Make & keep
Stop transparent booth artwork becoming a black rectangle in JPEG
Put a deliberate backing behind a transparent image before exporting it as JPEG.
A transparent overlay can look correct in GIMP’s checkerboard view and then appear with an unexpected solid area after JPEG export. JPEG has no transparency channel. Decide on the final backdrop before export instead of leaving the appearance to another viewer.
Inspect the layer stack
Turn on the background layer if you want a solid colour, or keep it hidden for a transparent PNG version. If the photo layer has no alpha channel, add one before attempting to make any pixels transparent.
Evidence: Official product documentation
Choose the delivery format
For a transparent prop or frame, export PNG and test the clear regions. For a JPEG, create or reveal a backing layer beneath the artwork so the intended colour is part of the image.
Evidence: Official product documentation · Official product documentation
Reopen and compare
Export with a fresh filename and reopen the result over a different background. Confirm that the JPEG shows the chosen solid backing or the PNG retains transparency. Do not rely on the thumbnail alone to diagnose a format change.
Evidence: Official product documentation · Official product documentation
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- GIMP 3 User Manual — Add Alpha ChannelOfficial product documentation
- GIMP 3 User Manual — Export Image as PNGOfficial product documentation
- GIMP 3 User Manual — Export Image as JPEGOfficial product documentation