PNG is a lossless image format that preserves every pixel exactly and supports transparent backgrounds, which makes it the standard for screenshots, logos and graphics containing text or sharp edges.
Typical use: Convert to PNG when you need lossless quality or a transparent background — for logos, UI screenshots and line art.
About the PNG format
PNG was created in 1996 as a free, open replacement for the patent-encumbered GIF, and it has been the reference lossless image format ever since. Pixels are compressed with the DEFLATE algorithm (the same one inside ZIP files), which reproduces the original image exactly — bit-for-bit — while supporting full 8-bit or 16-bit alpha transparency. Screenshots, logos, icons, charts and anything with text or sharp edges should live in PNG.
Because it never discards information, PNG files of photographs are several times larger than JPG — that is the price of perfection. Modern PNG encoders add filters per scanline that make screenshots and flat-color graphics compress surprisingly well. PNG also became the base of APNG, the animation extension that browsers play natively.
Strengths
- ✓ Truly lossless — every pixel survives exactly as it was
- ✓ Full alpha transparency with smooth edges, not 1-bit masks
- ✓ Open standard, unpatented, with excellent tooling everywhere
- ✓ Ideal for text, line art and flat-color graphics — sharp edges stay sharp
Limitations
- ✗ Photographs become several times larger than JPG
- ✗ Base format has no animation (that is the APNG extension)
- ✗ 16-bit or high-resolution PNGs can grow very heavy
- Compression
- Lossless (DEFLATE)
- Transparency
- Full alpha (8/16-bit)
- Animation
- Only via APNG extension
- Metadata
- tEXt chunks, ICC profile
- Best for
- Screenshots, logos, sharp graphics
Tools Actions on PNG files themselves
Convert PNG to…
48 direct directions plus 12 workflows, sorted A–Z; 🔥 marks popular targets.
Cross-engine workflows
Convert other files to PNG…
Cross-engine workflows
Frequently asked questions
What is a PNG file?
PNG is a lossless image format that preserves every pixel exactly and supports transparent backgrounds, which makes it the standard for screenshots, logos and graphics containing text or sharp edges.
How do I convert PNG files online?
Pick a target format from the "Convert PNG to…" list below, drop your file and hit convert. Everything runs in your browser — no install, no upload, no watermark, no limits.
Is it safe to convert PNG files here?
Yes. Every conversion is performed by your own device inside the browser — files never leave for a server, and the page keeps working even offline.
Which formats can PNG convert to?
This page lists all 61 directions across documents, images, audio, video, spreadsheets and archives — each one is its own free converter page.