Techniques for converting 3D images using alpha maps are described. A left-view image and a right-view image may be determined from media data received by a 3D display system. An alpha map specifying a plurality of operations for a plurality of locations that correspond to the first plurality of locations in the images may also be determined. The plurality of operations specified in the alpha map may be applied by the 3D display system to process the left-view and right-view images, and to generate, based on the left-view and right-view images, a third image in an appropriate 3D format.