PNG
P
PNG
Definition
Portable Network Graphics: a lossless image format supporting transparency (alpha channel). Created as a free, open-source replacement for GIF.
PNG: Lossless with Transparency
PNG was developed in 1996 as a patent-free alternative to GIF. It supports 24-bit RGB and 32-bit RGBA color, enabling full alpha transparency. PNG uses DEFLATE compression for lossless quality, making it ideal for screenshots, logos, graphics with text, and images requiring transparency. While larger than JPEG for photographs, PNG is the preferred format when image fidelity and transparency are critical.