Source: https://mactoolbox.app/glossary/png

# What is PNG?

By Nikhil Barik · Published November 3, 2026

## Quick answer

PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It is a good choice for screenshots, logos and graphics, and produces larger files than JPEG for photos.

## What it is

PNG keeps every pixel exactly. It compresses without losing detail and can store an alpha channel.

## Why it matters on a Mac

Screenshots are saved as PNG by default in macOS. For photos, PNG files can be several times larger than JPEG.

## How to check or change it on macOS

Select a file in Finder and press Command-I to see its Kind. In Preview, File > Export lets you pick another format.

## How Toolbox handles it

Remove Background saves PNG cutouts so transparent areas are preserved. Convert Images can write and read PNG, and Extract Frames can save video stills as PNG.

## Frequently asked questions

**Is PNG better than JPEG?**

For graphics and transparency yes. For photos JPEG is smaller.

**Is PNG lossless?**

Yes.

**Why are my screenshots so large?**

PNG keeps all detail, so large or detailed screens make big files.

## Tools mentioned

- [**Convert Images**: Save photos as JPEG, PNG, HEIC, TIFF or WebP.](https://mactoolbox.app/heic-to-jpg-mac)
- [**Remove Background**: Lift the subject out of photos and save it with a transparent or solid background.](https://mactoolbox.app/remove-background-from-image-mac)
- [**Extract Frames**: Save stills from videos as PNG, JPEG or HEIC images.](https://mactoolbox.app/extract-frames-from-video-mac)

## Keep reading

- [Convert Images](https://mactoolbox.app/heic-to-jpg-mac)
- [Remove Background](https://mactoolbox.app/remove-background-from-image-mac)
- [Alpha channel](https://mactoolbox.app/glossary/alpha-channel)
- [JPEG](https://mactoolbox.app/glossary/jpeg)