What is a PNG file? How did it become a thing?
A PNG file is a type of image that has become ubiquitous on the internet. PNG files are often used instead of JPEGs for their ability to support transparency, and because they can be significantly smaller in size than other formats like GIF or JPG. But how did it come to be? What does the acronym stand for? Well, let’s find out!
The term “PNG” was initially an abbreviation for Portable Network Graphics but now stands simply as a name for this common format. The first version of the PNG specification was released in 1996 by its creator, engineer-turned-artist-and designer Greg Roelofs who originally intended it to replace GIF images which were then limited at only 8 bits per pixel with no possibility for transparency.
Where is PNG format applicable?
Upon the release of the PNG file format, it quickly began to support features that were not possible with JPEG or GIF images like control over levels and channels for manipulating colors and opacity. It also supported better compression than other popular formats at the time and came with built-in color correction tools which would make rendering identical colors across different types of software much easier.
- Most applications now offer PNG file compatibility including:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Corel PaintShop Pro X4
- Microsoft Office (from 2007 onwards)
- CorelDRAW 12 (and above)
- Google Picasa 3 (and above)
- Autodesk AutoCAD (2009 release)
- GIMP 2.8 Beta (and above)
- Krita 3.0 (and above)
- LibreOffice (from the 4.4 release)
- Mozilla Firefox
PNG images are usually saved by default as 8-bit RGB despite the fact that it technically supports other color modes like indexed (8/2 bit), greyscale (1 bit), grayscale (8 bits). It is advisable to save your files in RGB mode for maximum compatibility on all platforms and applications. Also, note that most image editors may require you to install a plugin for PNG file support.
Downloading PNG files seamlessly
One of the best things about the PNG file format is that it isn’t a server-side or browser-dependent image type, unlike JPGs which require you to download them before using them.
PNG files can be opened by any web browser even without having to save them first onto your computer’s hard drive from websites like Facebook and Twitter. This also means that when someone posts an image in a chat room or comments section, they won’t have to add a link back to where they originally found the PNG file. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve hosted it on your own website previously, anyone with access to the link will be able to see it unless there is password-protecting access – so long as they have a program for opening up PNG images.
Conclusion
The PNG file format is very popular because it can store true-color images with 8 bits per pixel and 24 bits per pixel for special effects. The most common use for this type of file is to create web graphics or logos.
You might have come across them when browsing social media sites like Twitter or Facebook where many companies will post their logo as a PNG rather than JPG so they don’t lose quality on smaller screens such as phones or tablets. If you want to download png images, you’ll find a variety of free stock photos available in different dimensions with no copyright restrictions.
