The background of an ArcMap Service is not transparent in ArcMap

Description

When an ArcMap Service is added to ArcMap, the background of the service is no longer transparent even though there may have been no background color set for the service.

Cause

ArcMap is not registering the background of the ArcMap Service as transparent when the service is initially added to the map. This is true even if there was no background set for the service. In such cases white is the default background.

Workaround

1. An ArcMap Service is added, and the background is not transparent.
   

   The ArcMap Service Layer is the U.S. States.  The background of the ArcMap document the service is based on is the default white.  When the service is added to a map document with an existing layer the background of the ArcMap Service layer is not transparent.

   
   
   
2. Right-click the ArcMap Service layer and select Properties.
3. Go to the Advanced tab of the Layer Properties dialog box.
   

   The Advanced Tag of the Layer Properties dialog for ArcIMS Services

   
   
   
4. Click the Fill Color dropdown arrow and select Arctic White.
   

   Arctic White is in the top left corner.

   
   
   
5. Keeping the Background transparent check box checked, click Apply.
6. Click OK. The background of the ArcMap Service layer should now be transparent.
   

   The background of the ArcMap Service is now transparent.