Glossary · Rendering
Alpha channel
An extra channel in an image file that stores the transparency of each pixel.
Updated November 3, 2026
Formats that support it
| Format | Transparency |
|---|---|
| PNG | Yes, full alpha |
| WebP | Yes, full alpha |
| JPEG | No |
| GIF | Simple on or off transparency |
If you save a transparent image as JPEG, the transparent areas are filled with a solid colour, usually white or black.
Why transparent images are useful
- Place the same render on different background colours for seasonal campaigns.
- Build website banners and social posts without cutting the piece out by hand.
- Combine several products into one composition.
Things to watch
- Shadows. A transparent background also removes the ground. If you need a shadow, add it in your design tool or keep a soft contact shadow.
- Fringes. Light or dark outlines can appear at the edges when a transparent image is placed on a very different colour. Rendering against a colour close to your final use reduces them.
- Stones. Light passing through gems picks up whatever is behind them, so stones can look slightly different on light and dark pages. Check both.
In RenderMyJewels
RenderMyJewels exports stills as PNG or JPEG with an opaque background, so the files contain no transparent areas. When you need a transparent version, pick the Pure White background and the no ground option, export a PNG, then run it through any free background remover. Check the stones afterwards, because some removers mistake the white seen through a clear diamond for background and cut small holes in it. If the image will always sit on one page colour, exporting on that colour directly skips the cut-out step altogether.