png graphics format for the Internet


Today of all used graphics formats for web images are often used three — gif, jpeg, and young, but very promising png format. Developed in 1995 as an alternative did not meet all user requests GIF, it is designed for images to use which will on the Internet. Unlike gif, png supports 24-bit images and background transparency without jagged edges.

The main advantages of the png format —support any colors, work with transparent pixels, effective image compression without loss of image quality. Unlike gif, which only supports full transparency, png also saves semi-transparent pixels (1-99%) due to the alpha channel with 256 shades of gray. Built-in gamma correction allows distortion-free display color on any computer, regardless of platform. This format has the ability to boot from an interlaced display, and dual horizontal and vertical.
The png format supports RGB color model, Grayskale, Indexed Color, and Bitmap without alpha channels. It is not intended for use with professional graphics and does not support CMYK color.


How to watch a file with the extension png


The easiest way to open a file — double-click on it with the left mouse button. Even if the computer is not installed any additional programs, start a "photo viewer Windows" and the picture will open. In addition, this format without problems opens the Paint (which you can still edit the image and create a new one) and the Internet Explorer included in the package of standard programs.

For more comfortable work with images it is better to install on the computer the special program intended for sorting, viewing, and processing. Png is a graphic file, so it can easily run any of these programs. There are many free apps, the functionality of which is sufficient to resolve most issues.
If the system cannot open the file with a png extension, you need to reinstall the standard app to check the windows registry for errors.


Program for viewing and editing images


Picasa — a program designed for viewing and editing images. Has built-in filters that will help to quickly and accurately process the image. Moreover, in Picasa you can create a presentation of images, choosing them and putting the transitions sound.

FastStone Image Viewer is a handy app for home use. Includes all the basic functions of image processing. The main advantage of this program is to view the image, open in full screen with the increase of individual parts. This will allow to consider in detail any area. Slideshow made with FastStone, will have the extension exe, so it's easy to run even on very old computer.

XnView is a very functional program with clear interface. Photos you can not only see, but also to edit. Such frequently used operations like rotate photo, alignment, colors or removing red-eye, available immediately in the preview window. In addition, in this program you can create blur effect or to improve clarity. XnView has many useful options. For example, finding duplicate files, group processing, and creating a slideshow.


Ashampoo Photo Commander FREE is a quality utility for viewing and manipulating graphics. Has built-in effects such as Sepia, shadow, and sharpness, allows you to crop and rotate the image. In addition to the basic functions, has the ability to take snapshots of the desktop, record the pictures on a CD or DVD, convert images and send them via email. In addition, it is possible to create panoramas and collages.
In addition to the graphical editors and image viewers, a file with the extension png open in any modern browser, and in Microsoft Office Word.


All the programs are completely free. There are many other similar apps. Among them we can mention, for example, Honeyview, which allows you to view photos directly from the zip, 7z or rar files without unpacking them. Also noteworthy image viewer Irfan View. Its functionality can be significantly increased by using plug-ins, the choice of which will depend on the challenges faced by a specific user.