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 | • | |
| Pick Your Path to Desktop Publishing | ||
| Get Started: | Basic Guidelines and Requirements for Desktop Publishing | |
| Choose Software: | Desktop Publishing and Design Software | |
| Make Something: | Things to Make Using Desktop Publishing | |
| Tips & Tutorials: | How to Do Desktop Publishing | |
| Training, Education, Jobs: | Careers in Desktop Publishing | |
| In the Classroom: | Back to School With Desktop Publishing | |
| Use Templates: | Templates for Print and Web Publishing | |

