1 Simple Trick to Eliminate PNG Square Artifacts in Photoshop

PNG squares in Photoshop can be a frustrating issue, especially when you need a clean and professional-looking image. However, there are several effective methods to remove these pesky squares and restore your image to its pristine glory. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best techniques to eliminate PNG squares in Photoshop, empowering you with the knowledge to tackle this problem with ease.

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand what causes PNG squares in Photoshop. These squares typically occur when the image is exported from another software application or website in PNG format. The culprit is often a difference in color profiles or compression settings. Fortunately, there are several straightforward solutions to address this issue. One effective method is to convert the PNG image to PSD format, which is Photoshop’s native file format. This process allows you to adjust the color profile and compression settings within Photoshop, ensuring compatibility and eliminating the PNG squares.

Alternatively, if converting the image to PSD is not an option, you can use the “Image Size” dialog box to modify the compression settings of the PNG image directly. By reducing the compression level, you can often resolve the PNG square problem. Additionally, checking the “Constrain Proportions” box ensures that the image is not distorted during the compression process. Once you have adjusted the compression settings, save the image as a new PNG file, and the squares should disappear. Remember, always save a copy of your original image before making any changes, as editing the compression settings can potentially reduce the image quality.

Isolating the PNG Layer

When you import a PNG image into Photoshop, it typically appears as a layer with a transparent background. However, sometimes the background may not be completely transparent, and you may see pixelated squares around the edges of the image. This can be caused by several factors, such as the image being saved with an incorrect transparency setting or the presence of anti-aliasing artifacts.

To remove the pixelated squares, you need to isolate the PNG layer and remove any unwanted transparency. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do this:

**Step 1: Check the Layer Transparency**

Select the PNG layer in the Layers panel.
Click on the “Opacity” slider and make sure it is set to 100%.

**Step 2: Add a Layer Mask**

Click on the “Layer Mask” icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.
A white layer mask will be added to the PNG layer.

**Step 3: Paint on the Layer Mask**

Select the Brush tool (B) from the toolbar.
Set the brush color to black.
Paint over the pixelated squares on the layer mask to remove them.

**Step 4: Save the Changes**

Once you are satisfied with the results, click on the “Save” button.
Choose the “PNG” format from the drop-down menu.
Make sure the “Transparency” checkbox is selected.
Click on the “Save” button to save the image with a transparent background.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove the pixelated squares from a PNG image and isolate the PNG layer.

Using the Magic Wand Tool

The Magic Wand tool is a useful tool for quickly selecting areas of an image that share similar color or tone. It can be used to isolate an object from its background, for example, or to select a specific area of an image for editing.

To use the Magic Wand tool, simply click on the area of the image you want to select. The tool will then automatically select all adjacent pixels that share a similar color or tone. You can adjust the tolerance of the tool to control how strictly it matches colors. A lower tolerance will result in a more precise selection, while a higher tolerance will result in a more generalized selection.

The Magic Wand tool can be a very useful tool for quickly selecting areas of an image. However, it is important to note that it is not always perfect. The tool can sometimes select areas that you do not want, or it can fail to select areas that you do want. If you are not satisfied with the results of the Magic Wand tool, you can always manually adjust the selection using the Selection tool.

Adjust the tolerance of the Magic Wand Tool

Click on the Tolerance option in the Tool Options panel.
Drag the slider to adjust the tolerance.
A higher tolerance will select more pixels, while a lower tolerance will select fewer pixels.

Tolerance	Selection
Low	Precise selection
High	Generalized selection

Refining the Selection with Quick Mask

Quick Mask is a non-destructive way to refine your selection and paint on the mask directly. It allows you to see the mask as a red overlay over your image, making it easier to visualize the selected areas.

Press ‘Q’ to enter Quick Mask mode. The image will turn red except for the selected areas.
Use your brush tool to paint with black on areas you want to remove from the selection. Paint with white to add to the selection.

Use a soft-edged brush with a low flow rate to create smooth transitions and avoid hard edges.

