image/png
The MIME type for PNG (Portable Network Graphics) image files with lossless compression.
What Is This?
The image/png MIME type indicates that the content is a PNG (Portable Network Graphics) image. PNG supports lossless compression, transparency (alpha channel), and is widely used for graphics, logos, screenshots, and images requiring sharp edges or transparency. Unlike JPEG, PNG does not introduce compression artifacts.
Common Uses
Logos and icons requiring transparency
Screenshots and UI mockups
Graphics with sharp edges, text, and solid colors
Images that need lossless quality preservation
Examples
Supported by all browsers. PNG is a universal web image format.
The .png file extension maps to image/png as its MIME type.
Related Entries
More from this reference:
image/jpeg
The MIME type for JPEG image files using lossy compression for photographs.
image/gif
The MIME type for GIF images supporting animation and transparency.
image/webp
The modern MIME type for WebP images offering superior compression for both lossy and lossless encoding.
image/svg+xml
The MIME type for SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) vector images.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use PNG instead of JPEG?
Use PNG for images with text, sharp edges, transparency, or areas of solid color (screenshots, logos, icons). Use JPEG for photographs and images with smooth gradients where some quality loss is acceptable for smaller file sizes.
Does PNG support animation?
Yes, but not natively in all browsers. APNG (Animated PNG) is supported in most modern browsers but is less common than GIF for animations. For animated content, consider using GIF or video formats instead.