PNG
Portable Network GraphicsUsed for lossless images and transparency.
- Family
- Images
- MIME
- image/png
Convert PNG to GIF online. See the real pixel decoding and image re-encoding behavior, preservation limits, and a format-specific acceptance test.
Losslessly encoded pixels with full alpha transparency is decoded into a working pixel canvas first, then written back out under GIF's own color and compression model. Dimensions can stay exactly the same even as encoding, metadata, and fine detail change underneath. PNG decoding combines filtered scanlines with declared color type, bit depth, palette or full alpha, color-profile chunks, and optional ancillary metadata. GIF output reduces frames to indexed palettes and binary transparency, so color selection, dithering, disposal, timing, loop seam, and absent audio define quality.
Canvas decoded from losslessly encoded pixels with full alpha transparency. Image written as a frame animation or indexed-color image limited to a 256-color palette.
Used for lossless images and transparency.
Designed for short animations and simple graphics.
GIF wins this route whenever its specific mix of compatibility, alpha, animation, and file size fits the destination better than PNG does.
PNG is inefficient for many photographs, and indexed optimization can reduce a smooth palette even without JPEG-style loss.
Photographs and gradients can band, semi-transparent edges are reduced, and timing may be quantized.
The video-to-GIF path samples frames at 12 per second, caps width at 960 pixels, and drops audio entirely — GIF has no sound channel to carry it.
Inspect transparent edges, gradients, exact dimensions, color, and small text at 100%.
Play the full loop and inspect color banding, disposal between frames, transparency, and the loop seam.