CompuServe Messages

I am not sure about 32 bits on the Mac but on the NeXT, 24 bits is for color, and 8 bits is for transparent colors. It is used for example when you wish to overlay two objects one over the other. One can be made transparent. It is usefull for example, if you design a car. You then design the engine inside the body. Then you can make the body of the car transparent so you can see the engine inside. Pretty fancy!