PNG vs RAW Image: Which Should You Use?

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

Quick Answer

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. RAW Image is best for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers.

Quick Verdict

PNG Best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams

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

RAW Image Best for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ Maximum editing flexibility
✓ High dynamic range
✗ Very large files

Convert RAW Image to PNG →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of PNG and RAW Image

Feature	PNG	RAW Image
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	1996	2000
MIME Type	image/png	image/x-raw
Extensions	.png	.raw
Animation	✗	✗
Hdr	✗	✓
Lossless	✓	✓
Lossy	✗	✗
Max Color Depth	16-bit	14-bit
Transparency	✓	✗

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

RAW Image

Pros

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ Maximum editing flexibility
✓ High dynamic range

Cons

✗ Very large files
✗ Ambiguous format
✗ Software support varies

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 RAW Image when...

You need files optimized for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers
Full sensor data preserved
Maximum editing flexibility
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between PNG and RAW Image for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert RAW Image to PNG Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between PNG and RAW Image?

PNG is best for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams, while RAW Image is best for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is PNG or RAW Image better for image?

It depends on your use case. PNG is better for Graphics with transparency, screenshots, and diagrams. RAW Image is better for Generic RAW capture from various camera manufacturers. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert PNG to RAW Image?

Direct conversion from PNG to RAW Image is not currently available on ChangeThisFile. You may need to use an intermediate format.

Can I convert RAW Image to PNG?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports RAW Image to PNG conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, PNG or RAW Image?

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

Does PNG support hdr?

No, PNG does not support hdr, whereas RAW Image does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is PNG or RAW Image free to use?

Both PNG and RAW Image are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.

Which format is newer, PNG or RAW Image?

RAW Image is newer — it was introduced in 2000, while PNG dates back to 1996. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.