PNGtiedostoista

PNGtiedostoista is a Finnish term that translates to "about PNG files." PNG, which stands for Portable Network Graphics, is a raster-based image file format that supports lossless data compression. This means that when an image is saved as a PNG, no image quality is lost, unlike in some other formats like JPEG. PNG files are widely used on the internet for graphics that require transparency or high detail, such as logos, icons, and screenshots.

The PNG format was developed as a more flexible and patent-free replacement for the Graphics Interchange Format (GIF). It supports a wider range of colors than GIF and offers superior transparency capabilities. PNG files can handle both simple 2-bit transparency (like a black and white mask) and complex 8-bit alpha channel transparency, allowing for semi-transparent effects. This makes them ideal for web design where images often need to be placed over different colored backgrounds.

Key features of PNG files include lossless compression, support for up to 16 million colors (24-bit color), alpha channel transparency, and progressive display, which allows images to load gradually on web pages. While excellent for graphics with sharp lines and distinct colors, PNG files can be larger in file size compared to JPEGs for photographic images due to their lossless nature. Therefore, PNG is generally preferred for graphics and logos, while JPEG is often used for photographs.