How to make graphics with transparent background in R using ggplot2?

Updated with the theme() function, ggsave() and the code for the legend background:

df <- data.frame(y = d, x = 1, group = rep(c("gr1", "gr2"), 50))
p <- ggplot(df) +
  stat_boxplot(aes(x = x, y = y, color = group), 
               fill = "transparent" # for the inside of the boxplot
  ) 

Fastest way is using using rect, as all the rectangle elements inherit from rect:

p <- p +
  theme(
        rect = element_rect(fill = "transparent") # all rectangles
      )
    p

More controlled way is to use options of theme:

p <- p +
  theme(
    panel.background = element_rect(fill = "transparent"), # bg of the panel
    plot.background = element_rect(fill = "transparent", color = NA), # bg of the plot
    panel.grid.major = element_blank(), # get rid of major grid
    panel.grid.minor = element_blank(), # get rid of minor grid
    legend.background = element_rect(fill = "transparent"), # get rid of legend bg
    legend.box.background = element_rect(fill = "transparent") # get rid of legend panel bg
  )
p

To save (this last step is important):

ggsave(p, filename = "tr_tst2.png",  bg = "transparent")

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