How to Create PNG Files on Mac Using Preview

By Shawn Published March 19, 2024

PNGs stand out for their versatility and quality, especially when dealing with graphics that require transparency or high detail without the loss of quality. Creating PNG files on a Mac is a straightforward process, thanks to the built-in Preview application. This powerful tool not only allows you to view a plethora of file types but also provides a simple yet effective way for PNG creation, even supporting PNG with transparent backgrounds, which is invaluable for designers and anyone working on web projects or digital art.

Why Choose PNG?

Before we dive into the creation process, let's touch upon why PNG is often the format of choice:

Lossless Compression: PNGs offer detailed, high-quality images without the loss of data or quality.
Transparency Support: They can handle transparency, allowing for the creation of images that seamlessly overlay any background.
Wide Compatibility: PNG files are broadly supported across various platforms and devices.

Creating a PNG File on Mac Using Preview

The process of transforming your images into PNG format or creating new ones is surprisingly simple with Mac's Preview. Here's how to do it:

1. Opening Your Image in Preview

Firstly, find the image you want to convert or edit. You can open it in Preview by right-clicking the file and selecting Open With > Preview. If Preview is your default image viewer, simply double-clicking the file will suffice.

2. Convert Existing Images to PNG

If your aim is to convert an existing image to PNG, follow these steps:

With the image open in Preview, click on File in the menu bar.
Choose Export from the dropdown menu.
A dialog box appears. Here, you can rename your file and choose a location for it to be saved.
Click on the Format dropdown menu and select PNG.
Adjust the quality if necessary and click Save.

3. Create a New PNG File

To start a new PNG creation from scratch, especially if you're aiming for a PNG with a transparent background, here's what you need to do:

Open Preview and navigate to File > New From Clipboard if you have a copied image. Alternatively, you can take a screenshot with Command + Shift + 4, and it will be copied to the clipboard.
Once your new image is open, you can edit it as needed. Use the markup toolbar to add shapes, text, or even sign documents.
After editing, go to File > Export, then select PNG as the format. Make sure to tick the Alpha checkbox if you want to preserve transparency.

4. Editing Images for PNG Creation

Preview offers a range of editing tools that are perfect for preparing your image:

Selection Tools: Use the Rectangular or Lasso selection tools to isolate or remove parts of your image.
Adjust Color: Fine-tune your image's appearance by adjusting its color, brightness, contrast, and more.
Resize: Easily resize your image by going to Tools > Adjust Size. This is particularly useful for optimizing images for the web.

5. Additional Tips for PNG Creation

While creating PNG files on a Mac using Preview is efficient, there are additional considerations for enhancing your workflow:

Batch Conversion: If you have multiple images to convert to PNG, consider using Automator, a built-in application on Mac, to automate the process.
Knowing how to create PNG on Windows can be equally important for those also working across different operating systems. Tools like Paint 3D or online free PNG creation tools can offer similar functionality.

Conclusion

Whether you're a graphic designer, a web developer, or just someone looking to convert photos for personal use, knowing how to create and edit PNG files on a Mac using Preview is an essential skill. With its built-in transparency support, lossless compression, and ease of use, PNG stands out as a preferred format for many. By following the steps outlined above, you can effortlessly manage your PNG creation needs, producing high-quality images that meet your digital requirements. Remember, every step from opening your image in Preview to fine-tuning and exporting your final PNG, is about enhancing your image's utility and aesthetic appeal. So, dive into Preview and start bringing your digital visions to life with PNG today.