PNG images - good or bad

[haynes8]

typically I use .jpg or .gif images when writing a page, but I am wondering are .png images ok to use also, or will it cause trouble with the SE's etc.

Thanks

[007]

The web is moving towards PNG. It's crisper, better for layers, and for the most part can already be cross browser compatible with a few tweaks.

Firefox already fully supports PNG and I expect IE7 to do so as well from what I've been hearing.

[Devery]

Intresting you should make this thread, as I have recently just realised the potential of PNG files. When desplaying my logo work to clients I try to use PNG files now. But in regards to website, I havnt though bout PNG. Will be intresting to see what others have to say.

[VisualDigits]

IE doesn't diplay transparency in PNGs. Other than that it's fine.

[kidtwist]

.PNG is all i use for site designs. allot sharper. :wink_smile:

[slight of hand]

.png is looks amazing, very crsp. I always show images to clients in this format.

[namewaiter]

the problem i'm encountering is that .pngs load much slower than the .jpeg or .gif, i'm not sure if it's just my pc?

[Varelse]

That's because they are (usually) heavier than GIFs and JPGs (the 24-bit ones) because of the more data they hold and loseless compression algorithm.
The 8-bit ones are lighter than the same GIF images.

[nts]

I love PNG, esspecially alpha transparency (ability to be semi-transparent), but I rarely use them in web design because IE6 can't support them. They are however going to be supported in IE7, so I think they will become very popular in web design.

[Varelse]

^nts - that's how I treat PNGs now - they have a great potential, but they also need the right enviroment, which is:
- support by all major browsers
- broadband accessibility factor (due to larger file sizes)

[tas38]

I noticed that when I worked with them in photo shop, after they are done being worked on. They don't up/down size very good, but that could be a good thing if you make them to right size though.

I also noticed they look better, after adding more contrast to them. And they don't blow out as fast as jpegs and others, when you add more contrast that is a good thing I think.

[prototypexx]

I personally prefer .png compared to .jpg when displaying images like screenshots, signatures, etc.


However when it comes to webdesign i prefer .gif for small images because the filesize is very low and .gif's are efficient. And most of the time i will use .png for the banner, header, or images that would be seen better as very high quality.

[mrgtbike]

I found a free .png creator if anyone wants to use it. It is cooltext.com. I have used it for most of my sites.