pngquant
WindowsLossy PNG compressor for Windows with high-quality output
Overview
pngquant is a free, open-source PNG compression tool optimized for Windows. It reduces file sizes significantly using lossy quantization while preserving visual quality and transparency. The tool offers both a user-friendly GUI and command-line interface (CLI): GUI supports drag-and-drop/batch processing, CLI enables automation in scripts. It integrates with the Windows context menu for right-click compression, works seamlessly with Windows 10/11, maintains EXIF metadata, and processes images quickly—ideal for web developers, designers, or anyone needing smaller PNG files for faster loading.
Key Features
- Lossy PNG compression with minimal quality loss
- Dual interface: GUI (drag-and-drop) + CLI (automation)
- Windows context menu integration for quick access
- Batch processing support for multiple files
- Preserves transparency and EXIF metadata
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is pngquant compatible with Windows 11?
Yes, pngquant works seamlessly with Windows 11, as well as Windows 10 and older versions like Windows 7.
? Is it safe to install?
Yes, pngquant is an open-source tool with a transparent codebase. You can download it from its official website or trusted repositories like GitHub to ensure safety.
? Is there a portable version?
Yes, pngquant offers a portable build that requires no installation—you can run it directly from a USB drive or any folder on your Windows system without modifying registry settings.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Open-source and completely free
- ⊕ Fast compression speed
- ⊕ High compatibility with Windows 10/11
- ⊕ No installation required (portable version available)
Cons
- ⊖ GUI is basic compared to premium tools
- ⊖ Limited exclusively to PNG format
- ⊖ CLI has a learning curve for beginners
- ⊖ Lossy compression may not suit all use cases (e.g., medical imaging)