Understanding How to Use Transparency in Web Design

Transparency techniques in web design, if done properly can add to the value of a website. Using transparency in web design is a means to open up space without hindering the view of the site.

You can pull off this technique with either CSS or with creating a graphic. Either way is fine, but using the CSS method definitely allows for less load time.

Transparency in Web Design

Example of transparency in CSS and graphics:

We have a site with a dark background image and want to insert an area at 50% like the following setup:

#bigbox {
        background: #000 url(images/somedarkimage.png) center no-repeat;
        width: 500px;
        height:250px;
}

#bigbox-transparency {
	width:  296px;
	height: 298px;
	background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.5);
        margin-left: 23px;
        margin-top: 25px;
}

This is using one method in CSS with alpha channels. You can also do this with the CSS opacity property.

#bigbox {
        background: #000 url(images/somedarkimage.png) center no-repeat;
        width: 500px;
        height:250px;
}

#bigbox-transparency {
	width:  296px;
	height: 298px;
	background-color: #fff;
	opacity: 0.5;	
        margin-left: 23px;
        margin-top: 25px;
}

If I were to just use that image above for a graphic, the area in white that you can see through is what is called transparency. My example is simple and not to be tasteful, but to just to explain. 🙂

You can use any color when putting together a transparency, but making it more effective to attract a visitor requires some experimenting.

More Examples of Transparency in Web Design Dos

These are just small screenshots. The first is from my Twitter handle – @blondishnet. As you can see, the content wrap around is transparency. The second is from my front page of Blondish.net.

Transparency in Web Design Dos

Do experiment with colors and how much or little transparency.

This will help you become more familiar with what works best together.

Do use transparency to make text pop.

When text shadows, font color, and font size are not enough from keeping the text from drowning into the background image, transparent ares can help. Transparency is not always effective in helping readability.

Do use your best judgement on how opaque your transparency will be.

You might use a very thick layer, or a very see through one, but do what is best to enhance the graphic that the transparent area is over.

Definitely use transparency in backgrounds.

Sometimes you can have a textured pattern with a cool fixed transparent overlay, or a photo.

Transparency in Web Design Don’ts

Don’t cover the cool parts of the image.

The transparency is there to allow people to appreciate what is underneath the area.

Transparency is not always the answer to make your text pop.

Sometimes you may have to do something different than using transparency in web design. Usually images with sharp contrast are not a good fit.

Don’t overuse or create too many transparency effects.

Overusing or creating too many effects can detract from the design. Try it in moderation. 🙂

Understanding How to Use Transparency in Web Design

Transparency can be used to create an entirely unique and functional site. It’s important to keep the tips mentioned in this article, especially with experimenting with transparency. If you’re not sure if it looks right, find someone that has a keen eye for design to check it out.

Do you use transparency in your website’s design? What tips on transparency in web design do you have?