PCX to PNG Converter

Convert PCX to PNG online and see exactly what pixel decoding and image re-encoding changes, what PNG still can't promise, and how to verify the result.

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PCX to PNG: the pixel decoding and image re-encoding route explained

Converter.now decodes ZSoft Paintbrush-era raster data using palette or run-length encoded pixels into a working pixel canvas, then writes that canvas according to PNG's color and compression model. Dimensions may stay constant while encoding, metadata, and fine detail change. PCX decoding follows version, plane count, bytes-per-line padding, palette placement, run-length encoding, dimensions, and scanline order from its header. PNG delivery preserves exact raster samples with optional full alpha and color metadata, but file size, palette reduction, animation absence, and profile handling still vary.

Decoded canvas - ZSoft Paintbrush-era raster data using palette or run-length encoded pixels. Written image - Losslessly encoded pixels with full alpha transparency.

INPUT MODEL

PCX

PCX raster image

Used for raster pictures made of individually stored pixels.

Family: Images
MIME: image/x-pcx

→

OUTPUT MODEL

PNG

Portable Network Graphics

Designed for lossless images and transparency.

Family: Images
MIME: image/png

The delivery decision for this PCX to PNG route

Choose PNG when its particular balance of compatibility, alpha, animation, and file size matches the destination better than PCX.

What changes between the PCX model and the PNG deliverable

PNG supports alpha transparency that PCX never had, so any transparent areas in the result are newly created, not carried over from the source.
Treat PCX-specific metadata fields as optional in the PNG result until you have actually confirmed they survived.

What the PCX source carries and the PNG output demands

PCX

What can fail when PCX raster image is interpreted

Modern software may mishandle old palettes, planar channels, or uncommon bit-depth variants.

PNG

What Portable Network Graphics cannot safely promise

PNG is inefficient for many photographs, and indexed optimization can reduce a smooth palette even without JPEG-style loss.

ENGINE

How the PNG writer handles this route

losslessly encoded pixels with full alpha transparency is what gets written, labeled as image/png. Whether that actually opens depends on the receiving application, not on the file extension.

Checking the PNG result before you trust it

BEFORE

Record the PCX evidence before conversion

Check palette colors, dimensions, orientation, bit depth, and whether indexed transparency was expected.

AFTER

Test the PNG file in its receiving workflow

Inspect transparent edges, gradients, exact dimensions, color, and small text at 100%.