--- title: The definitive guide to PNG | Oppaca description: What is a PNG file? Finds out it in this article... image: https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/png_home-2.jpg --- [![Oppaca](https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/OPPACA%20LOGO_White-1.png) ](https://www.oppaca.com?hsLang=en)   [oppaca@oppaca.com](mailto:oppaca@oppaca.com) en chevron-down icon {{ store.current.symbol }} - {{ currency.code }} chevron-down icon user icon [0 ](https://www.oppaca.com/carrello?hsLang=en) bars icon times icon [Share this blog post on Facebook ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [Share this blog post on Pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [Blog](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog) # What is a PNG file? 25 May, 2022 25 May, 2022 - [Stefano Artuffo](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/author/stefano-artuffo) [Share this blog post on Facebook ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [Share this blog post on Pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) ![](https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/png_home-2.jpg)   ##### **PNG** or “**Portable Graphics Format**” is the most commonly used **uncompressed raster image format** on the internet. **PNG** is actually a lossless data compression format, which was created in order to replace **GIF** or the **Graphics Interchange Format**. The best thing is that it is an **open format** with no copyright limitations. Like **GIF format**, **PNG format** is used when a **transparent background** has to be displayed. **PNG** files contain **24bit RGB color** palettes and **grayscale images**. One can apply **PNG** files with lots of editing effects.    Let's see which are the **advantages** of using **PNG files**! ### ![PNG download](https://www.oppaca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/press_running_jpg__250x0_q95_crop_subsampling-2_upscale-3.jpg?width=250&height=250&name=press_running_jpg__250x0_q95_crop_subsampling-2_upscale-3.jpg) ### 1. Higher compression rates or ratio When you plan to **print your labels** it is important to understand that **PNG** files **are not optimal**; **PNG files** are best suited for online graphics because of their lossless compression. The best thing is **Portable Graphics Format** or **PNG** uses better image compression technology compared to other image standards like **GIF**. The **higher compression rates of PNG** files enables users to **download files quickly and conveniently**, without even affecting the pixels. You can compress both, indexed-color and true color images very effectively. Your **image’s file size** is the primary and the basic **measure of its weight.** The weight of the image actually affects the **download time**. More often than not, larger images or higher resolution images have larger file sizes. However, the higher compression ratio of **PNG files** make downloading images very convenient. Remember, if you don’t use the right technology you will end up wasting a lot of time in downloading your images.   ![PNG bit](https://www.oppaca.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/nero_sovrastampa_jpg__250x0_q95_crop_subsampling-2_upscale-3.jpg?width=160&name=nero_sovrastampa_jpg__250x0_q95_crop_subsampling-2_upscale-3.jpg) ### 2. Higher bit depths **Higher bit depths, simply means more colors. PNG files** allow for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 and 32 bit images. Earlier there was a 8-bit barrier, which is not the case now.      ### 3. Multiple layers of transparency Another very important feature that you can get with **PNG files** is the **multiple layers of transparency**. Yes, **PNG files** allow for full alpha channel transparency, which makes it easy for the user to move an image from one background to another without much effort.   4. Built-in gamma correction Believe it or not, **PNG files** come with built-in **gamma correction**. All you have to do is to select the gam ma correction level, it is intended to monitor the image and get you the desired results for your graphic design.   ### 5. Royalty-free license Yes, you must have heard that nothing on this earth comes for free. Well, the statement is not true in the case of **PNG format,** because **PNG license is permanent and royalty-free**. This means you can get **PNG format** without using special softwares that require you to purchase a licence. **PNG**, a permanent, royalty-free license is an open format with no copyright limitations, it is developed by the W3C. This format is going to remain **free and open standard** for users! It is a pocket-friendly option for you to develop wonderful and beautiful images.   ##### Do You still have questions regarding **PNG files**? Our team of **design experts** can guide you in **choosing the right file format** that you can use to **print you labels and packaging.**   Did you like the article? Share it! [Share this blog post on Facebook ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [Share this blog post on Pinterest ](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-png-file) [ Next ](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/case-history/what-tiktok-and-why-should-you-think-about-it-designer?hsLang=en) --- Related post Learn more [![](https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/155-debossing_cop-1.jpg) ](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tips-and-tricks/what-debossing-and-how-use-it?hsLang=en) [Print](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tag/print) [What is debossing and how to use it?](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tips-and-tricks/what-debossing-and-how-use-it?hsLang=en) May 25, 2022 [![](https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/beer_home-2.jpg) ](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-define-right-size-beer-label?hsLang=en) [How to define the right size of a beer label?](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-define-right-size-beer-label?hsLang=en) May 27, 2022 [![](https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/trap_copertina-3.jpg) ](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tips-and-tricks/what-trapping-and-why-it-important-your-file?hsLang=en) [Tutorials](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tag/tutorials) [What is trapping and why is it important for your file?](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tips-and-tricks/what-trapping-and-why-it-important-your-file?hsLang=en) May 06, 2020 [![](https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/tiff-2.jpg) ](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-tiff-file?hsLang=en) [Tutorials](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tag/tutorials) [What is a TIFF file?](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/font-color/what-tiff-file?hsLang=en) May 15, 2020 [![](https://www.oppaca.com/hubfs/018_cop5.png) ](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/google-fonts-un-magnifico-tool-per-designer-oppaca?hsLang=en) [Tricks](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/tag/tricks) [Google Fonts: an amazing tool for designers](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/google-fonts-un-magnifico-tool-per-designer-oppaca?hsLang=en) Mar 02, 2023 [ Next ](https://www.oppaca.com/en/blog/case-history/what-tiktok-and-why-should-you-think-about-it-designer?hsLang=en) Phone Number Customer type Person Freelance Corporate Fiscal code VAT number (for Companies) SDI code or PEC code (optional)