Paint.net and transparent background

I quite often have the need to remove a white background and make it transparent. I haven't really had time to dig into it but found a quite easy way using my favorite free image-tool (Paint.net).

Make sure you have Paint.net installed and then download the alpha mask plugin: http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/1854-alpha-mask-import-plugin-20/

Then follow these simple steps (originally found on http://forums.getpaint.net/index.php?/topic/19110-white-background-removal-preserve-transparency-2-steps/ ):

1. Open the image with a white background.
2. CTRL+A to select All.
3. CTRL+C to copy
4. Open Effect menu and click Alpha mask
5. Check the boxes Invert Mask, Mix Alpha and Paste from clipboard.
6. Click OK
7. The image should now be pasted into your image
8. Save as new file or overwrite the old one.

Sweet! Thanks to the original authors.