What Are the Benefits of Using the PNG File Format?
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The PNG file format is easily one of the most popular formats on the web, especially among graphic designers. What makes PNG such a great choice for online images?
For one, it has many benefits, such as the ability to control opacity and transparency. Keep reading to discover some of the key benefits of using this file format.
Minimum Compression Loss
One of the biggest benefits of using the PNG file format is that it has minimum compression loss. This means that the image quality won’t be changed when you compress the file. This is one major benefit that the PNG format has over the JPEG format.
This lossless compression serves many advantages, especially if you don’t want to lose any detail when compressing the image. Files retain details, data, and quality.
Supports a Wide Variety of Colors
PNG files can handle up to 16 million colors. Compare that to the GIF that it was created to replace, which only supports 256 colors. This makes PNG the best format for online images.
The PNG format has a wide color depth and supports images with palettes with 32-bit RGBA or 24-bit RGB colors. It also supports non-palette images and greyscale images.
This image format allows for enhanced colors with more shades and hues, a higher resolution, and sharp edges.
PNG is the best file format when there are a lot of straight lines or text. It offers clean lines and rich colors perfect for various types of images, both complex and simple.
Supports Transparency
PNG image files support multi-level transparency. You can adjust opacity levels from completely transparent to opaque.
If you’re designing a web page, for instance, you might use transparent PNG images when creating a logo. Logos require transparent backgrounds.
In fact, one of the biggest advantages of using PNG is the transparent background. This makes images saved in this format perfect for web design and the preferred format for typography, illustrations, and logos.
Perfect for Storing Images for Editing
One of the most common uses for the PNG file format is to store images in the middle of the editing process. When you re-save an image using PNG format, you won’t lose any quality.
PNG is often used for graphics, illustrations, charts, and logos. Another benefit of PNG files is that you can work with layers.
It’s also great for professional photography, as long as the file size isn’t a concern.
Is the PNG File Format Right for You?
You might want to use the PNG file format when creating a logo, making navigation elements for a website, or when creating text, graphics, or images with sharp edges. If you need good compression without sacrificing quality and transparency, PNG is the way to go.
Are you designing a website and looking for tips to make it stand out? To get more out of your blogging website, check out some of our other articles for additional inspiration and tips.
