Make a simple card or poster with a silhouette

Choose a focal shape

Pick a subject that still reads when simplified. Characters, objects, and poses with a distinctive outline usually work better than subjects recognized only by surface detail.

Use an image you're allowed to publish, such as a photo you took yourself or one with a license that allows reuse.

Orange-and-white koi seen from above in dark pond water and its transparent SilMaker silhouette — Before — The koi photo becomes a transparent silhouette, with the dark pond water removed. The checkerboard is only a preview of transparency.

Orange-and-white koi seen from above in dark pond water and its transparent SilMaker silhouette — After — The koi photo becomes a transparent silhouette, with the dark pond water removed. The checkerboard is only a preview of transparency.

Export for the layout background

The checkerboard only appears in the preview. In the saved PNG, the page background shows through around the subject.

Process the source and check the mask edge.
Choose Filled for a solid focal shape or Outline for a lighter overlay.
Choose Transparent when the card or poster background will be made elsewhere, then download the PNG.

Compose the page

In a layout editor, place the PNG first, then add a background color, title, date, or other text with enough contrast. Keep text outside narrow gaps and key edges so the silhouette stays visible.

Gradients, type, and decorations come from the layout app. SilMaker only supplies the subject PNG.

Finished koi silhouette card or poster — Finished poster made with an earlier transparent silhouette export. Type and background were added in another app. Download this example PNG

Inspect before export or print

View the design at its final screen or print size. Thin outlines and small transparent gaps can close up when a card is reduced or compressed for sharing.

SilMaker PNGs are pixel images. For a large poster, start with a large photo, or trace a vector path if your print shop needs one.

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose white or transparent?

Choose transparent for a card or poster whose background is created later. Choose white only when the final page intentionally includes a white rectangle.

Can I print the PNG at any size?

No. The detail is limited by the size of the processed image. Check how it looks at the final print size before ordering a large print.