Image ConvertersLesson 236Free preview
GIF to PNG
This lesson is part of Web Developer Tools · All levels
Summary
The GIF to PNG converter converts GIF images into PNG files that store pixels losslessly. GIFs can only accommodate 256 colors per frame and one bit transparency, whereas PNGs support millions of colors and full alpha channels. Since PNG is a static format, GIF animations are usually shortened to just the first frame. This format is suitable for logos, icons, and screenshots that require sharp edges.
Key points
- PNG stores pixel data without loss of quality or lossless
- PNG supports alpha-level transparency, whereas GIFs only support 1-bit transparency.
- GIF animations are not stored in static PNG; generally only the first frame is taken.
- For photos, PNG can be much larger than JPG, but for PNG graphics, linearity is sharper.
- The limited GIF palette makes the fine gradations appear linear before converting
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