Subject: Bug Report: Black and White Bitmaps Incorrectly Converted on Import

Product: Illustrator (Desktop) Beta

Version: 28.7 65 (64-bit)

Operating System: Windows 11

Steps to Reproduce:

Open Illustrator and create a new document.
1. Set the Document Color Mode to either CMYK or RGB.
2. Import a black and white bitmap image.
4. Observe the color mode of the imported bitmap.

Expected Result:
The black and white bitmap should remain in black and white upon import, regardless of the Document Color Mode. The white areas of the bitmap should remain transparent. We should be able to change the color of the image.

Actual Result:
The black and white bitmap is converted to either CMYK or RGB, depending on the Document Color Mode. The areas that are supposed to be transparent become white.

Additional Information:

• Black and white bitmaps that were previously imported before the update remain imported correctly and retain their black and white color.
• This issue started occurring after the latest update to the Illustrator (Desktop) Beta.
• Included screenshots show black and white bitmaps displaying as RGB and CMYK, respectively.

Impact:
1. This bug affects the accuracy and quality of imported black and white bitmaps, disrupting workflows that rely on precise black and white imagery.
2. Users are unable to assign a color to the black and white bitmap, as it remains in black and white regardless of attempts to change the color.
3. The white areas of the bitmap, which are supposed to be transparent, become white upon import, affecting the design and composition of artwork.

Temporary Workarounds:
a. Use an older version of Illustrator instead of the beta version.
b. Use the following steps within the beta version:

1. Select the image.
2. Go to Object > Rasterize...
3. Select the following options: Color Model: Bitmap Resolution: (desired Resolution) Background: Transparent

Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if any additional information is needed.

Best regards,

Mark Reategui