The checkerboard marks transparency
The gray checkerboard is an editor aid and is not painted into PNG or GIF output. Choose transparent paper when the image will be layered elsewhere, and choose white or another paper color for a self-contained final image.
The eraser removes ink, not paper
Pixel and stroke erasers remove artwork while leaving the selected paper intact. To remove the background, change the paper setting to transparent instead of erasing more. The distinction applies consistently across animation frames.
Understand PNG and GIF transparency
PNG is better at preserving soft partially transparent edges. GIF has palette and transparency limits, so faint shadows and glowing edges may be simplified. Verify a transparent still as PNG first, then inspect the GIF loop separately when motion is required.
Preview against both light and dark backgrounds
Transparent edges can hide white halos or dark fringing when viewed against only one editor background. Place the exported PNG over both a light and a dark surface, then return to the project source to adjust edge opacity or paper choice if needed.