What is a PNG file? [+ How to Open and Use]
What is a PNG file?
A PNG file, which stands for Portable Network Graphics, is a type of digital image format. The format is an alternative for the Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). Offering a wide range of color display, it can portray as many as 16 million diverse colors. This characteristic makes it an great format choice for images with intricate color details, such as photography or digital graphics.
The PNG file format also supports transparency in images. This trait is commonly used in domains like web design and digital imaging. PNG files can output lossless image compression which makes them a great choice for storing high quality images.
What are PNG files for?
The diverse color range and support for transparency make PNG files suitable for numerous applications. You often find it used in web design. Web designers heavily favor the PNG file format for their task owing to its transparent capability. The intact color patterns, even after compression, make it a standard choice for sharing images on social platforms.
How to Open PNG files?
PNG files are easy to open, because anything from a web browser (like Chrome, Edge, and FireFox) to image editing software (like Photoshop, Microsoft Paint, and GIMP) can open them.
All you have to do is left click twice on any PNG, and your operating system will choose the right program to open it with.
What other file types are related to PNG files?
Is a PNG file a Vector File?
No, a PNG file is not a vector file. A PNG is a type of raster image file format known for its lossless compression. Unlike vector files that are based on mathematical formulas and can be scaled infinitely without sacrificing image quality, raster images like PNG are pixel-based.
In your digital documents, you'll find that PNG files, being pixel-based, have a set resolution. When scaled beyond their original dimensions, they may lose quality and appear pixelated. Vector files, on the other hand, are versatile in their scalability, making them a primary choice for graphic designs that require various sizes.
How to Reduce PNG File Size
Depending on the detail and complexity of your image, PNG files can become rather large. However, there are ways to reduce the size of a PNG file without compromising much on image quality. One method involves using image editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and GIMP, where you can adjust the quality settings of the image during the saving or exporting process.
There are also various online tools available for reducing PNG file size. These tools compress the image data in the file, reducing its file size. However, be aware that file compression may lead to a slight decrease in image quality.
How to Edit a PNG File
To edit PNG files, you need image editing applications like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or even online editors like Canva or Pixlr. With these tools, you can adjust colors, add text, apply filters, and perform many other editing tasks on your PNG files.
Remember, PNG files preserve transparency, which can be exceedingly beneficial while layering images or implementing graphics into other projects. This feature provides greater flexibility when editing compared to other raster file formats such as JPEG.
How to Print a PNG File
Printing a PNG file is as easy as printing any other digital document. You can use any standard printing software linked to your printer to print the image. Ensure the PNG file has adequate resolution for the size at which you intend to print.
Keep in mind that quality is key when printing images. Therefore, the higher the resolution, the better your printed image will turn out. Also, check your printer's capabilities as printers differ in their abilities to reproduce colors accurately.
Can a PNG File Be Edited?
Despite its lossless nature, a PNG file can indeed be edited. With the help of image editing software, you can modify every aspect of a PNG image, from minor tweaks such as color adjustment to significant transformations like applying filters or adding artistic effects. Furthermore, the PNG format supports transparent backgrounds, which widens its scope in terms of editability and use in various designs.
Can a PNG File Be Converted to JPG?
Yes, a PNG file can be converted to a JPG file using a variety of tools. Many image editing software offer the option of saving or exporting an image in a different format. This way, a PNG image can be saved in the JPG format.
Online converters are also available where you upload the PNG file, select JPG as the output format, and download the converted image. Despite their convenience, bear in mind that JPG files compress image data, which may lead to some loss in image clarity, especially when dealing with images that incorporate detailed graphics or typography.
