What is PNG 3.0 and Why PNG is Making a Comeback

Patrick.Yu

What is PNG? PNG stands for Portable Network Graphics. It’s a type of image file that supports lossless compression, meaning it keeps all the image data without sacrificing quality. Unlike JPEGs, which compress by removing detail, PNG files are perfect for images where clarity and sharp lines matter, like logos, charts, or screenshots. They also support transparent backgrounds, which is why they’re often used in web design and digital art.

When people search for how to make a PNG, they usually mean creating an image with a transparent background or saving a high-quality version of a picture without losing detail. Most modern photo editors like Photoshop, GIMP, or even online tools like Canva let you export images as PNGs in just a few clicks.

Why did PNG lose the spotlight?

Although PNG files remained popular for things like screenshots, UI assets, and transparent images, the format started to feel outdated. While other image formats like WebP, HEIF, and AVIF pushed forward with better compression and new features, PNG hadn’t seen a major update since 2003. For over two decades, the PNG spec stayed mostly the same, even as the internet, software, and display technology changed around it.

Formats like WebP offered smaller file sizes with good quality, which made them ideal for websites trying to load faster. AVIF brought built-in HDR support. PNG, by comparison, lacked animation, didn’t officially support Exif metadata, and had no HDR options. So while it was never abandoned, PNG slowly lost its edge in areas where innovation mattered most.

That’s what makes PNG 3.0 such a big deal. It’s a long-overdue refresh that brings the format back in line with modern expectations.

What is PNG 3.0 and what does it bring to the table?

PNG 3.0 is the biggest update to the format in over 20 years, and it’s more than just a version bump. It brings key upgrades that make PNG competitive with modern image formats again, while still keeping what made it great in the first place.

Here’s what’s new:

• HDR support: PNGs can now display High Dynamic Range images, which means brighter highlights, deeper shadows, and a wider range of colors, especially useful on newer displays. This is done efficiently, adding just 4 bytes to the file plus standard chunk overhead.
• APNG support: What is APNG? It stands for Animated Portable Network Graphics. Think of it as a PNG with multiple frames, allowing for smooth, high-quality animations. It’s like a modern upgrade to the GIF, but with better color, sharper images, and full transparency. While APNG has existed unofficially for years, mainly in Firefox, it’s now officially part of the PNG spec. This opens the door to more consistent support across browsers and creative tools.
• Exif metadata support: Just like JPEGs, PNGs can now include Exif data: info like camera settings, GPS coordinates, copyright notices, and more. This is a major improvement for photographers and digital asset management.
• Spec cleanup and fixes: The update also includes general tidying up, fixing old errors, clarifying language, and aligning with how the format is actually used in real-world software.

All of this makes PNG 3.0 not just a refresh, but a serious step forward for a format many thought had stopped evolving.

What does this mean for us?

For bloggers, designers, and web developers, the return of PNG is more than just technical news. It’s a practical upgrade to a tool many of us already use every day.

• Better visuals without changing formats: You don’t need to adopt a new file type to get modern features. With HDR and animation now supported, PNG 3.0 lets you do more with the same trusted format. Think sharper images on Retina and HDR displays, smoother UI animations, and cleaner visuals without relying on WebP or AVIF.
• Simplified workflows: Support for Exif metadata makes PNGs more useful for photo-heavy blogs and design portfolios. You can now include copyright info, camera settings, and geotags without switching to JPEG.
• Consistent browser and tool support: Most modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox) and creative tools (Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve) already support the new spec. You can start using PNG 3.0 features right away without waiting on ecosystem adoption.
• APNG for lightweight animations: Want to animate a button, logo, or banner without loading a bulky video or third-party plugin? APNG gives you high-quality, transparent animations that are ideal for responsive websites and mobile apps.
• Future-proofing your content: The spec is now actively maintained, with more updates like better compression and parallel decoding already in the works. PNG is no longer standing still. It is evolving with the web.

In short, PNG is no longer just the safe choice. It’s the smart one too.

How to start using PNG 3.0

You don’t need a special file extension or a “Save as PNG 3.0” button to begin using the new features. If you’re using up-to-date software, you’re likely already producing PNG 3.0-compliant files. Programs like Photoshop, DaVinci Resolve, and Aseprite support many of the new capabilities, including HDR color, animation, and metadata. For HDR images, exporting with modern color profiles like Rec. 2100 will automatically embed the necessary data. If you’re working with animation, tools like APNG Assembler or ffmpeg allow you to create high-quality animated PNGs with transparency and smooth playback. To include metadata such as GPS location, copyright, or camera settings, apps like ExifTool or modern photo editors can embed that information directly into the file.

Even though the files still use the standard .png extension, they now carry more advanced features under the hood. If you want to check what’s inside your PNGs, you can use tools like ImageMagick, ExifTool, or pngcheck to inspect the color space, metadata, and animation chunks. The key is to keep your tools updated and explore the new options available during export. As the ecosystem catches up, PNG 3.0 will quietly become the new default in many workflows.

Conclusion

PNG was never truly gone, but with the launch of PNG 3.0, it’s more capable and future-ready than ever. With support for HDR, animation, and metadata now officially part of the spec, this long-standing format is stepping back into the spotlight. Whether you're a designer looking for cleaner visuals, a web developer adding lightweight animations, or a blogger managing image-heavy content, PNG 3.0 gives you modern features without forcing a shift to unfamiliar formats. It’s a quiet revolution, but one worth paying attention to.