PNG

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

PNG files are larger than JPG and do not support CMYK or other print color modes. For 3D conversion, use 16-bit grayscale height maps to preserve terrain details (max resolution 4096×4096). Transparent backgrounds are auto-detected, so no manual removal is needed.