How to Make a Shape Transparent in Google Slides

Lee Stanton March 22, 2023

Google Slides has an amazing feature that allows users to easily insert, edit, and manipulate shapes in their slides. One of the best ways this can be done is by making a shape transparent and providing the perfect graphic to whichever slide you are trying to build.

How to Make a Shape Transparent in Google Slides

Users can use shapes for various design elements, including the framing of text or images. This would be a prime reason to render a shape either fully transparent or semi-transparent on the slide. If you’re looking for how to make a shape transparent in Google Slides, this is where you need to be.

Turning a Shape Transparent

Unfortunately, no easy shortcut or hotkey will turn a shape transparent in Google Slides. Knowing the full steps of the process will be the only way in which you can achieve the effect you want. Thankfully, Google has made the task very straightforward and quick to do.

Click on the shape you want to edit.
In the toolbar, click the pouring paint bucket icon.
At the bottom, select “Transparent.” This will immediately turn your shape transparent.

The above feature is an on-off setting for making shapes in Google Slides transparent. However, this is not the only transparency setting available to you.

Google Slides Turn a Shape Semi-Transparent

Rendering a fully transparent shape can be useful and exactly what’s needed in the slide design. However, there are times when you may need a more advanced tool to add additional customization. This is when making a shape semi-transparent could easily work for you.

Select the shape you want to edit.
In the toolbar, select the pouring paint bucket icon.
Halfway down, click “Custom.” A new window box will appear with several options for color customization.
Navigate to the bottom where the Transparency bar is located.
Move the slider to where you need the desired transparency.

Your shape will now look semi-transparent, and the slider in the settings will allow you to change it as much as you need for your design.

Turn a Shape Semi-Transparent With a Color Gradient

In addition to simply making a shape transparent or semi-transparent, Google Slides also allows you to make a shape transparent along a color gradient.

Find the shape you want to edit and click on it.
Click on the pouring paint bucket icon in the toolbar.
About halfway down, click “Custom.” A new window will appear that has additional color customizations.
Use the color slider halfway down and choose your desired color.
Navigate to the bottom, where the transparency bar is located.
Move the slider to where you need the desired transparency.

This process will give your shape a semi-transparent color instead of giving your image a fully transparent look. This is an excellent option for editing shapes to fit a set presentation theme.

Additional FAQs

Can you make an image transparent in Google Slides?

Yes, just as with a shape, you can make an image transparent in Google slides. The process is similar to how you handle making a shape transparent.

1. Click on the picture you want to edit.

2. In the toolbar of Google Slides, click “Format Options.”

3. Click “Adjustments” in the menu.

4. Navigate to the transparency option and use the slider to adjust the image.

Making an image transparent in Google slides is a simple way to enhance an image without first requiring a user to change a picture in editing software.

Can I make a shape from a pre-made Google Slides template transparent?

Yes, once you have picked and loaded a Google Slides template into the presentation you want to work on, you can edit any template element to suit your presentation. This includes changing the shapes to be transparent.

Google Slides – Fully Transparent

Google Slides provides a fast and easy way to make shapes transparent, letting you set up your design as quickly as possible without sacrificing your vision of the presentation. After all, the visuals are half the battle!

Have you used or planned to use transparent shapes in Google Slides? Let us know in the comments below!