Is there an opacity option I'm not seeing in backgrounds on zazzle or do I need to edit in photoshop

[Signa]

I was going to use some of my backgrounds in cards instead of the solid background colors offered but they are too busy unless I lower the opacity to about 40 percent, can I use the Zazzle program when using my own background or do I have to make copies in photoshop?  Here's my least favorite one I don't mind sharing if anyone is looking for backgrounds. 

[KeegansCreation · Accepted solution]

No opacity option. This is one for Photoshop.😔

[Signa]

TY

[idraw]

This may work for you, create an  opacity layer or a variety of layers in your software program, upload to a folder called test images in your image basket on Z, then apply the newly created opacity layer directly above the layer you want to alter/filter,on a test product. For example, an  opacity layer of 20% white, or gray, or lt blue etc. Experiment to get the results you want to use by creating a hidden dummy or test product using the layer/s, then delete the nonuseful onesfrom your image basket, and also delete the test product when you are done using it.

[Barbara]

For a long time, I've been using the layers @idraw  is talking about. The thing to remember is that the results aren't quite the same as reducing the opacity of the original design, so results can vary. One thing that can be done with a reduced opacity layer is to apply Zazzle's filters to change colors.

Colorwash's Home

[TMGEE]

I'm surprised a transparency level for pictures isn't already in the design tools. It might be to avoid printing issues in case customers who don't really know what they're doing end up with a transparency level they didn't want, then return the items etc.? This could be a great addition though. I want to create designs with pictures in the background at a low transparency, something easy to do for me, but if I offer a design with a feature a customer cannot use/repeat with their own picture, then there's no point in me offering this design. Another one would be a background remover for pictures, again for the customer, not for the designer (I know how to remove backgrounds before uploading a picture). Or maybe I'm missing something and these tools already exist?

[Sara_H]

@TMGEE An idea could be add a layer with a png uploaded (eg - just white at 70% opacity in your photo editing software - do some testing and see which opacity percentage works for you) and make sure covers the entire design tool image - that would provide a low transparency-esq for customers to change their image - maybe?

[TMGEE]

Thank you Sara, you are right. I laughed at myself because I edited/designed so many things that I can't even understand why I didn't think of that for pictures! 😅 Ah, well, sometimes a brain is tired... Thanks again 😉