[Affinity decides whether to save at 24bit or 32bit ?]

Hello Affinity v1.9 Users,

I am trying to generate a PNG (w/alpha) SEQUENCE but Affinity seems to dictate export save formats (24bit vs 32bit).

If I create and image then hide a portion of the image with a mask - Affinity will export a PNG with ALPHA (32bit file).

If I create and image with a FULL WHITE mask (to display entire image) - Affinity will export a PNG with NO ALPHA (24bit file) even though an alpha clearly exists.

Its almost like Affinity is trying to do me a favor with file size or something like that - deciding a mask/alpha channel isnt necessary because there is no transparency in the image.

My PNG sequence must be entirely 32bit to playback properly in broadcast gear.

Does anyone know how "I" can dictate the bit depth...not Affinity?

Thanks guys