Convert PNG to PCX Online

Convert PNG to PCX - Complete Guide

Converting PNG to PCX stays in the raster image family but changes the traits that decide size, quality, transparency, editability, or device support. PNG is a lossless image format commonly used for screenshots, transparent graphics, logos, and high-quality web images. PCX is a image format. Paintbrush format. Below is what actually changes in a PNG→PCX conversion, what is preserved, and when PCX is the better choice than keeping PNG.

What changes when you convert PNG to PCX

• Both formats store data without lossy compression, so converting PNG to PCX preserves full quality.
• PNG can store transparent areas, but PCX cannot. Any transparency is flattened onto a solid background (white by default).
• Expect a smaller output file: PCX is typically more space-efficient than PNG for the same content.

About the PNG format

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless image format that supports transparency. Our free PNG converter allows you to convert PNG files to JPG, WEBP, GIF, BMP, PDF, and many other formats. You can also convert any image format to PNG to take advantage of its transparency and lossless compression.

• Full name: Portable Network Graphics
• Developer: PNG Development Group
• Introduced: 1996
• Compression: Lossless (DEFLATE)
• Color depth: 24-bit (16 million colors) + 8-bit alpha
• Opens with: every browser, Photoshop, GIMP, Figma

Where PNG is strong: lossless quality with no compression artifacts; full alpha transparency; crisp text, screenshots, and line art.

Typical PNG uses: screenshots, logos and UI graphics, images that need transparent backgrounds.

About the PCX format

PCX is a legacy format from PC Paintbrush. Convert PCX to modern formats for compatibility.

• Full name: PC Paintbrush Exchange
• Developer: ZSoft
• Introduced: 1985
• Compression: RLE
• Opens with: GIMP, IrfanView, XnView

Where PCX is strong: simple run-length encoding that legacy DOS tools read directly; lossless for flat low-color graphics.

Typical PCX uses: legacy DOS and PC Paintbrush images, old scanner and clip-art archives.

What PCX keeps

• Full original quality — no lossy re-compression is applied.
• Image dimensions (width and height in pixels) stay the same unless you resize.
• PCX adds: simple run-length encoding that legacy DOS tools read directly.

Things to watch out for

• If you need to keep a transparent background, convert to PNG or WebP instead of PCX.
• One PCX limitation to keep in mind: obsolete format rarely used today.

When to convert PNG to PCX

• Convert PNG to PCX for legacy DOS and PC Paintbrush images.
• Convert PNG to PCX for old scanner and clip-art archives.
• Pick PCX when you need lossless for flat low-color graphics.

PNG vs PCX — format comparison

A quick side-by-side of the structural differences between PNG and PCX, so you can confirm this is the right conversion for your file:

Privacy & Security

Files are handled for the conversion you request. Uploads and downloads use HTTPS/TLS, and temporary files are cleared after the processing and deletion window.

Add this PNG to PCX converter to your site

Put a working PNG to PCX converter on your own blog or website — free to embed. Both options below include a small link back to FreeFastConverter.

Embeddable widget (iframe)

Paste this where you want a live converter. Visitors can convert PNG to PCX without leaving your page:

Simple link badge

Prefer a lightweight button instead? Copy this HTML badge: