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The Background layer is at the bottom of the Layer Editor. When hidden (tap to hide it), this creates an alpha channel. The Background layer can also be used to change the background color of your image.

Why create an alpha channel

It’s handy when compositing (combining) an assortment of images. The alpha channel will enable the background of one image to show through the alpha channel of the other images. This is because the alpha channel doesn’t contain any pixels. Sketchbook will display a grey and white checked pattern to indicate an alpha channel. For how to create an alpha channel, see How to create an alpha channel.

Changing the background color

If you want to change the background color of your composition, tap Background layer and select a color.

Using the Background layer in Sketchbook Pro for desktop

The Background layer cannot be selected. You can do one of two things, change the color of the background (canvas) or create a transparent background or alpha channel.

• For setting a background (canvas) color, see Setting the background color in Sketchbook Pro.
• For a transparent background, see Creating an alpha channel in Sketchbook Pro.

Using the Background layer in Sketchbook for mobile devices

The Background layer cannot be selected. You can do one of two things, change the color of the background (canvas) or create a transparent background or alpha channel.

• For setting a background (canvas) color, see Setting the background color in Sketchbook for mobile.
• For a transparent background, see Creating an alpha channel in Sketchbook for mobile.

Using the Background layer in Sketchbook for Windows 10

The Background layer cannot be selected. You can do one of two things, change the color of the background (canvas) or create a transparent background or alpha channel.

• For setting a background (canvas) color, see Setting the background color for Windows 10.
• For a transparent background, see Creating an alpha channel in Sketchbook for Windows 10.