PNG to 8-Bit
Convert PNG images to 8-bit indexed color (max 256 colors). Ideal for logos, icons, and graphics. Significantly smaller files, full transparency preserved.
Drop PNG files here to convert to 8-bit
or click to select files from your computer
Up to 20 files - max 20 MB each - ZIP for 3+ files
Drop to convert
What is an 8-Bit PNG?
An 8-bit PNG (also called an indexed PNG) uses a color palette of up to 256 colors instead of storing full 24/32-bit color data per pixel. This dramatically reduces file size - often by 60-80% - while looking nearly identical for graphics with limited colors like logos, icons, diagrams, and UI assets.
8-bit PNGs fully support transparency, making them perfect for web icons and ICO favicons. You can also run the result through our PNG Compressor for an extra size reduction.
When to Use 8-Bit PNG
Use 8-bit PNG when your image has a limited number of distinct colors: logos, icons, pixel art, charts, diagrams, simple illustrations, and any flat-color graphic. For photographs or images with complex gradients, use our PNG Compressor instead, which handles full color more gracefully.
8-bit PNG is also the required format for ICO files. If you need to create a favicon, convert to 8-bit first for the smallest output.
How to Convert PNG to 8-Bit
- Drop up to 20 PNG files into the upload area, or click "Browse Files" to pick them from your computer.
- Click "Customize Settings" to choose the number of colors (64 is recommended for most icons) and the dithering method.
- Files convert automatically as soon as they are added. A progress bar and file size savings are shown for each.
- Download files individually, or use "Download ZIP" when you have 3 or more completed conversions.
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
For flat-color graphics, logos, and icons the result is visually identical. For photographs and complex gradients you may notice some color banding. Floyd-Steinberg dithering (enabled by default) blends color transitions for a smoother look. For photos, use our main PNG compressor instead.
Yes. 8-bit indexed PNGs support transparency via a palette alpha channel. The converter preserves your transparency data - including semi-transparent edges - through palette optimization.
Start with 64 (the default). For simple icons with very few colors, 16 or 32 works perfectly and produces the smallest files. For complex graphics, 128 or 256 will look better. Use the fine-tune slider to pick any value between 2 and 256.
Dithering mixes palette colors to simulate colors not in the palette, reducing visible banding in gradients. Floyd-Steinberg is the most common algorithm and produces the best results for most images. Turn it off for crisp, hard pixel edges - ideal for pixel art or flat icons where color blending looks wrong.
Yes - drop up to 20 PNG files at once. Each file converts in parallel and a download link appears when it is ready. When 3 or more files are done, a "Download ZIP" button appears so you can grab them all in one click as a png-to-8bit.zip archive.