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Convert PNG to Palette-based PNG

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

Click to upload file or drag and drop file here

Maximum file size: 50MB Supported formats: image/png

Fewer colors = smaller file size but less color accuracy

0 90 100

Quality of color quantization and dithering

0 9 9

0 = no compression, 9 = maximum compression

Dithering creates smoother color gradients with limited palettes

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

  • •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.

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.
Example Config
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.
Example Config
colors: 32, compressionLevel: 9, dithering: false
Outcome
The game assets are significantly smaller, fitting within the memory constraints without losing the intended pixel-art aesthetic.

Try with Samples

image, png, file
PNG Samples
Sample PNG images in different aspect ratios and resolutions
title token png
image
Web Image Processing Python Samples
Web Python image processing examples using PIL/Pillow including reading, saving, resizing, and format conversion
preferred input family image
image
Web Image Processing Go Samples
Web Go image processing examples including image reading/saving, image resizing, and format conversion
preferred input family image
image
Windows Image Processing C++ Samples
Windows C++ image processing examples including reading/saving images, resizing, and format conversion using Windows Imaging Component (WIC)
preferred input family image
image

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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.

API Documentation

Request Endpoint

POST /en/api/tools/png-to-palette-png

Request Parameters

Parameter Name Type Required Description
imageFile file (Upload required) Yes -
colors number No Fewer colors = smaller file size but less color accuracy
quality range No Quality of color quantization and dithering
compressionLevel range No 0 = no compression, 9 = maximum compression
dithering checkbox No Dithering creates smoother color gradients with limited palettes

File type parameters need to be uploaded first via POST /upload/png-to-palette-png to get filePath, then pass filePath to the corresponding file field.

Response Format

{
  "filePath": "/public/processing/randomid.ext",
  "fileName": "output.ext",
  "contentType": "application/octet-stream",
  "size": 1024,
  "metadata": {
    "key": "value"
  },
  "error": "Error message (optional)",
  "message": "Notification message (optional)"
}
File: File

AI MCP Documentation

Add this tool to your MCP server configuration: 

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "elysiatools-png-to-palette-png": {
      "name": "png-to-palette-png",
      "description": "Convert PNG images to palette-based format with indexed colors for smaller file size",
      "baseUrl": "https://elysiatools.com/mcp/sse?toolId=png-to-palette-png",
      "command": "",
      "args": [],
      "env": {},
      "isActive": true,
      "type": "sse"
    }
  }
}

You can chain multiple tools, e.g.: `https://elysiatools.com/mcp/sse?toolId=png-to-webp,jpg-to-webp,gif-to-webp`, max 20 tools.

Supports URL file links or Base64 encoding for file parameters.

If you encounter any issues, please contact us at [email protected]