orbfile

Image format

What is a PNG file?

PNG is a lossless image format built for sharp edges, flat colors, and transparency — think logos, screenshots, and UI graphics rather than photos.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) was created in the mid-1990s as a free, patent-unencumbered replacement for GIF, and it inherited GIF's lossless approach while adding full 24-bit color and an alpha transparency channel. Because nothing is thrown away during compression, a PNG can be re-saved indefinitely without ever degrading — a real advantage for screenshots, diagrams, and anything with text or hard edges, where JPEG's compression tends to introduce visible smudging. The cost is file size: for photographic content, a PNG is typically several times larger than an equivalent JPEG, which is why most photo libraries still default to JPEG and reserve PNG for graphics.

How to open a PNG file

PNG files open readily in Any web browser, Your operating system's default photo viewer. For real editing rather than just viewing, reach for Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Affinity Photo.

Strengths & limitations

Good for

  • lossless — no generation loss on re-saving
  • full alpha transparency
  • crisp text and hard edges

Watch out for

  • much larger files than JPG for photographic content

Convert PNG files

Orbfile can convert PNG both ways, entirely in your browser — pick a direction below:

PNG to JPGPNG to WEBPPNG to AVIFPNG to GIFPNG to BMPPNG to TIFFPNG to ICOPNG to JXL

Frequently asked questions

What does a PNG file contain?+

PNG is a lossless image format built for sharp edges, flat colors, and transparency — think logos, screenshots, and UI graphics rather than photos.

Can I convert PNG for free?+

Yes — Orbfile's image converter handles PNG for free, with no file limit, watermark, or account, and it runs entirely in your browser.

Is converting a PNG file safe and private?+

Yes. Orbfile processes PNG files locally on your device using WebAssembly — nothing is uploaded to a server, so there's nothing to leak or store.

Who created the PNG format?+

PNG was developed by PNG Development Group, first released around 1996.

Browse the full file format guide.