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Graphics Formats - Embedded Paths and Alpha Channels

Quick Reference Chart

By , About.com Guide

When saved in a program's native file format (such as PSD for Adobe Photoshop) images can often have multiple alpha channels. The common formats in the table, below, generally support a single alpha channel, sometimes multiple alpha channels.

In some cases, image formats with multiple color modes will support alpha channels in only some modes or in a limited fashion. Keep in mind that not all applications can read and make use of embedded paths and alpha channels although most high-end desktop publishing applications should have no trouble.

Format Embedded Paths Alpha Channels
TIFF
(CMYK, RGB, Grayscale)
EPS
DCS
(v 2.0)
GIF
(RGB, GIF89a)
PICT
(RGB)
PNG
(RGB, Grayscale)
JPG
PCX
BMP
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