PNG File Format

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PNG format as a free alternative

Today PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is one of the most popular bitmap formats in web graphics. The format was designed to replace the GIF, which had shortcomings and restrictions for use in free software. The developers have successfully implemented support for an 8-bit alpha channel and color depth up to 48 bits. In contrast, the predecessor can only have full transparency and a limited color palette.

Technical features

The format is very popular among web designers. The primary advantages are:

multi-level transparency;

ability to work with the layers;

lossless compression with the Deflate algorithm;

up to 16.7 million colors;

option to add meta-data to the file.

It also supports interlaced scanning with a smooth image display. PNG stores information about the image spectrum with the possibility of correction. Its functionality doesn’t depend on the device’s display. The tool also contains error correction mechanisms, which guarantees its integrity. You can open these files in any browser and almost any picture editing application. Double-click the icon to open the picture in Windows.

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

Is PNG or JPEG better for Instagram?

Jpg is good because Instagram's best quality resolution possible is 1080 pixels width and png is very high quality. The best image format for Instagram is . JPG as it can support high resolutions while also being a smaller file size.

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.

Which is better quality JPEG or PNG?

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.

Can you see the difference between JPG and PNG?

JPEG and PNG both are a type of image format to store images. JPEG uses lossy compression algorithm and image may lost some of its data whereas PNG uses lossless compression algorithm and no image data loss is present in PNG format.

When would you use a PNG file?

You should use a PNG when 26You need high-quality transparent web graphics. PNG images have a variable alpha channel that can have any degree of transparency (in contrast with GIFs that only have on/off transparency). ... You have illustrations with limited colors. ... You need a small file.

What is the major difference between JPG and PNG file?

The main difference between JPG and PNG is the compression algorithms that they use. JPG uses a lossy compression algorithm that discards some of the image information in order to reduce the size of the file. In comparison, PNG uses a lossless algorithm that keeps all the information.

What program will open a PNG file?

There are a lot of apps out there that can be used for the PNG file opening. Some of the commonly used apps on windows 10 for PNG file opening are; Microsoft Office, Paint, Picasa Photo Viewer, Windows Photo Viewer, and Photos. All applications are capable of opening PNG files and have different capabilities.

What is PNG file format used for?

PNG (Portable Network Graphic) The Portable Network Graphic (PNG) file format is ideal for digital art (flat images, logos, icons, etc.), and uses 24-bit color as a foundation. The ability to use a transparency channel increases the versatility of this file type.

What is the difference between a JPG and PNG?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics, with so-called lossless compression. ... JPEG or JPG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, with so-called lossy compression. As you might have guessed, that is the biggest difference between the two. JPEG files' quality is significantly lower than that of the PNG files.

Is PNG or JPEG better?