Everything about PNG file format

What is a .PNG file?

A PNG file is a raster graphics file extension that supports lossless data compression. The file format helps computer scientists or web designers to create images with transparent backgrounds and more color support than JPEG and GIF. 

PNG format means Portable Network Graphic, identified using the .PNG file extension at the end of the file name. The variants of the PNG file format include PNG-8, PNG-24, PNG-32, and Indexed color PNG. 

The PNG-8 format supports 8-bit color depth and handles up to 256 colors, similar to GIF. It also supports lossless compression, making it suitable for simple logos, line art, or graphics but unsuitable for complex images with gradients. 

The PNG-24 format supports 16 million colors, better retains color differences such as gradients, and deters banding. While PNG-24 supports lossless compression like PNG-8, it has much larger files because of its detailed nature, making it ideal for creating complex images.

The PNG-32 file format offers the highest quality compared to PNG-8 and PNG-24, although this comes at the expense of significantly larger file sizes. The format is ideal only for very complex graphics, which necessitate full alpha channel transparency, have rounded edges, and have varying colors and gradients.

The Indexed Color PNG allows alpha samples to be stored for every pixel of a grayscale image. It has the chosen palette entry that defines the real color of the pixels.

A PNG file format is unique from other file formats because of the following features: 

• It supports lossless compression
• It supports transparency 
• It supports 8-bit indexed color and 24-bit true
• High-quality and high-resolution images 
• Larger files because it preserves all image data 

History of PNG image files

The PNG Development Group first created and issued a PNG file format on 4 January 1995. A week later, after its development and launch by the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C), most of the subsequently proposed PNG file format's key features were accepted.

However, in October 1996, W3C endorsed and dispensed the primary PNG file format version. Following its global certification, further PNG file format versions were released between 1998 and 2003. The main types of PNG images include palette-based (8 bit), grayscale, and TrueColor.

A PNG format was developed to help transfer images online using lossless data compression. It makes online image transfers portable across implementations, operating systems, and platforms. The file format was also created to help develop new graphic files, including online logos and graphics that can replace GIFs and make PNG files network-friendly.

Currently, 81.8% of websites use and support PNG files. Web browsers and websites like Google.com, Internet Explorer, Opera.com, Instagram.com, Yahoo.com, Whatsapp.com, and Cloudflare.com, among others, widely support the file format. PNG images are easy to work with, making them very popular among web developers, design professionals, and internet users.

PNG Format Extensions

PNG format extensions include APNG, JNG, and MNG. PNG files are static and only display a single image. However, APNG file means Animated Portable Network Graphics. APNG format has multiple frames that allow it to support and display animations similar to GIF format.

JNG stands for JPEG Network Graphics, a lossy single-image affiliate of the PNG format family. JNG compresses a JPEG data stream in PNG-style chunks, with the ancillary chunks and optional alpha channel carrying color-space comments and data. Although the JNG format was initially meant to be a sub-format of the MNG, it has more chunks than a PNG format. 

The MNG format (Multiple-image Network Graphics) is a member of the PNG format family. It supports still frames, slide shows, and complex animations, making it ideal for storing certain kinds of single images more compactly than the PNG format.

What are PNG files used for? 

PNG is a versatile file format for creating and storing web graphics with transparent backgrounds, such as charts and tables, images or videos, and logos. Below are the most common uses of PNG files:

• Tables and charts: PNG files can be used to create and store detailed charts, tables, and graphics since they retain all necessary data. 
• Logos: PNG files are mostly used to design and create logos since they support transparency.     
• Videos or Images: Just like logos, when images are saved in a PNG format, users can insert them into another image or video while ensuring a transparent background or keeping what is beneath it visible. 

Pros and cons of PNG files? 

Most PNGs are images, but the use cases for this file format are not limited to just images. PNG files can similarly be used to store all web pages, binary data, and text. Hence, while users derive some benefits using PNG files, there are also associated demerits, as discussed below: 

Advantages of PNG Files

1. Solid colors and sharp edges: A PNG file is perfect for images with graphics, line arts, and texts.
2. Excellent for image editing: It can perfectly store digital images for editing using lossless compression. 
3. Supports transparency: A PNG file can support digital image compression with a transparent background 
4. Supports volumes of colors: A PNG file format is appropriate for various digital images, such as graphics and photographs with detailed backgrounds and colors.  
5. Quality images after compression: A PNG file hardly relinquishes image quality and details during and after lossless compression. 
6. Software Compatibility and Support: PNG file type is an open and a standard format, allowing users to easily open, view and edit its files in various software programs without necessitating a license since they are not patented. 

