What does PNG stand for?
PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It was created in 1996 as a free, patent-unencumbered replacement for the GIF format, and it has since become one of the most widely supported image formats on the web.
How does PNG work?
PNG is a raster (pixel-based) format that uses lossless compression. It stores the exact colour of every pixel and shrinks the file using the DEFLATE algorithm, so the image is rebuilt perfectly when opened — no detail is ever discarded. That is the opposite of JPG, which throws away some detail to make smaller files.
Does PNG support transparency?
Yes. PNG includes an alpha channel with 256 levels of transparency, so areas of an image can be fully transparent, partly see-through, or solid. This is why PNG is the go-to format for logos and graphics that need to sit on any background. If you need to create transparency, our make transparent tool removes a background colour in your browser.
What are PNG-8, PNG-24, and PNG-32?
These describe how much colour a PNG stores. PNG-8 uses an indexed palette of up to 256 colours, which keeps files small — ideal for simple graphics. PNG-24 stores about 16.7 million colours for full-quality images, and PNG-32 adds an 8-bit alpha channel on top for smooth transparency. Reducing the palette is how a PNG compressor makes files much smaller.
When should you use PNG?
Use PNG for logos, icons, line art, text, screenshots, and anything that needs a transparent background or pixel-sharp edges. Avoid PNG for photographs, where its lossless compression produces very large files — convert those to JPG or WebP instead. For a side-by-side breakdown, see PNG vs JPG.
Frequently asked questions
- Is PNG lossless?
- Yes. PNG uses lossless compression, so the image is rebuilt pixel-for-pixel with no quality loss, no matter how many times it is opened and saved.
- Can a PNG be transparent?
- Yes. PNG supports an alpha channel with 256 levels of transparency, so it can have fully transparent, semi-transparent, and solid areas.
- Why are PNG files so large?
- PNG stores every pixel losslessly, so photographs become large. For photos, JPG or WebP are much smaller; PNG is best for graphics, logos, and screenshots.
- Can a PNG be animated?
- Standard PNG is a single still image. APNG (Animated PNG) is an extension that supports animation, but it is not part of the original PNG specification.