How to Compress PNG Images and Keep Transparency
Go to the PNG compressorWhat Is PNG Compression?
PNG is a lossless raster image format that can store transparency. Litemio offers two modes with different goals: Smaller can change color representation, while Lossless preserves decoded pixel values on supported inputs.
Why Are PNG Files Sometimes Large?
PNG file size depends on image dimensions, pixel patterns, color type, transparency, and metadata. Photographs often contain more pixel variation than flat graphics, which can make PNG files large.
How PNG Compression Works
Smaller decodes the image and writes a new PNG using a target palette size, then may run a lossless optimizer. Lossless runs the optimizer only when the input type and metadata can be verified safely; otherwise the original is kept.
Smaller
This mode re-encodes pixels and can reduce the number of colors. It may change colors or transparency representation. Choose a target Colors value and inspect the preview; the setting does not promise a particular saving.
Lossless
This mode uses a PNG optimizer and checks dimensions, supported color format, metadata chunks, and decoded channel values. When those checks cannot confirm a safe result, Litemio keeps the original bytes.
PNG Colors: What Does the Color Setting Do?
Colors sets the target maximum palette size in Smaller mode. A lower count can reduce file size but may alter gradients, details, or transparency levels. The result varies by image.
Lossless PNG Compression vs Smaller PNG
Lossless aims to preserve the decoded pixel values and relevant metadata. Smaller may alter the color representation to seek a smaller file. Compare the preview and choose according to whether exact pixel values matter.
How to Reduce PNG File Size
Add a static PNG, choose Smaller or Lossless, and review the preview. If the result is not smaller than the source, Litemio retains the original.
PNG Transparency and Compression
PNG supports transparency. Smaller mode may change transparency levels during palette re-encoding. Lossless mode verifies pixel channel values on supported files; unsupported inputs are kept unchanged.
PNG vs JPEG
PNG is useful when lossless pixel storage or transparency matters. JPEG is often used for photographs where some change in image detail is acceptable and transparency is not needed. JPEG compressor.
PNG vs WebP
Both formats can support transparency. Litemio offers Lossless and Smaller PNG modes; WebP can encode still images with a quality setting and also supports animation. Choose based on image needs and destination support. WebP compressor.