PNG is a lossless image format that keeps every pixel intact and supports full transparency.
It was created in the 1990s as a free, patent-unencumbered replacement for GIF, adding millions of colors and smooth alpha transparency.
Use PNG for logos, icons, screenshots, line art and any graphic with sharp edges, text or transparency.
Advantages
- ✓No quality loss — every pixel is preserved exactly.
- ✓Supports transparency (an alpha channel).
- ✓Opens on virtually every device, browser and app.
Drawbacks
- ✕Produces very large files.
- ✕Inefficient for full-color photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PNG lossy or lossless?
PNG is lossless, so it preserves image quality exactly without throwing any data away.
Does PNG support transparency?
Yes, PNG supports transparency, so transparent backgrounds are preserved.
How do I open or convert a PNG file?
Most image viewers can open PNG files, but for full compatibility you can convert PNG to JPG or PNG right here — free, instant and private in your browser.