PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PNG is a lossless image format with full alpha transparency, ideal for screenshots, logos and graphics. Learn when to use PNG and when JPG or WebP is smaller.
- Type
- Image
- File extensions
- .png
- MIME type
- image/png
What is PNG?
PNG was created in 1996 as a patent-free replacement for GIF. It compresses images losslessly, so every pixel is preserved exactly, no matter how often the file is saved.
PNG supports true color and full 8-bit alpha transparency, which allows soft, anti-aliased edges over any background. Animated PNG (APNG) is an extension supported by modern browsers.
When to use PNG
- Screenshots and user-interface images with text
- Logos, icons and graphics with sharp edges or flat colors
- Images that need transparent backgrounds
- Intermediate files you will edit again
Limitations
- Photos saved as PNG are much larger than JPG, WebP or AVIF
- No lossy mode in the standard format
Compatibility
Universally supported by browsers, operating systems and image editors.
Compared with other formats
- JPEG / JPG: JPG is far smaller for photographs but has no transparency.
- WebP: WebP lossless is typically smaller than PNG and also supports transparency.
Tools for PNG files
GIF Maker
Combine a sequence of still images into an animated GIF with per-frame delay and loop control.
GIF Watermark
Place a logo or text watermark on every frame of an animated GIF.
Image Resizer
Resize images to exact pixel dimensions or a percentage, with optional aspect-ratio locking.
Image Cropper
Crop an image to an exact region or to a centered aspect ratio such as 1:1, 16:9 or 4:5.
Image Compressor
Reduce image file size with adjustable quality and optional maximum dimensions, and see the savings.
Image Converter
Convert any common image format to JPG, PNG or WebP in a single step.
Image Rotator
Rotate an image by 90, 180 or 270 degrees, or by any custom angle with a chosen background.
Image Flipper
Mirror an image horizontally, vertically or both.
Image Watermark
Protect photos with a semi-transparent text watermark, placed once or tiled across the image.
Image Text Adder
Write a caption or label onto an image with your choice of size, color, outline and position.
Image Blur
Apply a smooth Gaussian-style blur to an entire image with an adjustable radius.
Image Sharpen
Increase perceived detail with an unsharp-mask filter that has adjustable amount and radius.
Convert other files to PNG
GIF Splitter
Split an animated GIF into separate PNG frames, downloadable together as a ZIP archive.
GIF Frame Extractor
Save one specific frame of an animated GIF as a standalone PNG or JPG image.
GIF to APNG
Convert an animated GIF into an Animated PNG with full alpha transparency support.
JPG to PNG
Convert JPG photos to lossless PNG files.
WebP to PNG
Convert WebP images to lossless PNG files that keep transparency.
AVIF to PNG
Convert AVIF images to lossless PNG files.
HEIC to PNG
Convert iPhone HEIC/HEIF photos into lossless PNG files.
SVG to PNG
Rasterize SVG vector graphics to PNG at any size, keeping transparency.