image/png
imageThe MIME type for PNG images. PNG uses lossless compression and supports full alpha transparency (8-bit alpha channel). Ideal for logos, icons, screenshots, and UI elements where lossless quality and transparency are required. Larger than JPEG for photographs.
Details
image/png (Portable Network Graphics) is defined by ISO/IEC 15948 and W3C PNG 1.2 specification.
Key features: - Lossless compression – pixel-perfect reproduction - Full alpha transparency (RGBA) - No patents (unlike GIF) - Good for images with sharp edges and flat colors
When PNG is the right choice: - Logos, icons, UI screenshots - Images with text - Images requiring exact transparency - Line art and diagrams
When PNG is too large: - Photographs (use JPEG or WebP) - Simple single-color icons (use SVG)
PNG vs WebP: WebP lossless mode is typically 26% smaller than PNG. Consider serving WebP with PNG fallback via <picture> element.
Common use
Logos, icons, UI screenshots, transparent images