By Jenefey Aaron

Updated on 2025-10-20

100 % Helpful

How to Remove Checkered Background from Images Easily

By Jenefey Aaron

2025-10-20 / iOS 26

Have you ever downloaded an image only to find an annoying checkered background behind it? That pattern usually means the image has transparency, but when saved the wrong way, it turns visible. The good news is, you can easily fix it! In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove checkered background from any image without needing advanced design skills. Whether you’re working on a presentation, product photo, or social media post, learning how to remove checkered background will make your images look clean and professional in just a few simple steps.

Part 1: Why Do Images Have a Checkered Background?

Part 2: 3 Easy Ways to Remove the Checkered Background (No Design Skills Needed)

Part 3: Common Mistakes When Removing Checkered Backgrounds

Part 1: Why Do Images Have a Checkered Background?

If you’ve ever worked with images online or in design tools, you’ve probably seen that strange gray-and-white checkered pattern behind some pictures. Don’t worry, it’s not a mistake! The checkered background simply means that the image has transparent areas. This transparency is useful when you want your image to blend smoothly with any background, such as in a presentation or on a website.

The Issue with Checkered Backgrounds

The problem starts when you upload these images to PowerPoint, Word, or a website, and the checkered pattern suddenly becomes visible. Instead of looking clean and professional, your image appears patchy and awkward. This happens because the file wasn’t saved properly, or the platform doesn’t support transparency for that format.

Why You Need to Fix It

A visible checkered background can make even a high-quality design look unfinished. To make your images appear smooth and polished, you’ll need to remove checkered background from image files before uploading or using them. If your picture is a PNG, don’t worry, you can easily learn how to remove checkered background from PNG using free tools or built-in software. Once removed, your images will blend seamlessly with any slide, page, or design you choose.

Part 2: 3 Easy Ways to Remove the Checkered Background (No Design Skills Needed)

You don’t have to be a graphic designer to make your images look clean and professional. There are quick and simple ways to remove the checkered background using free online tools or built-in features. In this part, we’ll walk you through three easy methods to remove the checkered background from your image in just a few clicks, no fancy software or editing experience required.

Method 1: Use a Free Online Background Remover (Recommended)

A fast, no-fuss way to remove checkered background is to use an AI background remover like PixPretty. This free online tool automatically detects transparent areas and gives you a clean cutout in seconds, perfect when you don’t have design skills or special software. You don’t need to install anything or have design experience, just upload your image, let the AI do the work, and download your clean result, so it works well for presentations, product photos, and social posts.

Why PixPretty is a Great Choice

100% free to use on both desktop and mobile.
AI automatically removes the background with accurate edge detection.
Lets you download the final image as a transparent PNG or with a solid background.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Checkered Background Online Using PixPretty

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the PixPretty Background Remover website.

Step 2: Click Upload Image or drag and drop the image that has a checkered background.

Step 3: Wait a few seconds while PixPretty’s AI automatically removes the background for you.

Step 4: Click Download, then select Transparent PNG to keep the background clear, or choose a solid color if you prefer.

Method 2: Fix It in Canva

If you already use Canva for your designs, you’ll be happy to know it’s also a great way to clean up images with unwanted checkered backgrounds. Canva’s built-in Background Remover tool makes it simple to remove that pattern and give your image a smooth, professional look. This method is perfect for creating quick social media posts, thumbnails, or presentations that need a polished finish.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Checkered Background in Canva

Step 1: Open Canva on your desktop or mobile and create a new design.

Step 2: Upload your image that shows a checkered background.

Step 3: Select the image, then click Edit Photo → Background Remover (available in Canva Pro).

Canva’s AI automatically removes background

Step 4: Wait a moment while Canva’s AI automatically removes the checkered pattern from your image.

Step 5: You can now choose to keep it transparent or add a solid background color that fits your design.

That’s all it takes! If you’re wondering how to remove checkered background in Canva, this quick method is perfect. In just a few clicks, your image will look clean and ready for any professional or creative use.

Method 3: Edit in Photoshop (Manual Control)

If you prefer full control over your edits, Photoshop is the best option to manually remove checkered background. While it takes a little more effort than online tools, it gives you precise control over edges, colors, and transparency. Whether you’re editing a logo or a detailed photo, Photoshop lets you decide exactly how your image should look.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Checkered Background in Photoshop

Step 1: Open your PNG file in Adobe Photoshop. You’ll notice the checkered background right away—it represents transparent areas.

Step 2: Go to the Layers panel, and add a new background layer below your main image. You can fill this layer with a solid color if you want a background, or leave it blank for transparency.

Step 3: If needed, use tools like the Eraser, Magic Wand, or Select and Mask to clean up any leftover edges.

Step 4: Once you’re happy with the result, save your file. Choose JPG if you want a solid background or PNG if you’d like to keep it transparent.

That’s it! Now you know how to remove checkered background in Photoshop and how to remove checkered background from PNG in Photoshop with complete control. This method is ideal if you want professional-quality results or need to fine-tune every detail of your image.

Part 3: Common Mistakes When Removing Checkered Backgrounds

Removing a checkered background might seem easy, but a few simple missteps can leave your image looking messy or unprofessional. Below are some of the most common mistakes people make—and how to avoid them.

Saving as JPG Too Early

One of the biggest errors is saving your image as a JPG before finishing the editing process. JPG files don’t support transparency, which means your background will automatically turn solid white. Always save your image as a PNG while you’re still editing to preserve transparency.

Using Screenshots Instead of Original Files

If you take a screenshot of an image that shows a checkered background, that grid becomes part of the actual image. In other words, it’s no longer transparent—it’s baked in. Always work with the original file format (like PNG) so you can remove the background properly.

Overcompressing PNG Files

Compressing PNGs too much can cause white edges or pixelated outlines, especially around fine details like hair or shadows. When exporting, choose a high-quality setting to keep the edges clean and smooth.

Always Preview Before Finalizing

Before using your image anywhere, preview it on both white and dark backgrounds. This simple step helps you spot any leftover checkered patterns or rough edges you might have missed. A quick double-check ensures your image looks flawless and ready for use across all designs and platforms.

Conclusion

Removing a checkered background doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right tools, you can turn any image from messy to professional in just a few minutes. Whether you prefer using online tools, Canva, or Photoshop, each method helps you achieve clean and transparent results with ease.

If you want the simplest and fastest option, try PixPretty, it’s free, works directly in your browser, and doesn’t require any design skills. Once you remove that checkered background, your images will look sharp, polished, and ready for any presentation, website, or creative project.

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