Disadvantages of PNG Files

1. Does not support animation: PNG does not natively support animation, although unofficial extensions exist. 
2. Does not support Metadata: PNG does not support embedded EXIF metadata that various digital cameras use. 
3. Non-RGB Support: PNG hardly supports non-RGB color spaces like black, yellow, magenta, and cyan, hence, not perfect for specialized-quality visual prints.  
4. Larger File Sizes: PNG file formats are larger because they preserve all original information with lossless compression, hence increasing website loading time. 

How to open a .PNG file 

You can open PNG files using built-in image editing software in Mac, Windows, Word, iPhone, and Android, major online web browsers, such as Safari, Edge, Chrome, and Firefox, or third-party graphics editors.  

How to open PNG files in Windows

To open PNG files in Windows, do these:

1. Locate the PNG file you want to open
2. Right-click on the PNG file
3. Select Open with > Click Photos or Paint from the Context Menu.

How to open PNG file on Mac

To open PNG files Mac, use its default preview application. Follow the below steps to open your PNG image format directly.

1. Select the PNG image files to open for review.
2. Right Control-click on the PNG file
3. Navigate to Open with > Choose Preview from the Context Menu

Alternatively, Double-click on it to open. 

How to open PNG file on iPhone

To open PNG file on iPhone:

1. Hover to locate the PNG file
2. Tap on it. It will open for view. 

How to open PNG file on Android 

To open a PNG file on Android, do the following:

1. Navigate to the PNG image or file 
2. Tap on it. It will open for view 

How to open PNG file in Word

You cannot open PNG files directly in Word. Save the entire page as an image inserted in the Word document or insert the PNG file into Word as an object. To open a PNG file in Microsoft Word:

1. Open an existing or a new Microsoft Word document. 
2. Go to the Insert tab in the Menu tab.
3. Click on the Pictures command.
4. In the Insert Picture dialog box, hover to where your PNG file is located.
5. Choose the PNG file and click Insert.
6. The PNG image will be inserted into your Word document.

Format, position, or resize the PNG as required in the Word document.

Online PNG file viewers 

It is possible to view PNG files online. Modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari have built-in PNG readers for opening and viewing images without additional plugins or software. Examples of online PNG file viewers include:

• Aspose converter
• Jumpshare converter
• OnlinePNGtools converter
• Groupdocs converter
• Pixelied converter
• Ezyzip converter
• Photokit converter
• 3dpea converter

How to make PNG files

To create a PNG file from scratch using Notepad, follow the following steps:

1. Open Microsoft Photos or Paint from the Windows Flag Key
2. On the blank Paint or Photos screen, create colored-filled spaces
3. Go to File > Save As > PNG Picture

Note: You can open the newly created file to see a blank PNG file with one big white square using different applications.

How to create a PNG file in Photoshop

If you have the Adobe suite, you can create your PNG file with Photoshop by following these three simple steps:

1. Open the file in Photoshop and click on "Save As."
2. In the “Format" menu, select PNG.
3. Save, and you'll have your PNG file.

How to make a PNG file on iPhone

You can make a PNG file on iPhone by using PNG makers such as Pixelmator or converting an existing JPEG image online:

1. Downloading and installing a Pixelmator
2. Select and copy the JPEG image
3. Launch the Pixelmator > Tap on + (in the upper left corner) > Create Image
4. Click on the 'Share Icon' > Send a Copy
5. Choose PNG > Click Save Image

How to edit PNG images

You can edit PNG images using online image editors like Scanwritr, PDFfiller, Kapwing, PNG.to editor, Canvas, CapCut, and Media.io or using software such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, PhotoPad, Windows' Photos or Paint, GIMP, inPixio, Paint.NET, and Pixlr.

How to edit a PNG file on Windows

Edit a PNG file on Windows using the Photos application. Do the following:

1. Using the Windows taskbar, type Photos > Choose Photos from the list 
2. Choose Edit image (Ctrl + E) at the screen's top.
3. Choose either Background, Retouch, Markup, Filter, Adjustment, or Crop to start editing.
4. Using these features, adjust the feel, look, color, and light of the PNG image.
5. Click Save to the edits or Reset to cancel the edits.

How to edit a PNG file on Mac

To edit a PNG file on Mac, do the following:

1. Launch the Photos app on your Mac
2. Either, 

• Choose the image > Press Return.
• Double-click a photo > click Edit in the toolbar.

1. Once opened, you can edit your image by selecting one of the following icons: Enhance a Photo, Rotate a Photo, Make Adjustments, Apply Filters, Crop a Photo, or Zoom Slider.
2. Save or Stop Editing by Clicking Done or Return

Note: You can press the arrow keys to switch to different elements while editing.

