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What is PNG format?

Files with the .png extension are images saved in a Portable Network Graphic file type. As a GIF file, it contains a bitmap of indexed colors with lossless compression, but without restrictions to copyright. You can find it handy to edit and store graphics and web images with layers such as transparency. Both the Windows and Mac OS platforms have built-in mechanisms for viewing these kinds of pictures. Moreover, you can use any web browser or graphics editor on them.

Main technical characteristics

The format allows you to improve and replace the GIF, and it doesn’t require a license to use it. Unlike the Graphics Interchange, it has alpha support and can store an unlimited number of colors.

You have probably heard of two types of this format. Technically, PNG 24 is optimal for non-ferrous images such as icons, diagrams, drawings, and screenshots. At the same time, the 8th version will be more useful for pics with colors below 256.

You can compresses data without quality loss and store versions of pictures conveniently using this free open-source alternative.

File extension

png

Internet media type

Lossless bitmap image format

Programs that use this format

FastStone Image Viewer
Google Drive
Eye of GNOME
XnView
Microsoft Paint
Adobe Photoshop

Useful links

More information on png

Developer

PNG Development Group

FAQ

How do I make a PNG image?

Open the image you want to convert into PNG by clicking File > Open. Navigate to your image and then click Open. Once the file is open, click File > Save As. In the next window make sure you have PNG selected from the drop-down list of formats, and then click Save.

Is it better to save an image as a JPEG or PNG?

PNG is a good choice for storing line drawings, text, and iconic graphics at a small file size. JPG format is a lossy compressed file format. ... For storing line drawings, text, and iconic graphics at a smaller file size, GIF or PNG are better choices because they are lossless.

Is PNG or JPEG better for logos?

PNG is the best choice for graphs, the pics with text, screenshots, and for designs that require the use of transparency, such as logo designs and similar. However, the biggest downside is that they are greater in size and they will slow down your website.

When should you save as JPEG?

JPEG should only be used for archival when disk space is the primary consideration. Because JPEG images lose quality each time they're opened, edited and saved, it should be avoided for archival situations when the images require further processing.

What is better for screenshots JPG or PNG?

Screenshots are a good example of that because they often contain photographs as well as text and sharp lines. However, when it comes to JPG vs PNG when talking about screenshots, it is almost always better to use PNG format to retain the sharpness and the readability of the text in the picture.

Is PNG safer than JPG?

Some quality is compromised when an image is converted to a JPG. The reason is because the compression is lossy, which means that certain unnecessary information is permanently deleted. A JPG does, however, allow you to create smaller file size than you could with a PNG.

Is PNG better than JPEG?

In general, PNG is a higher-quality compression format. JPG images are generally of lower quality, but are faster to load. These factors affect whether you decide to use PNG or JPG, as does what the image contains and how it will be used.

What is inside a PNG file?

A PNG file is an image saved in the Portable Network Graphic (PNG) format. It contains a bitmap compressed with lossless compression similar to a . GIF file. PNG files are commonly used to store web graphics, digital photographs, and images with transparent backgrounds.

How are PNG files formatted?

A PNG file consists of a PNG signature followed by a series of chunks. This chapter defines the signature and the basic properties of chunks. Individual chunk types are discussed in the next chapter.

What is better JPEG or PNG?