PNG Image Basics

PNG Image basics

PNG stands for Portable Network Graphic.  The exact definition for those who are interested this link will give you all the detailed definition on an PNG image file and all the nerdy nuts and bolts.

The great thing about PNG images when it comes to our digital images is the use of transparent backgrounds.

For example many digital images in JPEG format when place over another image will cover more than what you want.  This is because the the image is generally rectangular or square in shape.  Transparent background have many advantages, for which we can discuss below.

As you may notice, 1M Signs offers its designs in 4 formats:

1. SVG image;
2. PNG Image;
3. JPG or JPEG Image; and
4. PDF image.

Checkout our other blogs on SVG and JPG images if you are interested.  Future blogs will address items 3 and 4, today we will talk about the main purpose of PNG images for us and other uses for PNG images.  PNG are generally great for:

• Sublimation designs;
• Designs with multiple layers;
• all things 1M Signs :)
• Cut files; and
• Print files.

We use PNG images as they allows our users to apply only the graphic to whatever background they please without unnecessarily blocking the background out.  Take a look at our Arts & Printables Collection for example.

Examples of who uses 1M Signs PNG Images?

We provide PNG files for all our digital images, but why?  Maximum flexibility to our user.  For example, look at out bible verse digital images.  Some users may wish to cut the design out using a cutting machine (therefore use the SVG image) some may prefer to use our image as a shirt print or mug print.  This is where PNG images are fantastic.

Most if not all Print on Demand stores e.g. Printify, Printful and Gelato to mention a few rely on PNG images as the main file type to upload to their range of printable products.  Whether it be a T shirt, Hoodie, Mug, Pillow, Canvas or other type of sign or piece of home décor.  The transparent background we apply to our image allows you to lay the image on top of any product without obstructing any of the background (apart from the necessary part of the image you wish to see.

Take for example this heart word art by 1M Signs.

In this example you can see how none of the white t shirt is covered by parts of the image apart from the text and heart graphics.  All that is in between is see through.  If this were a JPEG file, there would be a box outline around the heart and everything within that box would cover the shirt image behind it.

PNG Software:

There is a generous number of programs and software available to everyday users of PNG Images, here are some of the programs (some of which I utilise regularly) used in association with PNG images:

1. Adobe Photoshop;
2. Inskcape (free at the time of this blog publish date);
3. Silhouette Studio;
4. Cricut Space.

Summary 

 We love PNG images predominantly for their:

• Transparent backgrounds;
• Print on demand compatibility for our users;
• Small file size;
• Flexibility in its uses; and
• Programs are easily accessible to view, create and edit.

We hope this very basic overview of PNG images is of some assistance to you.  Of course, if you have any queries regarding our files, please contact us.

1M Signs