Background Color Counts

The background color of a blog website affects how clipart appears. Below, I show how clipart looks on four different backgrounds: white, black, light-brown, and FamilySearch blue.

On White

A white background is used on almost all free clipart. When clipart with a white background is used on a website with a different color background, a small white box appears around the clipart.

Transparent, For Light Backgrounds

Some clipart supports different color backgrounds by using a transparent background. However, most are designed for a light background, and clipart appears gritty or dirty if used with a dark background.

Transparent, For Dark Backgrounds

You shouldn’t reuse images from commercial websites without permission.  The few times you do, you might find images with transparent backgrounds that are designed for use on dark backgrounds. Like those designed for dark backgrounds, they can suffer from dirty edges.

It is also possible for the image to totally disappear, as the FamilySearch logo below does on a white background.

I haven’t mentioned photographs. Photographs work with any color background when edged with a border that contrasts with the background.

I strongly recommend using a white or a very light background. I didn’t always use a white background on the Insider Website. I’ve enjoyed the change so much, maybe I’ll lighten my teeth next!