PNG vs QOI: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. QOI is best for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding.

Quick Verdict

PNG Best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams

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

Convert PNG to QOI →

QOI Best for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding

✓ Extremely fast encode/decode
✓ Lossless compression
✓ Simple specification
✗ Lower compression than PNG

Convert QOI to PNG →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of PNG and QOI

Feature	PNG	QOI
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	1996	2021
MIME Type	image/png	image/qoi
Extensions	.png	.qoi
Lossy	✗	✗
Lossless	✓	✓
Transparency	✓	✓
Animation	✗	✗
Max Color Depth	16-bit	8-bit
Hdr	✗	✗

Pros & Cons

PNG

Pros

✓ Lossless compression
✓ Full transparency support
✓ Universal web support

Cons

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

QOI

Pros

✓ Extremely fast encode/decode
✓ Lossless compression
✓ Simple specification

Cons

✗ Lower compression than PNG
✗ Very limited adoption
✗ No advanced features

When to Use Each

Choose PNG when...

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

Choose QOI when...

You need files optimized for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding
Extremely fast encode/decode
Lossless compression
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between PNG and QOI for free on ChangeThisFile

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between PNG and QOI?

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams, while QOI is best for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is PNG or QOI better for image?

It depends on your use case. PNG is better for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. QOI is better for Real-time applications requiring fast lossless image encoding. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert PNG to QOI?

Go to the PNG to QOI 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 QOI to PNG?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports QOI to PNG conversion. The conversion runs in your browser with no upload required.

Which is smaller, PNG or QOI?

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

Does PNG have the same features as QOI?

PNG and QOI share some features but differ in others. Check the feature comparison table above for a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Is PNG or QOI free to use?

Both PNG and QOI 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, PNG or QOI?

QOI is newer — it was introduced in 2021, while PNG dates back to 1996. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.