GIMP 2.10 16-bit precision export limits

High Bit-Depth Data Persistence

GIMP 2.10 utilizes GEGL to handle image data with up to 16-bit per channel precision. While the internal precision can be configured via the Image → Precision menu, the behavior of the export process varies depending on the chosen format and dialog settings.

There is uncertainty regarding the consistency of bit-depth preservation when using standard export dialogs for JPEG, PNG, and TIFF. Specifically, the default export settings often revert to 8-bit data unless specific options are manually toggled or external plugins are utilized.

• How does GIMP 2.10 distinguish between internal 16-bit precision and the final bit depth written to a PNG or TIFF file during a standard export?
• Under what conditions does the export dialog fail to offer a 16-bit option for high-precision images?