Incorrect Transparency with Pixel Image

Web Application means you need the output to be in RGB, correct? Did you set InDesigns Blend Space for the document to RGB via Edit > Transparency Blend Space?

PNG supports only the limitted alpha transparency and therefore I cannot recommend its use in InDesign.

Blending modes from PSDs are. not transfered to InDesign. 

What I do in such cases: I esparate all different blending modes into different first level layers (no nested or folder layers).

I open the PSD now in Illustrator and save it as AI and PDF/X-4. Both file types transfer from Illustrator only transparency and blending modes to InDesign.

By @Willi Adelberger

Hi Willi

Do you think the extra step of using Illustrator isn’t necessary here? Photoshop can save directly as PDF/X4, which fully supports transparency and blending modes while being optimised for professional output.

By exporting the PSD directly to PDF/X-4, you can avoid the complexity of splitting layers or moving between programs. This ensures a clean workflow and reduces the chances of errors or inconsistencies.

Would love to hear your thoughts on why Illustrator might be preferred in this case, but for most scenarios, Photoshop’s PDF/X-4 should handle it.

If the image in Photoshop has a black background and the foreground elements are set to Multiply, the effect should work correctly in Photoshop because the black background is solid and doesn't interact further with the layers.

When placing the image in InDesign, the Multiply blend mode from Photoshop won't carry over. However, since the black background is solid, it shouldn't require additional blending in InDesign unless the foreground needs to interact with other elements or backgrounds.

Could you confirm if the black background is a true solid black? Also, does the issue persist when you export from InDesign?

To address the issue, I recommend checking the transparency settings in the Effects panel in InDesign.

If the black background is necessary, you could consider turning off the black background layer in Photoshop and only keeping the required elements.

When placing the image in InDesign, you can add the black background by filling the frame with black. Then, use the Content Grabber to select the placed image and set it to Multiply. This method ensures only the image multiplies with the black fill.

You can also adjust the black fill to match your existing black background. If the design stands against a lighter colour, I recommend using a rich black (e.g., 50% Cyan and 100% Black) for a solid printed background.

If the design is for digital use and not for print, you won’t need to worry about using rich black.