ForgeConvert Transparency Behavior
This page describes current tested behavior, not every capability allowed by each file-format specification.
Current output matrix
| Output | Alpha | Current consequence |
|---|---|---|
| PNG | Preserved | Lossless RGBA-capable output |
| WebP | Preserved | Lossy quality 82 with alpha support |
| AVIF | Preserved | Lossy quality 60; inspect fine edges |
| TIFF | Preserved | Lossless LZW output can be large |
| ICO | Preserved | One PNG-backed RGBA frame, at most 256 × 256 |
| TGA | Preserved | Uncompressed 32-bit RGBA |
| GIF | Limited | Static palette output, at most 256 colors |
| JPEG | No | Opaque RGB output |
| BMP | No | Uncompressed 24-bit RGB output |
Input behavior
PNG, WebP, AVIF, SVG, HEIC, TIFF, GIF, BMP, ICO, and TGA can carry transparency in at least some variants. ForgeConvert still rejects animated, multipage, sequence, or multi-image input. Safe static SVG is rasterized; ICO selects the largest valid frame; restricted BMP and TGA variants are decoded through bounded engines.
Routes that need a warning
Any alpha-bearing source sent to PNG to JPG or another JPEG route must become opaque. ForgeConvert does not perform subject extraction. BMP output also removes alpha. Use PNG to WebP or another verified alpha-capable route only when the receiver supports it.
What the converter does not promise
- It does not remove white or black backgrounds.
- It does not preserve editable masks or vector paths in raster output.
- It does not preserve animation.
- It does not promise identical fringes after lossy encoding.
- It does not carry source metadata into normal output.
Verification workflow
- Prove alpha exists in the source.
- Confirm the chosen destination in this matrix.
- Keep the master.
- Convert one sample with soft edges.
- Inspect on light, dark, and colored surfaces.
- Open it in the final application.
Read How to Preserve Transparency for the full workflow or diagnose an unwanted matte with the background troubleshooting guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does ForgeConvert preserve PNG alpha?
Yes when the selected output supports alpha; JPEG and current BMP output do not.
Can ForgeConvert make a transparent JPEG?
No. JPEG output is opaque.
Does SVG remain vector after conversion?
No. ForgeConvert accepts restricted SVG as input and rasterizes it into the selected output.
Source-to-output consequences
| Source | Alpha-capable output | Opaque output |
|---|---|---|
| No alpha | Remains visually opaque | No transparency change |
| Binary cutout | Boundary can remain clear | Boundary is composited |
| Soft alpha | Opacity can survive; inspect fringes | Edge is flattened |
| Vector transparency | Rasterized alpha | Rasterized and flattened |
Operational notes
GIF output is static and palette-limited. ICO output preserves RGBA in one PNG-backed frame but does not create a complete multi-size family. TIFF and TGA can preserve alpha but are poor default browser-delivery choices. HEIC and SVG are inputs only.
A successful conversion proves that a file was generated under current limits; it does not prove that the receiving application honors alpha or that lossy edges meet brand standards.