
Additionally, while GIF images only support fully opaque or fully transparent pixels, PNG images may include an 8-bit transparency channel, which allows the image colors to fade from opaque to transparent. It improved upon the limitations of the GIF format, which supported a limited number of colors and included a patent license.
PNG was created in 1995 to be a free alternative to the GIF format for transferring images on the web.
Taking a screenshot in Windows or macOS 10.4 and later (Ubuntu Linux also stores print screen screenshots in the PNG format). Saving a digital photograph with an image editor, such as a logo or icon designed by a graphics professional or web designer.
Downloading an image from the Internet or an image attached to an email. Examples of when you might encounter a PNG file include: PNG is one of the most common image formats, along with JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and EPS.