PNG to 8-Bit Converter

Convert PNG images to 8-bit indexed color format (256 colors or less). Dramatically reduce file sizes while maintaining visual quality with advanced dithering algorithms. Perfect for optimizing web graphics, creating retro pixel art effects, or preparing images for GIF conversion.

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PNG 24-bit / 32-bit Batch Upload
Max 20MB per file, up to 10 files
Related Tools:
Compress PNG PNG to GIF PNG to ICO PNG to WebP PNG Analyzer Image Resizer

How to Convert PNG to 8-Bit

  1. Upload your PNG images by dragging and dropping or clicking the upload area. Supports 24-bit and 32-bit PNG files up to 20MB each.
  2. Choose palette size: Select how many colors to use (256 for best quality, 16-64 for maximum compression, or use our quick presets).
  3. Select dithering algorithm: Floyd-Steinberg works best for photos, Ordered for retro effects, or None for graphics with solid colors.
  4. Convert and download: Click convert and download individual files or all as a ZIP. Your 8-bit PNGs are ready for use!
Pro tip: For web icons and simple graphics, use our PNG Compressor after conversion for even smaller files. Creating favicons? Try our PNG to ICO converter.

What is 8-Bit PNG?

24/32-bit PNG

Uses up to 16.7 million colors (true color). Each pixel stores its own RGB values. Best for photos and complex gradients but results in larger files. If you need to convert photos, consider our PNG to JPG or PNG to WebP converters.

8-bit PNG

Uses an indexed color palette with up to 256 colors. Pixels reference palette entries instead of storing full color data. Dramatically smaller files (50-70% reduction) while maintaining good visual quality for graphics. Perfect for favicons, icons, logos, and illustrations.

Dithering Algorithms Explained

Floyd-Steinberg

Best for most images. Distributes color errors to neighboring pixels creating smooth gradients. The gold standard for photo reduction, producing natural-looking results with minimal banding artifacts.

Ordered (Bayer)

Creates a distinctive pattern. Uses a fixed matrix to create a regular dithering pattern. Popular for retro/pixel art aesthetics and GIF animations. Produces predictable, stylized results.

Atkinson

Classic Macintosh style. Only diffuses 3/4 of the error, creating high-contrast results with more white space. Great for black & white or limited palette images with a vintage computer feel.

None

Sharp edges, possible banding. No dithering applied - colors are simply mapped to the nearest palette color. Best for graphics with solid colors, flat designs, and pixel art where you want crisp edges.

When to Use 8-Bit PNG

Icons & UI Elements

App icons, buttons, and UI graphics with limited colors benefit greatly. Use our Icon Resizer to prepare multiple sizes.

Logos & Branding

Company logos and brand graphics typically use few colors. Perfect for favicon creation and web optimization.

Illustrations & Diagrams

Charts, infographics, and flat illustrations compress excellently to 8-bit with minimal quality loss.

Pixel Art & Retro

Game sprites, pixel art, and retro graphics are naturally suited to indexed color. Try our GIF Maker for animations.

Web Optimization

Faster page loads with smaller images. Combine with our PNG Compressor for best results.

GIF Preparation

GIF format uses 8-bit color. Pre-convert to 8-bit PNG before using our PNG to GIF converter.

Frequently Asked Questions

8-bit PNG uses an indexed color palette with up to 256 colors, while 24-bit PNG can display over 16 million colors (true color). 8-bit files are significantly smaller but can only represent a limited color range. For photos with many colors, consider PNG to WebP instead, which offers better compression for complex images.

For images with limited colors (icons, logos, graphics), quality loss is minimal or unnoticeable. Photos and images with gradients may show some banding, which dithering algorithms help minimize. Use 256 colors with Floyd-Steinberg dithering for best quality, or use our PNG Analyzer to check your original image's color count.

Yes, but only as 1-bit transparency (fully transparent or fully opaque). 8-bit PNG cannot have semi-transparent pixels like 32-bit PNG. Our converter preserves full transparency by mapping semi-transparent areas based on a threshold. For icons with transparency, this usually works well - try our PNG to ICO converter for favicons.

Typically 50-70% smaller than 24-bit PNG, depending on the image content and palette size. Graphics with fewer colors compress better. For additional compression, run the results through our PNG Compressor which applies lossless optimization.

Floyd-Steinberg is the best all-around choice for photos and complex images. Use Ordered/Bayer for retro pixel art effects. Atkinson creates a distinctive high-contrast look popular in vintage computing. Use None for graphics with solid colors, flat design, or when you want sharp edges without patterns.

Yes, you can convert an 8-bit PNG back to 24-bit format, but the original color information cannot be recovered. Always keep your original files if you need full color depth. The conversion to 8-bit is a one-way color reduction process.

All conversion happens directly in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your images never leave your device. We don't upload, store, or have access to your files. This ensures complete privacy and faster processing.