Compare
PNG vs GIF
PNG is suited to lossless still images and transparency; GIF supports simple multi-frame animation with a limited color palette. Choose based on still image versus short motion.
Which format should you choose?
Use PNG for still logos, diagrams, and screenshots. Consider GIF for short looping animations with few colors; compare WebP or video for photos or larger animations.
Good fit for PNG
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
- Images requiring transparency
- Text and line art
Good fit for GIF
Short looping animations · Simple visual instructions · Embedded message animation
- Brief repeated motion with limited colors
- Simple animation embedded as an image
Basic information
| Field | PNG | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .png | .gif |
| MIME type | image/png | image/gif |
| Common uses | UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images | Short looping animations · Simple visual instructions · Embedded message animation |
| How to open | Most operating-system viewers, web browsers, and image editors can open PNG files. | Open GIF files in a web browser, operating-system image viewer, or image editor. Use animation-capable image software to edit multiple frames. |
| Export or convert | Export PNG to JPEG only when transparency and lossless quality are no longer needed. Keep the original PNG for editing, and use a proper export command rather than changing the filename extension. | Converting photographs or high-color animation to GIF reduces the number of colors. When converting to WebP or video, check loop settings, transparency, and frame rate. |
Choose by use case
Images requiring transparency
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGText and line art
UI graphics · Screenshots · Transparent images
PNGBrief repeated motion with limited colors
Short looping animations · Simple visual instructions · Embedded message animation
GIFSimple animation embedded as an image
Short looping animations · Simple visual instructions · Embedded message animation
GIFKey point 1
PNG supports lossless still images and alpha transparency.
More on the differencesKey point 2
GIF can store multiple frames but has color and partial-transparency limits.
More on the differencesFrequently asked questions
Is PNG animated?
The standard PNG format is for still images; APNG is a separate extension for animation.