Choose a PNG
Import an icon, screenshot, UI asset, illustration or transparent image.
ImgIng / Compress PNG to PNG-8 without flattening transparency
PNG-8 · LOCAL COMPRESSIONCompress PNG to PNG-8 without flattening transparency
This is more than “save again.” ImgIng analyses the colour distribution, refines the palette and jointly quantizes colour and alpha for transparent images.
Browser-local2–256 coloursMulti-level alphaOptional dithering
Capability quick facts
These facts describe the current product, not unshipped roadmap work.
- Processing
- Browser-local
- Controls
- 2–256 colours, optional dithering and multi-level alpha
- Best for
- Icons, screenshots, UI assets and transparent graphics
- Avoid for
- Continuous-tone photos usually suit WebP, JPG or AVIF
Reviewed by the DataDance product and engineering team · Published · Updated
Finish in three steps
Confirm important settings before export; the processing location is always disclosed.
Tune colours and dithering
Fewer colours usually mean a smaller file; test dithering on gradients.
Inspect and download
Use the full-screen split view to verify text, gradients and transparent edges.
Why can PNG-8 be much smaller?
True-colour PNG can represent millions of colours, while many icons and interface screenshots need far fewer. PNG-8 builds a compact palette and stores a palette index per pixel, cutting redundant colour data.
Why is transparent PNG harder to compress?
Anti-aliased edges and shadows use many alpha levels, not just transparent or opaque. ImgIng preserves multi-level alpha instead of forcing soft edges into a jagged binary mask.
The 45.8 dB figure is a regression reference from one existing 256-colour sample. It is not a promise for every image; visual detail, alpha edges and file size should be evaluated together.
Updated 2026-08-20 · Live capability detection inside the tool is authoritative
Frequently asked questions
These visible answers match the current product behaviour and structured data.
Does PNG-8 destroy transparency?
No. ImgIng supports multiple alpha levels in indexed PNG instead of reducing transparency to two states.
Should photographs use PNG-8?
Usually not. WebP, JPG or AVIF is generally better for continuous-tone photos; PNG-8 suits graphics with a limited palette.
Should dithering always be enabled?
No. Dithering may improve low-colour gradients, but it can also add texture and bytes. ImgIng leaves it off by default.
Explore ImgIng
Each task page documents real settings, limits and format advice—not keyword-swapped duplicates.