How to edit a PNG file online 

To edit a PNG file online, you can use various online PNG file editors can be used, including: 

• PNG.to editor
• Canvas
• CapCut
• Kapwing
• Media.io
• PDFfiller
• Scanwritr

How to repair PNG files 

To repair a corrupted PNG file, use Wondershare Repairit for Desktop or online. Download and install the Wondershare Repairit for Desktop, then follow the below steps:

1. Launch the program 
2. Navigate to “Photo Repair”> More Types Repair > Add File
3. Click on the "Repair"
4. When the repair process is complete, click on the "Save" button

How to recover PNG files

To recover corrupted PNG files, use the System File Checker method, which is an inbuilt feature in Microsoft Windows, and do the following:

1. Go to the Search Option > Type 'Run'
2. When the run Window is Open, type cmd > press Enter
3.  When the process is complete, type ‘sfc/scannow’ in the command prompt window > Press Enter
4. All the corrupted files in the system will be checked and restored 
5. Restart the PC and open the PNG image file 

How to compress PNG files 

You can compress PNG files using online compression tools such as Compress PNG, 11zon, TinyPNG iLoveIMG or using Photoshop or Microsoft Picture Manager. 

Follow the below steps to compress PNG files using Microsoft Picture Manager. 

1. Choose the PNG file to be compressed
2. Click the Picture Tools Formats tab > Click Compress Pictures
3. Select one of the below options:

• To compress the PNG images to be inserted into a Word doc, click Resolution >  Print.
• To compress the PNG images to published on a Web page: Resolution > click Web.
• To compress the PNG images to send in an e-mail message: Resolution > click E-mail.

    4. Click OK.

Remember to name and save the compressed PNG in your preferred location. 

How to convert PNG files 

Convert PNG files to CR2, to DNG JPEG/JPG, BMP, PDF, HEIC, TIFF, GIF, EPS, and PSD using Convertjack. To realize this, visit our PNG file converter and follow the three steps below:

1. Upload the PNG file
2. Select your preferred format 
3. Click Convert and download to save the converted file

Note: The tool allows you to do batch conversion if you have multiple files to convert.

PNG Files Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1 What does PNG stand for?

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphic.

2 Is PNG a vector file?

No. PNG is a raster file with a fixed number of color pixels.

3 What do PNG files offer that JPEG files do not?

PNG files support transparency and lossless compression, resulting to high-quality images than JPEG files.

4 Can you edit a PNG file?

Yes. You can edit a PNG file using online image editors such as PNG.to editor, Canvas, CapCut, Kapwing, Media.io, PDFfiller, and Scanwritr. You can also edit a PNG file using software like Photoshop, GIMP, Adobe LightRoom, PhotoPad, inPixio, Pixlr, and Paint.NET.

5 Can PNG files be compressed?

Yes. PNG files can be compressed without losing any image details.

6 Is PNG lossy or lossless

PNG is lossless. 

PNG lossless compression ensures all image details are retained during and after compression, resulting in larger and high-quality images.

7 What programs open PNG files?

Programs that can open PNG files include IrfanView, Adobe Photoshop, FastStone Image Viewer, XnView, GIMP, FastStone Image Viewer, PaintShop Pro, Bitberry File Opener, Inkscape, Fotor, Pixlr, Canva, Adobe Express, Kapwing, Acorn, Ezgif, Microsoft Paint, and Pixelmator.

8 What is a transparent PNG file?

A transparent PNG file is an image without any background color, implying that it only contains the subject the user needs.

9 Is a PNG file high resolution?

Yes. A PNG file is high-resolution because it supports superior color depth and retains all file details with lossless compression to ensure high-quality images.

10 Can you print a PNG file?

Yes. You can print a PNG file, although the printouts do not have transparent backgrounds because the files do not support CMYK color.

11 What is the difference between PNG and JPG screenshots?

A PNG Screenshot is detailed, precise, and has straight lines with clear monochromatic and contrast areas without color gradients, while a JPG screenshot has compression artifacts around the text and in monochromatic areas. JPG screenshots are low-quality and blurry when enlarged, unlike the high-quality and visually impressive PNG screenshots. Check out all the differences between JPEG and PNG to know which format fits your needs.

12 Can I convert a PNG to vector?

Yes. You can convert a PNG to vector formats such as AI, EPS, PDF, and SVG, among others. You can use our PNG vector converters, such as PNG to SVG file converter and PNG to EPS file converter.