FILE FORMAT
PNG File Format: Transparency, Quality and File Size
Learn why PNG is useful for graphics and screenshots, and why it is often a poor choice for large photographic images.
What is PNG?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless image format. It is particularly useful for graphics with sharp edges, screenshots and images that need an alpha channel for transparency.
Common uses
- Logos, icons and interface graphics
- Screenshots and diagrams
- Images requiring transparent backgrounds
- Graphics where repeated editing should not add lossy artifacts
Advantages
- Lossless compression
- Supports transparency
- Sharp rendering for text and flat-color graphics
- Widely supported by browsers and image software
Limitations
- Photographic PNGs can be much larger than JPG or WebP
- Lossless compression cannot remove as much data as lossy compression
- Large screenshots can still produce substantial files
Compatible software
PNG is supported by modern browsers, operating systems, design tools and image editors.
When should you use it?
Choose PNG for graphics, screenshots and transparency.
Consider another format: Use JPG or WebP when a photographic image needs a significantly smaller file and transparency is not required.
CONVERT THIS FORMAT
View all tools →PNG Tools
AVIF to PNG Converter
Convert AVIF images to PNG instantly.
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Compress PNG
Reduce PNG file size losslessly. For photos, try PNG to JPG/WebP instead - much smaller.
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JPG to PNG Converter
Convert JPG images to PNG instantly.
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PNG to AVIF Converter
Convert PNG images to AVIF instantly.
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PNG to JPG Converter
Convert PNG images to JPG instantly.
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PNG to WebP Converter
Convert PNG images to WebP instantly.
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QR Code Generator
Turn any text or URL into a downloadable QR code image.
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WebP to PNG Converter
Convert WebP images to PNG instantly.
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