How to Easily Shrink PNG Files for Free? [Guide]

In today’s digital age, PNG is one of the most commonly used image formats because of its lossless compression and high-quality graphics. However, these things are also the reasons why this file format takes up a large size, which slows down the uploading and sending of these files.

But don’t fret! In this article, you'll learn five methods to compress PNG files, explore the pros and cons of each technique, and gain insights into compressing them. What are you waiting for? Let’s get started.

Part 1. Easiest Way to Compress PNG Online for Free [Best for Beginners]

One of the best ways to compress PNG files online, especially for beginners, is through the FVC Free Image Compressor. This online image compression tool can easily be accessed by Mac and Windows users, allowing them to compress their files with a single click. Also, its advanced optimization and compression algorithms ensure that the image quality of the PNG files is maintained after the compression.

Here’s how to compress PNG files using FVC Free Image Compressor

Step 1. First, you need to visit their official website.

Step 2. After that, click Upload Images to import the PNG files that you want to compress.

Step 3. After compressing your PNG files, you can preview them by reviewing their new size after the compression. Lastly, click Download All to save your image.

The user-friendliness of the FVC Free Image Compressor makes it best for beginners, especially because they only need one step to compress their PNG files. Moreover, it is free and accessible, and the compressed quality outputs are top-notch.

Part 2. Reduce PNG File Size on Mac

Mac users can compress PNG files using the Preview app. This tool comes pre-installed on all Mac computers and offers basic editing features, including image resizing. When it comes to compressing PNG files, this tool provides a straightforward and efficient method. Users can adjust the image quality through the export function, which helps in reducing the file size while maintaining acceptable image quality.

Here’s how to compress PNG files using Preview for Mac users

Step 1. First, open the Preview app on your Mac device.

Step 2. After that, open the PNG file that you want to compress by going to the File tab and clicking the Open button.

Step 3. Now, go to the Tool tab in the context menu and then click Adjust Size.

Step 4. After that, to compress your PNG file, select the Resample Image by checking the check box beside it.

Step 5. Now, change the value of your Resolution file. Once you have done so, a new size will be shown at the bottom.

Note: If you wish to compress a bunch of PNG files simultaneously, click on the thumbnails in the sidebar and then press Command + A on your keyboard before proceeding to step 3. This will select all the images, allowing Preview to apply the size adjustment to all of them at once.

Part 3. Compress PNG on Windows

Windows users can utilize the Photos app to compress PNG images for seamless compression. With this image compression tool, users can easily adjust the quality and resolution of their PNG files, which helps reduce their file sizes. Moreover, users can quickly open an image, make necessary edits, and save a copy with reduced file size.

Here’s how to compress PNG files using Preview for Windows users

Step 1. Right-click on the PNG file that you want to compress, click Open With, and choose the Photos app.

Step 2. After that, click on the three dots on the top-right corner and choose Resize image from the menu.

Step 3. From there, you can compress your PNG file by changing its Pixel size and Percentage.

Step 4. Lastly, click the Save button.

With this tool, Windows users can easily compress their PNG files directly to their devices. However, this particular method lacks some advanced features that can enhance the quality of the compressed files.

Part 4. Compress PNG with Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is a well-known image editing software used by professionals across the globe due to its extensive range of features and powerful editing capabilities. This tool provides advanced tools for editing images, including image compression, cropping, changing images’ color, etc. It allows users to resize their image, as well as their quality and format settings, to achieve optimal file size without significant loss of quality.

Method 1. Changing the Image Size by Pixels

Step 1. Open your image in Photoshop by clicking Open or go to File and select the PNG files that you want to resize.

Step 2. Now, go to the Image tab and select Image Size.

Step 3. In the Image Size dialog box, choose Pixels from the drop-down menu. To set specific dimensions to compress your PNG files, enter values in width and height text boxes and click OK to resize the image.

Step 4. Lastly, save your compressed PNG by clicking the Save As button under the File tab.

Method 2. Changing the Image Size by Inches

Step 1. Open your image in Photoshop by clicking Open or go to File and select the PNG files that you want to compress.

Step 2. Now, go to the Image tab and select Image Size.

Step 3. In the Image Size dialog box, choose Inches from the drop-down menu. To set specific dimensions in order to compress your PNG files, enter values in width and height text boxes and click OK to resize the image.

Step 4. Lastly, click the Save As button under the File tab to save the final image.

Part 5. Compress PNG with a Google Extension

The Compress PNG Files in Google Chrome is a tool designed for quick and easy image compression directly within the browser. This extension is perfect for users who want to compress PNG files without needing to download or install additional software.

Here’s how to compress PNG files with a Google Extension

Step 1. In the upper-right corner of your Google Browser, you’ll see three dots. Click on them, select Extensions, and choose Visit Chrome Web Store.

Step 2. Now, search for Compress PNG Files in Google Chrome.

Step 3. After that, click on Add to Chrome.

Step 4. Once done, click the Extension button on your Google Chrome and click Add Photos to import the PNG files that you want to compress.

Step 5. Now, click the compress button to start compressing your PNG files, and once you've done so, click the Download All button.

Using a Google Chrome extension speeds up the compression of PNG files. However, this particular extension has a lower compression rate, which couldn’t help resolve the compression needs.

Part 6. FAQs about Compressing PNG Files

Conclusion

In conclusion, the necessity to compress PNG files steams from the need for optimizing website performance, saving storage space, and improving user experience. By following the methods in this article, you can ensure that your images maintain high quality while being compressed.