Does Windows Photo Gallery Alter PNG Files Size?
In the digital age, image editing and management have become an integral part of our daily lives. With the numerous photo editing and management tools available, Windows Photo Gallery is one of the most commonly used applications for Windows users. However, many users have raised concerns about whether Windows Photo Gallery alters the size of PNG files. In this article, we will delve into this topic and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Firstly, it is important to note that Windows Photo Gallery is a basic photo management and editing application that comes pre-installed on Windows operating systems. While it offers some basic editing features such as cropping, rotating, and adjusting brightness, it does not provide advanced image editing capabilities like Adobe Photoshop.
When it comes to altering the size of PNG files, Windows Photo Gallery does not directly modify the file size. PNG files are lossless compression image formats, which means that they retain all the original image data when compressed. However, the application may inadvertently change the file size during the editing process due to certain features and settings.
One of the main reasons for the potential change in file size is the “Save As” function. When you use the “Save As” option in Windows Photo Gallery to save a PNG file, the application may convert the file to a different format, such as JPEG, which is a lossy compression format. This conversion can result in a smaller file size, as JPEG files typically have a higher compression ratio than PNG files.
Another factor that may contribute to the change in file size is the application’s compression settings. By default, Windows Photo Gallery uses a moderate compression level when saving images. If you adjust the compression settings to a higher level, the resulting file size may decrease. However, it is essential to note that increasing compression can lead to a loss of image quality.
Moreover, when you apply certain editing effects, such as resizing or adding filters, the file size may also change. This is because the application may re-compress the image to accommodate the new dimensions or effects, resulting in a smaller file size.
In conclusion, while Windows Photo Gallery does not directly alter the size of PNG files, certain features and settings within the application may inadvertently cause a change in file size. To minimize the risk of unintended alterations, it is advisable to use the “Save As” function carefully and be cautious when adjusting compression settings. Additionally, it is recommended to use a dedicated image editing software for more advanced tasks to ensure the integrity of your PNG files.
