PNG

PNG is a lossless raster format with 8-bit Alpha transparency, offering clean edges and no compression artifacts, making it ideal for converting outline images into 3D models. Unlike JPG, it avoids color blocking between dark backgrounds and subject edges. Black-and-white heightmaps or transparent silhouettes convert into cleaner meshes.

PNG's trade-off: larger file sizes than JPG, and no CMYK support. For 3D conversion, use 16-bit grayscale heightmaps to preserve terrain details; this site supports max resolution 4096×4096. Transparent backgrounds are processed automatically, no manual removal needed.