How to Compress PNG Images Without Losing Quality (Free Online)
Reduce PNG file sizes online for free. Compress PNG images for web use without noticeable quality loss — no software needed.
Why PNG Files Are Large
PNG uses lossless compression — every pixel is stored exactly. This is great for quality but terrible for file size, especially for photos. A full-resolution PNG screenshot from a modern Mac or Windows PC can easily be 3–10 MB.
For web use, large PNG files slow down page loads and consume unnecessary bandwidth.
The Best Ways to Compress PNG Images
### Option 1: Convert to WebP
The most effective approach: convert your PNG to WebP format. WebP produces files 50–80% smaller than PNG at the same visual quality, and supports transparency — so you lose nothing.
All modern browsers support WebP. If you are optimising images for a website, WebP is the clear winner.
### Option 2: Compress via Canvas (Breklo)
Breklo's Compress Image tool uses canvas-based compression:
1. Upload your PNG files
2. Choose a preset:
- Web — 70% quality, max 1200px. Best for website images.
- Email — 60% quality, max 900px. Best for attachments.
- Maximum — 45% quality, max 800px. Smallest possible file.
3. Download the compressed images
Note: Breklo outputs JPG after compression for maximum size reduction. If you need to keep the PNG format with transparency, use a PNG-specific compressor or convert to WebP.
### Option 3: Convert PNG to JPG
For photos without transparency, PNG to JPG significantly reduces file size (typically 70–80% smaller). Use this when transparency is not needed and file size matters most.
PNG Compression for Websites
For website images, follow this priority order:
1. Use WebP — smallest file, full quality, transparency supported
2. Use compressed JPG — for photos where transparency isn't needed
3. Use compressed PNG — only when transparency is essential and WebP isn't an option
When to Keep PNG Format
- Logos and icons with transparent backgrounds (for documents and print)
- Screenshots where text sharpness is critical
- Images that will be further edited and re-saved multiple times
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to compress a PNG without losing quality?
The most effective lossless method is converting to WebP, which is 50–80% smaller than PNG at the same visual quality. For PNG-specific compression, dedicated tools like TinyPNG use advanced lossless algorithms.
Does compressing a PNG reduce image dimensions?
It depends on the tool. Breklo's Web preset limits images to 1200px on the longest side. Use Custom mode to set your own maximum dimensions, or choose a preset that doesn't resize.
Should I use JPG or PNG for website images?
For photos, use JPG or WebP. For logos, icons and images with transparency, use PNG or WebP. WebP is the modern choice for both — it handles all use cases with smaller file sizes.
Can I compress PNG images in bulk?
Yes. Breklo's Compress Image tool accepts multiple files at once and shows the total space saved across all images.
Why does Breklo output JPG instead of PNG when compressing?
JPEG compression achieves much higher size reduction than PNG compression. For web images where the goal is the smallest possible file, JPG or WebP is preferable to compressed PNG.
Is there a free way to compress PNG on Mac?
Yes. Preview on Mac can export PNG files with reduced quality via File → Export. For more control and bulk compression, use Breklo online.