Convert PNG to Palette-based PNG

Convert PNG to Palette-based PNG | Online Free Tool | Elysia Tools

Tool usage guide

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Category: Media
Input types: file, number, range, checkbox
Output type: file
Sample coverage: 4
API ready: Yes

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.

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

1Upload your source PNG image file.
2Adjust the color count, quality, and compression settings to balance file size and visual fidelity.
3Enable dithering if you need smoother gradients with a restricted color palette.
4Process 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.

Examples

1. Optimizing Web Icons

Frontend Developer

Background

A website uses several high-resolution PNG icons that are slowing down initial page load times.

Problem

The icons are unnecessarily large because they use full 24-bit color depth.

How to use

Upload the icons and set the color count to 64 with dithering enabled to maintain visual quality while shrinking the file size.

colors: 64, dithering: true, compressionLevel: 9

Outcome

The icons retain their sharp appearance while the file size is reduced by over 60%, leading to faster page rendering.

2. Reducing Asset Size for Retro-Style Game

Game Artist

Background

Creating a pixel-art game where assets need to fit a specific memory budget.

Problem

Standard PNG exports are too heavy for the game's performance requirements.

How to use

Convert the artwork to a palette-based PNG using 32 colors and maximum compression.

FAQ

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.

colors: 32, compressionLevel: 9, dithering: false

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Inputs

Result

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Overview

When to use

How it works

Use cases

Examples

1. Optimizing Web Icons

2. Reducing Asset Size for Retro-Style Game

FAQ

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