topic Re: transparent background grayed out in Documentation

transparent background grayed out

Dave Brach — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:52:16 GMT

I would like a pdf in a plan view to have an opaque background. When I drag the pdf into a plan view it has transparent background, when I drag it into a layout it is opaque. In both instances the "transparent background" checkbox is grayed out.

Operating system used: Mac Apple Silicon Sequoia 15.6.1

Re: transparent background grayed out

Lingwisyer — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 02:09:47 GMT

Does the PDF actually contain transparency? Not sure why it would present differently in your two cases...

Re: transparent background grayed out

Dave Brach — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:29:14 GMT

It's not just this pdf. I have tried many pdf files and they all do the same thing: transparent background when added to a view, opaque background when added to a layout, "Transparent Background" button grayed out. Any random pdf, same thing. What does it do for you?

Re: transparent background grayed out

Dave Brach — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:57:28 GMT

Ok, I just realized that I can use display order to correct this. Duh. But one thing does not respond to display order: the titles of drawings on a layout: there is no way to send those to back?

Re: transparent background grayed out

Lingwisyer — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:33:14 GMT

We generally only use PDFs for reference or stitch them directly into the end document... so I am not sure about the interaction...

Re: transparent background grayed out

Barry Kelly — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:42:23 GMT

When you place a PDF as a drawing, you have no choice for the transparent background.

This option is only active when you are placing a view as a drawing on a layout.

Barry.