PNG (Portable Network Graphics)
PNG is a lossless image format that supports full alpha transparency. It excels at preserving sharp edges, text, and graphics without compression artifacts. PNG is the standard choice for screenshots, logos, icons, and any image requiring transparency.
MIME Type
image/png
Type
Binary
Compression
Lossless
Advantages
- + Lossless compression preserves every pixel
- + Full alpha transparency support
- + Excellent for sharp edges and text
- + Wide browser and editor support
Disadvantages
- − Larger file sizes than JPEG for photographs
- − Not ideal for complex photographic content
- − No animation support (use APNG instead)
When to Use .PNG
Use PNG for images with transparency, screenshots, logos, text overlays, icons, and any graphic where lossless quality is required.
Technical Details
PNG uses DEFLATE lossless compression with optional filtering for better ratios. It supports 8-bit and 16-bit color depths plus an alpha channel for transparency.
History
PNG was created in 1996 as a patent-free replacement for GIF after Unisys enforced LZW compression patents. It was standardized as ISO/IEC 15948 in 2004.
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