> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dacruzdev.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Render a Transparent PNG with Alpha in ScreenshotKit

> Capture screenshots with an alpha channel using Cryptomatte, post-process, or hybrid alpha sources, for key art, hero shots, and compositing.

Use this when you need a screenshot with an alpha channel: storefront key art, hero shots over an arbitrary background, or compositing into a marketing layout.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Capture tab">
    In the ScreenshotKit window, click the **Capture** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable transparency">
    Tick **Transparent Background** under **Capture Options**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick an Alpha Source">
    ScreenshotKit gives you three different ways to derive alpha:

    | Mode                  | What it does                                                                                                                                  | Use it when                                                       |
    | --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | **Cryptomatte Only**  | Uses the Cryptomatte alpha pass. Sharp geometry edges, no bloom or flare in the alpha.                                                        | You want a clean cutout that matches geometry exactly.            |
    | **Post-Process Only** | Renders the scene over black and over white, derives alpha from the difference. Captures bloom, lens flares, and other post effects in alpha. | You want post-process glow or halo to extend past the silhouette. |
    | **Hybrid** (default)  | `max(Cryptomatte, PostProcess)`: sharp edges from geometry plus glow from post.                                                               | Most of the time. Best of both.                                   |
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a format with alpha">
    Choose **PNG** or **TGA** under **Settings > File Format** (JPEG has no alpha).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Capture">
    Click **Take Screenshot**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Result

A transparent image where the RGB is the lit beauty pass and the alpha is derived from your chosen mode.

<Note>
  Transparent capture disables post-processing in the standard path by default. The **Post-Process Only** and **Hybrid** modes work around this with the dual black-and-white render trick, so you keep your bloom and grading.
</Note>

<Warning>
  If Cryptomatte alpha is not available on your render pipeline, **Hybrid** mode falls back to Post-Process alone and logs a warning.
</Warning>

## See also

* [Runtime API: transparent capture](/api/transparent-capture) for the scripted equivalent.