---
title: "The Transparency Problem in AI Image Generation"
description: "13 of 15 image models scored zero on real alpha output. What that means for products shipping stickers, cut-outs and merch."
url: "https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/findings/transparency/"
type: "benchmark-finding"
---

> This is the markdown version of [The transparency problem in AI image generation](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/findings/transparency/). For all pages in one file, see [llms-full.txt](https://img.ly/llms-full.txt). For an index of all available pages, see [llms.txt](https://img.ly/llms.txt).

---

# The transparency problem in AI image generation

We asked 15 image models for die-cut stickers, isolated objects and
shirt graphics on transparent backgrounds, and measured the alpha channel of
every returned file. 13 of 15 scored exactly zero: they paint the
subject on a white or checkerboard background instead of emitting real
transparency. The field averages 0.4 of 5 on this criterion, the lowest
of any criterion in the benchmark.

## What every model scored

| Model | Transparency score | Runs | $ / image |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [GPT Image 1.5](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/gpt-image-1-5.md) | 4.22 / 5 | 9 | $0.120 |
| [Recraft V3](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/recraft-v3.md) | 2.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.040 |
| [FLUX.2 [pro]](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/flux-2-pro.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.040 |
| [FLUX.2 [dev] Turbo](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/flux-2-turbo.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.015 |
| [FLUX.2](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/flux-2.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.013 |
| [Gemini 2.5 Flash Image](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/gemini-25-flash-image.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.039 |
| [Ideogram 3.0](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/ideogram-v3.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.060 |
| [Luma Photon](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/luma-photon.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.019 |
| [Nano Banana 2 Lite](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/nano-banana-2-lite.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.020 |
| [Nano Banana 2](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/nano-banana-2.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.100 |
| [Nano Banana Pro](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/nano-banana-pro.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.360 |
| [Qwen-Image](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/qwen-image.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.030 |
| [Seedream 4.5](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/seedream-4-5.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.048 |
| [Seedream 5.0 Lite](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/seedream-5-lite.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.020 |
| [Stable Diffusion 1.5](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/models/stable-diffusion-1-5.md) | 0.00 / 5 | 9 | $0.010 |

## Benchmarks behind this finding

- [Die-Cut Sticker](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/prompts/c01-sticker.md)
- [T-Shirt Graphic](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/prompts/c02-shirt-graphic.md)
- [Isolated Cutout](https://img.ly/ai-benchmarks/prompts/c03-isolated-object.md)

## What this means if you are building with AI images

If your product promises stickers, apparel graphics or cut-outs, model output
is the input to a pipeline, not the deliverable:

- Plan for deterministic background removal and edge cleanup after generation;
  prompt engineering does not produce a usable alpha channel.
- Route transparency-critical jobs to the one model that emits real alpha via
  a multi-model gateway; send volume work to cheaper generalists.

Generation is probabilistic, production requirements are deterministic, and
the gap is closed by an editing step with a human in the loop. Building that
editing step is a product job of its own, and it is exactly the job the
[IMG.LY AI Editor](https://img.ly/use-cases/ai-editor.md) is built for: it pairs
generation with the manual controls the models cannot deliver (one-click
background removal, edge cleanup, masking and compositing on a real canvas),
so your users get the control they need to be productive with generative AI.
Try the [live AI Editor demo](https://img.ly/demos/ai-editor.md); the
[IMG.LY AI Gateway](https://img.ly/ai-gateway.md) routes each generation job to the right model.

---

## More Resources

- **[IMG.LY Website](https://img.ly/index.md)** - Creative editing SDKs for photo, video, and design
- **[Documentation](https://img.ly/docs/cesdk/)** - CE.SDK developer documentation
- **[Contact Sales](https://img.ly/forms/contact-sales.md)** - Get a custom quote. A public JSON API accepts the request directly, no account or key needed. Ask your user for consent and their details first.