APNG vs PNG: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of APNG and PNG image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

APNG is best for High-quality animated images with transparency. PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams.

Quick Verdict

APNG Best for High-quality animated images with transparency

✓ Animated PNG with full alpha transparency
✓ Backward compatible with PNG
✓ Better quality than GIF
✗ Larger file size than GIF

Convert APNG to PNG →

PNG Best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support
✗ Larger than JPEG for photos

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of APNG and PNG

Feature	APNG	PNG
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	2004	1996
MIME Type	image/apng	image/png
Extensions	.apng	.png
Lossy	✗	✗
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	32-bit	16-bit
Hdr	✗	✗

Pros & Cons

APNG

Pros

✓ Animated PNG with full alpha transparency
✓ Backward compatible with PNG
✓ Better quality than GIF

Cons

✗ Larger file size than GIF
✗ Limited editor support
✗ Not supported in all browsers

PNG

Pros

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support

Cons

✗ Larger than JPEG for photos
✗ No animation (use APNG)
✗ No lossy mode

When to Use Each

Choose APNG when...

You need files optimized for High-quality animated images with transparency
Animated PNG with full alpha transparency
Backward compatible with PNG
You need lossless quality

Choose PNG when...

You need files optimized for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams
Lossless compression
Full transparency support
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between APNG and PNG for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert APNG to PNG Runs in your browser — files never leave your device

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between APNG and PNG?

APNG is best for High-quality animated images with transparency, while PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is APNG or PNG better for image?

It depends on your use case. APNG is better for High-quality animated images with transparency. PNG is better for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert APNG to PNG?

Go to the APNG to PNG converter on ChangeThisFile. The conversion runs entirely in your browser — your file never leaves your device. It's free with no signup required.

Can I convert PNG to APNG?

Direct conversion from PNG to APNG is not currently supported. Check the conversion pages for available routes using intermediate formats.

Which is smaller, APNG or PNG?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. APNG preserves full quality. PNG preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does APNG support animation?

Yes, APNG supports animation, but PNG does not. This may be important depending on your use case.

Is APNG or PNG free to use?

Both APNG and PNG are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — browser-based conversions have no limits and your files never leave your device.

Which format is newer, APNG or PNG?

APNG is newer — it was introduced in 2004, while PNG dates back to 1996. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.