Tips for Refining with Quick Mask:

Tips
– Use the ‘X’ key to switch between painting with white and black.
– Hold down ‘Alt’ (Windows) or ‘Option’ (Mac) to temporarily switch the brush to the opposite color.
– Set the brush opacity low to gradually build up the mask.
– Use the ‘Refine Edge’ tool to refine the mask’s edges and create a more precise selection.
– When finished, press ‘Q’ again to exit Quick Mask mode and view the updated selection.

Inverting the Selection and Deleting the Squares

Step 4: Refine the Selection (Optional)

In many cases, the initial selection will adequately capture the problematic PNG squares. However, if there are any lingering artifacts or inaccuracies, you can refine the selection using the following methods:

a. Refine Edge Mask

Click on “Select” in the top menu bar and hover over “Refine Edge”. Adjust the settings as follows:

Radius: Set a value between 0.5 and 1 px to narrow the selection to the edges of the squares.
Contrast: Increase the contrast to enhance the edges and make them more distinct.
Shift Edge: Use this slider to fine-tune the selection and move it closer to the desired area.

b. Contract the Selection

Click on “Select” > “Modify” > “Contract”. Enter a value of 1 or 2 px to shrink the selection slightly, removing any excess areas around the squares.

c. Expand the Selection

If necessary, you can expand the selection by clicking on “Select” > “Modify” > “Expand” and entering a small value like 1 px. This can help capture any remaining squares that were missed initially.

Refinement Method	Description
Refine Edge Mask	Enhances the edge definition and narrows the selection.
Contract Selection	Shrinks the selection by a specified number of pixels.
Expand Selection	Enlarges the selection by a specified number of pixels.

Using the Pen Tool for Precise Removal

The Pen Tool is an incredibly versatile tool that provides unparalleled precision when selecting and removing PNG squares. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Create a New Path

Select the Pen Tool from the toolbar. In the Options bar, choose “Paths” from the dropdown menu. Click on the canvas to create an anchor point and begin drawing the path around the PNG square.

Step 2: Draw the Path

Hold down the mouse button and drag the cursor along the edges of the PNG square. Use curves and angles to closely follow the contours. To create a smooth curve, click and drag while holding down the Alt/Option key.

Step 3: Close the Path

Once you have traced around the PNG square, click on the first anchor point you created to close the path. The path will appear as a solid line on the canvas.

Step 4: Select the Path

Using the Direct Selection Tool, click on the path to select it. Alternatively, you can click on the “Path Selection” button in the Options bar.

Step 5: Check the Path Accuracy

Zoom in on the path and carefully examine if it accurately captures the outline of the PNG square. Make any necessary adjustments by moving anchor points or adding/removing segments using the Pen Tool.

Objective	Action
Create a path	Select Pen Tool, choose “Paths,” click on canvas to create anchor point
Draw the path	Hold mouse button, drag cursor along PNG square edges, use Alt/Option key for curves
Close the path	Click on first anchor point to close the path
Select the path	Click on path with Direct Selection Tool or select “Path Selection” button
Check path accuracy	Zoom in, carefully examine outline, adjust anchor points or path segments as needed

Creating a Layer Mask for Partial Removal

Creating a layer mask allows you to selectively remove PNG squares from your image while preserving specific areas. Here’s a step-by-step guide to create a layer mask:

Duplicate the PNG layer: Select the PNG layer and press Ctrl/Cmd + J (duplicate).
Add a layer mask: Click on the "Layer" menu and choose "Add Layer Mask." Select "Hide All" from the options.
Select the Brush Tool: Choose the "Brush Tool" from the toolbar (keyboard shortcut: B).
Adjust brush settings: Set the brush size and hardness to suit your needs. A smaller brush will allow for more precise control.
Paint over the areas to remove: Select black as the foreground color and paint over the PNG squares you want to remove. Black in the layer mask hides the underlying layer.
Refine with the Refine Edge Brush Tool: For more precise removal, use the "Refine Edge Brush Tool." This tool allows you to refine the edge of your selection and prevent halo effects.

