PNG is better than GIF for still graphics: it supports millions of colours, smooth alpha transparency and usually smaller files for the same image. GIF's only remaining advantage is simple animation that plays everywhere.
Here is the comparison.
On this page
Key takeaways
- Both are lossless.
- GIF is limited to 256 colours; PNG is not.
- PNG has smooth alpha transparency; GIF only on/off.
- Use GIF only for short animations.
Steps shown in the video
- Click Choose GIF Files and select your GIF images
- Each file is listed with a preview and its size
- Click Convert to PNG
- Download your PNGs (several come as one ZIP)
GIF vs PNG at a glance
| GIF | PNG | |
|---|---|---|
| Colours | Up to 256 | Up to millions (and 16-bit) |
| Transparency | On or off | Smooth alpha |
| Compression | Lossless (LZW) | Lossless (Deflate) |
| Animation | Yes | Only APNG, less common |
| Best for | Short animations | Logos, icons, screenshots |
For logos and icons
PNG gives clean, anti-aliased edges on any background thanks to alpha transparency, while GIF edges can look jagged or show a halo. Convert old GIF logos with GIF to PNG; the step-by-step guide shows how.
For animation
GIF still wins on compatibility for short loops. For longer animations, video formats are far smaller. Need a JPG instead? GIF to JPG fills transparency with white.
Why PNG was created
PNG was developed in the mid-1990s as a patent-free replacement for GIF, whose LZW compression was patented at the time. It added full-colour support, smooth alpha transparency and better compression. The patents have long expired, but PNG's technical advantages are why it became the standard for still web graphics.
Transparency side by side
A GIF pixel is either fully transparent or fully opaque. Curved edges therefore look jagged on any background other than the one the GIF was designed for, or carry a halo of the original background colour. A PNG pixel can be partly transparent, so anti-aliased edges blend smoothly with any colour behind them.
Convert still GIFs with GIF to PNG; see how to convert GIF to PNG.
Converting old GIF graphics
Converting GIF to PNG is lossless, so it is safe for any still GIF: the pixels stay identical. What the conversion cannot do is add detail. A GIF logo with jagged edges stays jagged as PNG, because those edges are in the pixels. To get smooth edges, go back to a vector or high-resolution original, as described in turning a GIF logo into a transparent PNG.
File size in practice
For flat graphics like logos and simple charts, PNG files are often smaller than the same image as GIF, thanks to PNG's more efficient compression. For photos, both formats are poor choices: JPG or WebP produce much smaller files.
GIF vs PNG: FAQ
Is PNG better than GIF?
For still images, yes. GIF remains useful for simple animations.
Which is smaller, GIF or PNG?
PNG is often smaller for the same still graphic.
Do both support transparency?
Yes, but PNG supports partial transparency while GIF only supports on or off.
Can PNG be animated?
The APNG variant can, but support in apps is less common than GIF.
Should I convert my GIF logos to PNG?
Yes, for cleaner edges and better compatibility in editors.
Why was PNG invented?
As a patent-free, more capable replacement for GIF in the 1990s.
Why do GIF logos look jagged?
GIF transparency is on or off per pixel, so curved edges cannot blend smoothly.
Is PNG lossless like GIF?
Yes. Both formats keep every pixel exactly.
What is APNG?
Animated PNG, a variant of PNG that supports animation with full colour and transparency.
Can I use PNG for email signatures?
Yes. PNG is widely supported in email clients and keeps logos crisp. Keep the file small, ideally a few dozen kilobytes, and set its display size so it does not appear huge on high-resolution screens.
PNG for stills, GIF for loops
Use PNG for every still graphic and keep GIF for simple animations.
