Web Graphics Overview - Portable Network Graphic (PNG)
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Pronounced "Ping"
This file format was developed by an independent panel of graphic experts to replace GIF. PNG supports any number of colors, alpha channels, lossless compression, and interlacing. The only thing GIF supports that PNG doesn't is animation. This file type works best with about any type of image you care to save. PNG uses the zlib compression scheme, compressing data in blocks dependant on the "filter" you choose. To make compressing your PNG simpler, just choose "adaptive." This will usually give you the best results. If you want the image to be interlaced, select Adam7. Keeping those two points in mind makes saving PNG files relatively painless. To create a transparent area in a PNG, make a mask or alpha channel and save it with the file.
Notes about PNG files: PNG file sizes aren't usually as small as a JPG or GIF. PNG makes up for this deficiency by offering the capability to deliver higher quality images.
Older browsers do not support the PNG format. There are many WYSIWYG editors that still do not support PNG. This is quickly changing. Look for increasing support in the next few months.
PNGs are especially nice for small graphics that require a lot of detail. GIF limits the number of colors you can use. JPEG discards information to save space. PNG doesn't do either one, it keeps everything the way you left it.
Have an image that has mixed content? PNG might be your saving grace. PNGs adaptive encoding looks at each line and evaluates what method of compression will work best for it. An example of an image with mixed content would be a CD cover. The band's logo is set in big block letters over a picture of the group. A GIF will work wonders for keeping the logo intact, but it's going to posterize the photo since it can only use 256 colors. JPEG will handle the photo okay, but it's going to create visible distortion in the logo. You might try keeping the quality of the JPEG very high to minimize the visible artifacts caused by its compression scheme. That will leave you with a sharp looking image that takes forever to download. Next time you're stuck in a situation like this, see if a PNG will work.
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