idea Allow all raster output tools to create 32-bit TIFFs with an alpha channel in ArcGIS Pro Ideas

Allow all raster output tools to create 32-bit TIFFs with an alpha channel

MartinaHepp1 — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:52:38 GMT

Currently, ArcGIS provides support for 32-bit TIFFs, but the ability to include an alpha channel is only available when exporting maps. It would be extremely useful if all raster processing tools that generate a new raster (e.g., Copy Raster, Export Raster, etc.) could support writing 32-bit TIFFs with an alpha channel.

Why is this important?

Many workflows require transparent backgrounds in raster outputs, especially for visualization, overlays, and seamless integration with other software.
Currently, users must rely on workarounds, such as manually adding transparency in external software.
Having this feature directly in ArcGIS would improve efficiency and ensure consistency in raster exports.

Suggested Implementation

Add an option in relevant raster tools to enable an alpha channel when exporting a 32-bit TIFF.
Ensure that transparency is preserved when writing the raster file.

This enhancement would greatly benefit users who work with transparent raster datasets and streamline workflows across different applications.

Re: Allow all raster output tools to create 32-bit TIFFs with an alpha channel

DanPatterson — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:36:10 GMT

You might want to upvote this as well

Export raster to TIFF: add option to add an alpha-band for NoData values

perhaps they need to consolidated in some form or another

Re: Allow all raster output tools to create 32-bit TIFFs with an alpha channel

MartinaHepp1 — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 07:18:40 GMT

Hi @DanPatterson ,

thanks for the hint! I just upvoted that idea as well.

I had seen that idea before posting this one, I only created this new one because we are not specifically dependent on the value "0" for the alpha channel. But perhaps this value is always assigned by default when adding an alpha channel to a raster!? I'm not sure about that.

If so – how could the two ideas be merged?

Re: Allow all raster output tools to create 32-bit TIFFs with an alpha channel

DanPatterson — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:35:21 GMT

@JesseCloutier would be able to assess if it is similar enough

Re: Allow all raster output tools to create 32-bit TIFFs with an alpha channel

JesseCloutier — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:48:52 GMT

Thanks for tagging me, @DanPatterson. I've pinged an ArcGIS Pro Ideas Manager to take a look at this conversation and make a determination when they next have an opportunity. All the best!