Which image channel stores transparency information in composite images?

Which image channel stores transparency information in composite images?

• A. Red channel
• B. Green channel
• C. Blue channel
• D. Alpha channel

Answer: (D)

In digital images used for compositing, transparency is carried by the alpha channel. The alpha channel is separate from the color channels (red, green, and blue) and specifies how opaque or transparent a pixel should be when layered over other imagery. Values typically range from fully transparent (0) to fully opaque (255 in 8-bit color), with intermediate values producing varying levels of translucency. When blending, the alpha channel determines how much of the pixel’s color vs. the background shows through, enabling smooth composite images. The red, green, and blue channels define the color itself, not the transparency.

In digital images used for compositing, transparency is carried by the alpha channel. The alpha channel is separate from the color channels (red, green, and blue) and specifies how opaque or transparent a pixel should be when layered over other imagery. Values typically range from fully transparent (0) to fully opaque (255 in 8-bit color), with intermediate values producing varying levels of translucency. When blending, the alpha channel determines how much of the pixel’s color vs. the background shows through, enabling smooth composite images. The red, green, and blue channels define the color itself, not the transparency.