EXCEL, VBA, Image: Image loses transparency after saving woorkbook

APPLICATION AND SYSTEM: Excel 2007, WINDOWS 10

PROBLEM: Imported images with transparent backgrounds appear as expected until the workbook is saved, closed and then re-opened. Upon re-opening, the image appears but without the original transparent background.

QUESTION: How is the transparent background of an imported gif preserved when the workbook is saved and closed.

BACKGROUND: I have a workbook which uses the LoadPicture(Application.GetOpenFilename) function to allow the User to populate a Image field with a picture. In our case we will be limiting the selected file(s) as gif format and recommending only those with transparent backgrounds. We then use Worksheets("{SHEET NAME}").Activate: ActiveSheet.OLEObjects("{TARGET IMAGE CONTROL}").Object.Picture = {CURRENT PAGE IMG}.Picture to 'copy' the selected image to image controls on several other sheets in the work book.

Selecting images and populating image controls now work well: The selected images with transparent backgrounds appear as expected - transparent. However, when re-opening the saved workbook selected images appear without their original transparent backgrounds.

Any help resolving this would be very much appreciated.

Regards,

Hello lhasha,

...However, when re-opening the saved workbook selected images appear without their original transparent backgrounds.

Add the same Code you use for,

Selecting images and populating image controls now work well: The selected images with transparent backgrounds appear as expected - transparent.

in the ThisWorkbook Open event, referring to the correct Sheet/s, and or images.

If you have a problem with that then please attach a sample workbook. Make sure there is just enough data to demonstrate your need. Include a BEFORE sheet and an AFTER sheet in the workbook if needed to show the process you're trying to complete or automate. Make sure your desired results are shown, mock them up manually if necessary.

Remember to desensitize the data.

Click on GO ADVANCED and then scroll down to Manage Attachments to open the upload window (or use the paperclip icon).

Regards.

Hi lhasha,

For years I have retained images in my Excel and Word files without issue. However, the difference is that in those instances I used the menu function 'Import>Picture' and was not using LoadPicture to populate an Image control.

So, if I understand you correctly you did it manually for years without VBA?

If my assumption is correct, then Please provide us with a sample Workbook as requested in my Post #2.

Without a sample Workbook, I don't think anyone would be able to provide you with a ready solution.

Regards.

Winon:

Again, thank you. I have never attempted this before. When I explained what I had done in the past, I was merely explaining that in some
documents or forms where I might need one or two signatures and they are my own, I would merely use the menu function Import>Picture
which would result in a Picture container but not an Image control. Whenever I used the menu function Import>Picture approach, and when
I would save/close and later reopen, the transparent images are fine. Such is not the case doing it as explained herein.

Here are two (2) screen shots.

The first is just after the signature image is loaded by double clicking the Image control:


FirstAdded.jpg

The second is after the file has been saved and reopened:

AfterReOpen.jpg

The image loaded as shown in the last post is used to populate several other image fields throughout the workbook.
This next image shows one of those instances before the save/close:

SigUsedBeforeSave.jpg

Next is the same instance after the save/close and when reopened:

SigUsedAfterReOpen.jpg

Thank you for exploring this issue further.

Regards

Here is the code that 1) loads the signature file into the master Image control (getSig) and then populates the five instances of
the signature (imgSIG) across the various worksheets.

Private Sub getSig_DblClick(ByVal Cancel As MSForms.ReturnBoolean)
Application.ScreenUpdating = False
On Error GoTo ErrHandler

newSig.Picture = LoadPicture(Application.GetOpenFilename) 'ALLOWS USER TO BROWSE AND SELECT IMAGE FILE

Call UnprotectAll 'SIMPLE UNPROTECT TO ALLOW FOR EDITS

'NEXT FOR LINES OF CODE POPULATE THE SIGNATURES ACCROSS THE WORKBOOK

Worksheets("G702").Activate: ActiveSheet.OLEObjects("imgSIG").Object.Picture = newSig.Picture

Worksheets("CWRPP").Activate: ActiveSheet.OLEObjects("imgSIG").Object.Picture = newSig.Picture

Worksheets("CWRFP").Activate: ActiveSheet.OLEObjects("imgSIG").Object.Picture = newSig.Picture

Worksheets("UWRPP").Activate: ActiveSheet.OLEObjects("imgSIG").Object.Picture = newSig.Picture

Worksheets("UWRFP").Activate: ActiveSheet.OLEObjects("imgSIG").Object.Picture = newSig.Picture

ErrHandler:

'RETURNS FOCUS TO THE DASHBOARD TO FIRST EDITABLE CELL

Sheets("DASHBOARD").Select

ActiveSheet.Range("C8").Select

Call ProtectAll 'SIMPLE RE-PROTECT TO DISALLOW EDITS

Application.ScreenUpdating = True
End Sub

I think this is the relative information in total. I again look forward to receiving any advise regarding this issue.

Regards

I couldn't replicate the problem.

Perhaps you could explicitly set the backgrounds transparent?

Sub Set_BG_Transparent()
    Dim ws As Worksheet, obj As Object
    For Each ws In Worksheets
        For Each obj In ws.OLEObjects
            If TypeName(obj.Object) = "Image" Then
                obj.Object.BackStyle = fmBackStyleTransparent
            End If
        Next obj
    Next ws
End Sub

Or if necessary, do it each time the workbook opens? This code goes in the ThisWorkbook code module.

Private Sub Workbook_Open()
    Dim ws As Worksheet, obj As Object
    For Each ws In Worksheets
        For Each obj In ws.OLEObjects
            If TypeName(obj.Object) = "Image" Then
                obj.Object.BackStyle = fmBackStyleTransparent
            End If
        Next obj
    Next ws
End Sub

Yeah, it was shot in the dark.

Have you tested GIFs from other sources to see if maybe it's some sort subtle GIF image format issue from your current source.

Do you have any code that runs automatically when the file opens? If yes, what is it doing, and can you run a test without it.