, for many reasons, it is a good option for most tasks.

Steps:

1. Insert an image into Microsoft Word;
2. Show the picture toolbar;
3. Select the "Set Transparent Color" tool (The second one from the right);
4. Click the background area of the image;
5. Select the whole image, and copy it using "Edit-Copy" or "Ctrl+C";
6. Go to Freehand, paste it on the map;
7. Resize it if needed.
8. Drag it into Library, save it as a symbol, and give a meaningful name;
9. Apply the image to symbolize features on the map using Swap tool.