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pythonpngtransparencytkinter

How do I make Tkinter support PNG transparency?


I put in a partially transparent PNG image in Tkinter and all I get is this

alt text

How do I make the dark triangle on the right clear? (like it's supposed to be)

This is python 2.6 on Windows 7, btw.


Solution

  • Here's an example (the PNG file example.png has lots of transparency in different places):

    from Tkinter import Tk, Frame, Canvas
    import ImageTk
    
    t = Tk()
    t.title("Transparency")
    
    frame = Frame(t)
    frame.pack()
    
    canvas = Canvas(frame, bg="black", width=500, height=500)
    canvas.pack()
    
    photoimage = ImageTk.PhotoImage(file="example.png")
    canvas.create_image(150, 150, image=photoimage)
    
    t.mainloop()
    

    You need to make sure the image has been stored as "RGBA" which is RGB with an alpha channel. You can check for that using a graphics program of your choice, or using PIL (Python Imaging Library):

    import Image
    im = Image.open("button.png")
    print im.mode
    

    This should print "RGBA". If not, you'll have to make sure the alpha channel is saved with the image. You'll have to consult your graphics program manual for how to do that.