PNG8 is PNG with an 8-bit indexed palette — at most 256 colors, the "GIF-quality" PNG that Fireworks era designers exported for tiny file sizes.
Typical use: Convert PNG8 files like any PNG — to JPG, WebP or full-color formats.
About the PNG8 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
Convert PNG8 to…
39 direct directions plus 9 workflows, sorted A–Z; 🔥 marks popular targets.
Cross-engine workflows
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Cross-engine workflows
Frequently asked questions
What is a PNG8 file?
PNG8 is PNG with an 8-bit indexed palette — at most 256 colors, the "GIF-quality" PNG that Fireworks era designers exported for tiny file sizes.
How do I convert PNG8 files online?
Pick a target format from the "Convert PNG8 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 PNG8 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 PNG8 convert to?
This page lists all 48 directions across documents, images, audio, video, spreadsheets and archives — each one is its own free converter page.