How to just erase surrounding backgroup?

[IAAF Profile]

I just want to erase the black background from the photo - to be transparent. I don't want to 'replace' with anything. If you have to replace with something - I guess - white. But I only see a circle area to select with which doesn't get into corners well so is the trick that you have to make picture large and use much smaller white circle?

But I guess my actual question is how to remove color without replacing it with another color - is it possible to make all the unwanted background transparent?

[eadams Profile]

No, I don't think you can make that area transparent and save the file.

If you search in the forum for "transparency" you will find posts asking for that functionality, and the answer was that SPE doesn't support transparency.

[IAAF Profile]

but it is possible to change background to black or white?

So to do this the image will have to be greatly enlarged and then just replace the unwanted background to just black or just white. Thanks. Maybe transparency will be available in a future update?

[eadams Profile]

Yes, you can make the background black or white.

Click Select Area and select Background from the different choices. Then click on Confirm Selection and Browse Effects. In the Effects Gallery you will be presented with effects that SPE deems suitable for backgrounds.

The effect Background to black by Tony will make the background black
The effect Background to white by Tony will make the background white