Using the Refine Edge Brush Tool:

Step	Description
1. Select the “Refine Edge Brush Tool” from the toolbar.	The Refine Edge Brush Tool is located in the same panel as the Brush Tool.
2. Adjust brush settings:	Adjust the brush size, edge hardness, and feather to fine-tune your selection.
3. Paint over the edges of your selection:	Use the brush to paint over the edges of your selection to refine them. You can zoom in for more precision.
4. Press Enter to finalize the selection:	Once you are satisfied with the selection, press Enter to apply it to the layer mask.

Employing Layer Blending Modes for Transparency

Layer blending modes offer an effective technique for achieving transparency in PNG images. Here’s how you can employ them:

1. Choose the Target Layer

Select the layer containing the PNG image with the undesirable white squares.

2. Add a New Layer

Click on the “Create a new layer” icon in the Layers panel.

3. Fill the Layer with Black

Use the Paint Bucket tool (G) to fill the new layer with black.

4. Change the Blending Mode

In the Layers panel, change the blending mode of the black layer to “Multiply.”

5. Adjust the Opacity

If necessary, adjust the opacity of the black layer to fine-tune the transparency.

6. Inverse the Layer Mask

Create a layer mask for the PNG image layer. Then, select the mask and press Ctrl+I (or Cmd+I on Mac) to invert it.

7. Refine the Transparency (Optional)

For more precise control over the transparency, you can use the following additional techniques:

Apply a gradient mask to the black layer to create a gradual transition.
Use the Dodge and Burn tools to selectively lighten or darken areas of the image.
Experiment with different blending modes such as “Overlay” and “Soft Light” to achieve different transparency effects.

Blending Mode	Effect
Multiply	Darkens the image, preserving transparency
Overlay	Overlays the image with a mix of highlights and shadows
Soft Light	Softens the contrast, creating a subtle transparency

Utilizing Adjustment Layers for Color Correction

Adjustment layers are a non-destructive method for altering the colors and tones of an image without permanently changing the original file. By using adjustment layers, you can create multiple adjustments, experiment with different settings, and revert to the original image at any time. Here’s how to utilize adjustment layers for color correction:

1. Understanding Adjustment Layers: Adjustment layers work as masks that overlay your image, allowing you to modify the colors and tones underneath without affecting the original data. They are essential for non-destructive editing and provide flexibility in your workflow.

2. Creating a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer: One of the most common color correction adjustments is adjusting the hue, saturation, and lightness. Go to “Layer” > “New Adjustment Layer” > “Hue/Saturation” to create this layer.

3. Adjusting Hue: The hue slider shifts the colors in the image. Dragging it left or right changes the dominant color tones, allowing you to warm or cool the image.

4. Adjusting Saturation: The saturation slider controls the intensity of the colors. Increasing saturation makes colors more vibrant, while decreasing it desaturates the image.

5. Adjusting Lightness: The lightness slider adjusts the overall brightness of the image. Dragging it left darkens the image, while dragging it right brightens it.

6. Creating a Color Balance Adjustment Layer: Color balance helps you adjust the overall color balance of an image. Go to “Layer” > “New Adjustment Layer” > “Color Balance” to create this layer.

7. Adjusting Shadows, Midtones, and Highlights: Color balance allows you to adjust the color tones in the shadows, midtones, and highlights of the image. Each section has separate sliders for cyan/red, magenta/green, and yellow/blue.

8. Advanced Color Correction Techniques: For more advanced color corrections, consider using:

* Curves Adjustment Layer: Allows for precise color grading by adjusting individual points on a tonal curve.
* Gradient Map Adjustment Layer: Maps a gradient to the image, creating unique color effects.
* Channel Mixer Adjustment Layer: Adjusts the individual color channels (red, green, blue) for advanced color mixing.
* Selective Color Adjustment Layer: Selectively adjusts specific colors within an image, such as skin tones or blues in the sky.
* Vibrance and Saturation Adjustment Layer: Enhances colors while preserving skin tones and preventing oversaturation.
* Black & White Adjustment Layer: Converts the image to grayscale with fine-tuning of tone and contrast.
* Split Toning Adjustment Layer: Adds different colors to the highlights and shadows, creating stylized effects.

