Using PNG Images from Stockflow.media
Overview
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is the standard format for images requiring transparency, precision, and lossless quality. PNG versions are available for select collections — ideal for layering, compositing, and design work.
Coming soon: Expanded PNG asset delivery with full transparency support across all collections.
Why PNG for Creative Projects?
Unlike JPEG, PNG supports a transparent background (alpha channel) — meaning you can place the image over any colour, texture, or video without a white or coloured box around it.
This makes PNG the professional standard for: - Logo design — no background, scalable overlay on brand materials - Web UI elements — buttons, icons, overlays, illustrations - Compositing — layering imagery over video or presentation slides - Broadcast graphics — lower thirds, title cards, motion graphics
Common Use Cases
Logo and Artwork
- Scientific organism illustrations placed over branded backgrounds
- Transparent microscopic cell overlays for biotech company branding
- Poster artwork where the subject floats freely on the canvas
Web Design
- Website UI overlays — transparent image elements on coloured sections
- CSS background-image layers on web pages
- Icon sets from biological or food imagery
- Favicon and app icon source files
Video Motion Graphics
- Import PNG sequences into After Effects, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve as transparent overlays
- Animate PNG elements across video backgrounds
- Use as lower-third graphics or topic illustration cards in YouTube videos
Print with Cutouts
- Product packaging where the image appears without a rectangular boundary
- Sticker printing with die-cut transparent edges
- Science textbook illustrations with subject-only cutouts
PNG vs JPEG — When to Use Which
| Use Case | JPEG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Photo-realistic backgrounds | Best choice | Larger file size |
| Transparent backgrounds | Not supported | Required |
| Web use (solid background) | Fast, efficient | Works well |
| Logo overlays | Not supported | Required |
| Print at large scale | 8K excellent | Lossless quality |
PNG Format Details
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Extension | .png |
| Colour Mode | RGB + Alpha (RGBA) |
| Transparency | Full support |
| Compression | Lossless |
| Best For | Logos, overlays, UI, compositing |
How to Import PNG in Design Tools
| Tool | Method |
|---|---|
| Photoshop | File > Open, drag to layer |
| After Effects | Import as footage, supports alpha |
| Canva | Uploads > Upload files (transparency preserved) |
| Figma | Drag and drop |
| PowerPoint | Insert > Pictures (transparency preserved) |