# Convert PNG to Palette-based PNG

Convert PNG images to palette-based format with indexed colors for smaller file size

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-palette-png

- **Category:** Media

- **Keywords:** png, palette, indexed, convert, image, format, colors, compression, optimize

## Overview

Optimize your web graphics by converting standard PNG images into palette-based PNGs, effectively reducing file size through indexed color mapping without sacrificing visual integrity.

## Inputs

- **PNG Image File** (file): Select PNG image to convert to palette
- **Number of Colors (2-256)** (number): Fewer colors = smaller file size but less color accuracy
- **Quality (0-100)** (range): Quality of color quantization and dithering
- **Compression Level (0-9)** (range): 0 = no compression, 9 = maximum compression
- **Enable Dithering** (checkbox): Dithering creates smoother color gradients with limited palettes

## When to use

- Reducing the file size of web assets for faster page loading.
- Preparing images for legacy systems or hardware that require indexed color formats.
- Optimizing graphics with limited color palettes, such as icons, logos, or pixel art.

## How it works

- Upload your source PNG image file.
- Adjust the color count, quality, and compression settings to balance file size and visual fidelity.
- Enable dithering if you need smoother gradients with a restricted color palette.
- Process the file to generate an optimized, palette-based PNG.

## Use cases

- Compressing UI icons and interface elements for mobile applications.
- Optimizing website banners and logos to improve Core Web Vitals.
- Converting high-color illustrations into efficient indexed formats for game assets.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a palette-based PNG?

It is an image format that uses an indexed color table (palette) instead of storing full color data for every pixel, significantly reducing file size.

### How does reducing the number of colors affect my image?

Lowering the color count reduces the file size but may cause color banding or loss of detail in complex images like photographs.

### What does dithering do?

Dithering simulates colors not present in the limited palette by mixing available colors in a pattern, creating the illusion of smoother gradients.

### Can I choose any number of colors?

Yes, you can specify any value between 2 and 256 colors to suit your specific optimization needs.

### Is there a limit to the file size I can upload?

You can upload PNG files up to 50MB for processing.

## Related tools

- [Convert JPEG to PNG](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/jpg-to-png): Convert JPEG images to PNG format with transparency support and lossless compression
- [Convert PNG to 8-bit PNG](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-8bit-png): Convert PNG images to 8-bit color depth for smaller file size and better compatibility
- [Convert PNG to AVIF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-avif): Convert PNG images to AVIF format with next-generation compression and superior quality-to-size ratio
- [Convert PNG to BMP](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-bmp): Convert PNG images to BMP format with uncompressed quality and broad compatibility
- [Convert PNG to HEIF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-heif): Convert PNG images to HEIF format with high efficiency image format
- [Convert PNG to Optimized PNG](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-optimized-png): Convert PNG images to optimized PNG format with advanced compression settings and quality preservation
- [Convert PNG to TIFF](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-tiff): Convert PNG images to TIFF format with compression options and high quality preservation
- [PNG to WebP Converter](https://elysiatools.com/en/tools/png-to-webp): Convert PNG images to WebP format for better compression and web performance

## Samples

- [PNG Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/png-samples): Sample PNG images in different aspect ratios and resolutions
- [PNG Viewer Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/png-viewer-samples): Sample PNG, BMP and AVIF images for the in-browser PNG Viewer
- [Web Image Processing Python Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/web-image-processing-python): Web Python image processing examples using PIL/Pillow including reading, saving, resizing, and format conversion
- [Web Image Processing Go Samples](https://elysiatools.com/en/samples/web-image-processing-go): Web Go image processing examples including image reading/saving, image resizing, and format conversion

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