APNG
Technology & Computing abbreviation · File Format
| Stands for | Animated Portable Network Graphics |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
APNG stands for Animated Portable Network Graphics, a file format abbreviation.
Extension of PNG that supports animation with full 24-bit color and alpha transparency, avoiding GIF's 256-color limit while still showing a static first frame in software that ignores the animation.
Example: The sticker pack uses APNG so the animated edges blend smoothly on any chat background.
Usage notes
Mozilla developers created APNG in 2004, and Firefox 3 supported it in 2008; Chrome added support only in 2017. The PNG Development Group originally rejected it, but the 2025 third edition of the PNG standard included it officially. Messaging services such as LINE use APNG for animated stickers. Files keep the .png extension.
Related abbreviations
More file format abbreviations
- AAC – Advanced Audio Coding
- AI – Adobe Illustrator Artwork
- AIFF – Audio Interchange File Format
- ALAC – Apple Lossless Audio Codec
- AMR – Adaptive Multi-Rate
- APK – Android Package Kit
- ARW – Sony Alpha Raw
- ASF – Advanced Systems Format
- AV1 – AOMedia Video 1
- AVC – Advanced Video Coding
- AVI – Audio Video Interleave
- AVIF – AV1 Image File Format