Earth To Geek

What is a PNG file?

PNG is an image file similar to a GIF file and stands for “Portable Network Graphic”. The PNG file format was developed to replace and improve upon the capabilities of the Gif file, without having to worry about a patent.

One of the main reasons the PNG file format was created was to circumvent patented GIF file format. Software companies that develop applications to create the GIF file format (Such as photoshop) are required to pay a patent usage fee to the Unisys Corporation for the ability to output GIF files.

Some of the features (to name a few) that a PNG file format allows are:

• Transparency - The ability to create a transparent background in the image, allowing the page color or pattern behind the image to show through
• Animation - This gives you the ability to create motion in advertising and images, without having to use more advanced file formats like Flash or movie files.
• True color - Allows the image to display 256 colors and above, allowing you to create photograph quality images.

Most current and up to date browsers currently support this format of image file and it’s popularity is growing fast.