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The Background layer is at the bottom of the Layer Editor. When hidden (tap 
to hide it - the icon changes to 
), this creates an alpha channel.
The alpha channel doesn’t contain any pixels, so the background of the image becomes transparent. Sketchbook will display a grey and white checked pattern to indicate the alpha channel/transparency.
When saving an image with an alpha channel, select TIFF, PNG, or PSD. The JPG file format does not support transparency.
Creating an alpha channel in Sketchbook Pro for desktop
- In the Layer Editor, on the Background layer, tap
. The icon changes to 
indicating the background is hidden and you have an alpha channel. - If you want to disable the alpha channel, tap on the Background layer to enable the background color.
Creating an alpha channel in Sketchbook for mobile devices
If you're on a tablet, the Layer Editor is visible by default, along the right of your screen.
If you're on a handheld (phone) device, tap 
to open the Layer Editor.
- Within the Layer Editor, find the Background layer. Tap - the icon changes to indicating the background is hidden. A grey and white checked pattern will appear in the background. This is the alpha channel.
- Tap the icon again to toggle the background color back on.
Warning: The iOS Photos app is known to convert PNG files to JPG, with the most obvious result being the loss of a transparent background. It is more common for files over 4k and under 360px, but it can happen to any file. The only workaround if this is happening on your device is to save your PNGs to Files instead of to Photos.
