alternative to Photoshop for saving PNG's?
 

when I save a large graphic as a transparent PNG file in Photoshop the file size is big, too big, are there other software that can produce a smaller KB weight than Photoshop?

Why not lower the quality setting? It saves like extra extra info that isn't needed if you save everything at super high quality. Go down to just like medium or high.

I take photos that are like 3mbs and cut them down to like 1.5mbs and its still really high quality and without changing the resolution. I am sure it would do the same for your pngs

PNGcrush

If you aren't CLI happy...

http://www.downloadsquad.com/2006/12...ss-png-images/

PNG's aren't the same as JPEG's - there is no quality setting to lower when you're saving in PNG format.

i'll try it - thanks

Oh hmmm, yeah I just realized this lol, checking out PNG Crush now...

Are you using Save for Web only? You can also Save As -> PNG24.

Technically 24 bit is "high", 8 bit is "low" :winkwink: The latter won't be too good for photos, it will look like a pr0n GIF from 1997.

microsoft picture manager

Try with less DPI, if it`s possible....

*facepalm*

Adobe Fireworks

:thumbsup

was going to mention "save for web and devices", you beat me to it

Have a look at these PNG optimization techniques:

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009...on-techniques/

I usually use the posterize technique myself -- it's quick, easy and usually yields good results :2 cents:

Definitely if you dont want to use Photoshop.

If you decrease the resolution of your graphic photo, the file size will be smaller.

How the fuck are you still allowed to post here?

I use PngOptimizer 1.9 - psydk.org

Works great. It's free.

that Smashing magazine article is great.

here's the test file I used on the left saved with Photoshop Save for the web, 182KB - the right was saved using the Posterization technique and produced the smallest KB size - 137KB

http://www.bratcash.com/photoshop_png.pnghttp://www.bratcash.com/test_png_posterization.png

i also tried PngOptimizer which produced a 150KB PNG, and PunyPNG which also produced about a 150KB PNG, and tried the Dirty Transparency technique which also produced about a 150KB PNG.

the worst was PNG Crush - produced a 175KB PNG

so Posterization appears to be the best technique, at least with this file but Posterization technique will change some colors so in some situations where you're trying to blend your PNG in with a background it might look shitty.

i'm seeing blog designs with huge ass PNG backgrounds that are 500KB and up. kinda shitty, even on a fast connection there's a delay and suddenly you see the background pop into place.

check out http://www.punypng.com - it's a free online tool.