Removing Squares from Grayscale Images

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) files often display unsightly square artifacts when opened in Photoshop. These squares can be caused by various factors, but they can be removed to restore the image’s original appearance.

1. Grayscale Mode

Ensure that the image is in Grayscale mode. Go to “Image” > “Mode” and select “Grayscale”.

2. Duplicate Layer

Duplicate the image layer by pressing “Ctrl” + “J” (Windows) or “Cmd” + “J” (Mac). This creates a copy of the image that can be edited without affecting the original.

3. Gaussian Blur

Apply a Gaussian blur to the duplicate layer. Go to “Filter” > “Blur” > “Gaussian Blur”. Use a small radius (e.g., 0.5 to 1 pixel) to blur out the squares without over-smoothing the image.

4. Threshold Adjustment

Create a threshold adjustment layer by clicking the “Black and White Circle” icon in the Adjustments panel. Drag the slider to the right until the squares are hidden. This converts the image to black and white, with the squares blending into the background.

5. Invert Layer

Invert the threshold adjustment layer by pressing “Ctrl” + “I” (Windows) or “Cmd” + “I” (Mac). This inverts the black and white values, bringing the squares back into view.

6. Desaturate Layer

Desaturate the threshold adjustment layer by clicking the “Saturation” slider and dragging it all the way to the left. This removes the color from the squares, leaving only the grayscale values.

7. Change Blending Mode

Change the blending mode of the threshold adjustment layer to “Multiply”. This blends the grayscale values of the layer with the underlying image, eliminating the squares.

8. Merge Layers

Once you are satisfied with the result, merge the duplicate layer with the original layer by pressing “Ctrl” + “E” (Windows) or “Cmd” + “E” (Mac). This combines the changes into a single layer.

9. Optimize PNG

Finally, optimize the PNG file to reduce its file size while preserving the quality of the image. Use a PNG optimization tool or follow these steps:

Setting	Value
Interlacing	None
Color Depth	8-bit
Filter	Adaptive

By following these steps, you can effectively remove PNG squares from grayscale images in Photoshop, restoring their original appearance and improving their overall quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Empty Background

Ensure that there is a background layer present in the Photoshop document. If absent, create a new layer and fill it with a solid color.

PNG Corruption

Check the PNG file for any corruption. Try opening it in a different image editor or using an online PNG repair tool.

Resampling Errors

Resampling the image can introduce artifacts that may appear as squares. Avoid resampling the image unnecessarily, especially when scaling it down.

Color Profile Mismatch

Incorrect color profiles can cause color inaccuracies and artifacts. Ensure that the PNG file and Photoshop document are using the same color profile.

Document Settings Conflict

Check the document settings, including canvas size, resolution, and color mode. Verify that they are compatible with the PNG file size and format.

Transparency Issues

PNG files support transparency. Ensure that the transparency settings are correct in both the PNG file and Photoshop document.

Layer Effects

Some layer effects, such as drop shadows or bevels, can interact with the PNG file and produce artifacts. Disable or adjust these effects to see if they resolve the issue.

Hidden Layers

Check for any hidden layers in the Photoshop document. These may contain elements that are causing the squares to appear.

File Compatibility

Ensure that the PNG file is compatible with the version of Photoshop you are using. Some older versions may not support certain PNG features.

Software Updates

Check for updates to Photoshop. Bug fixes and improvements may have been released that address the PNG square issue.

How To Get Rid Of Png Squares Photsohop

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a raster image format that supports lossless data compression. This means that images can be compressed without losing any data, resulting in smaller file sizes than other formats like JPG. However, PNG images can sometimes have a square background around them, which can be undesirable. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to remove these squares in Photoshop.

Open the PNG image in Photoshop.
Select the “Magic Wand” tool from the toolbar.
Click on the square background. The background will be selected.
Press the “Delete” key to remove the background.

If the Magic Wand tool does not select all of the background, you can use the “Select > Inverse” command to select the image instead. Then, press the “Delete” key to remove the background.