Convert PCX to PNG Online
Obsolete — no modern application produces PCX files, and the RLE compression is far less efficient than PNG. Converting to PNG gives you a key advantage: lossless compression with full alpha-channel transparency — every pixel is preserved exactly. PNG is best for screenshots, logos, ui elements, and any image requiring transparency or pixel-perfect accuracy.
Why Convert PCX to PNG?
Obsolete — no modern application produces PCX files, and the RLE compression is far less efficient than PNG — converting to PNG overcomes this by providing lossless compression with full alpha-channel transparency — every pixel is preserved exactly
PNG is the right choice when you need to: exporting app and website screenshots with crisp text and interface elements
Gain broader compatibility — PNG works with Universal — all browsers, image editors, operating systems, and web platforms
Your PCX files were created for converting legacy pcx clipart into modern png for documentation, but now you need a format suited to different workflows
PCX vs PNG — Format Comparison
PiCture eXchange (.pcx)
Portable Network Graphics (.png)
How to Convert PCX to PNG
Upload your PCX file
Drag your .pcx file onto the upload area or click to browse. We accept PCX files up to 20 MB.
Choose PNG as output format
Select .png (Portable Network Graphics) from the format list. PNG uses lossless compression, so your output quality matches the source.
Convert and download
Click Convert and wait for processing. Your PNG file will be ready to download in seconds. The result is optimized for screenshots, logos, ui elements, and any image requiring transparency or pixel-perfect accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the PCX to PNG conversion lossless?
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When both formats support lossless data, the conversion preserves all content. Lossless with up to 48-bit true color and 16-bit alpha channel; no generation loss on re-save.
How large will my PNG file be compared to the original PCX?
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PCX files are typically 10 KB – 5 MB, while PNG files are typically 10 KB – 25 MB. The actual size depends on content complexity and any quality settings you choose.
What software can open the converted PNG file?
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PNG is compatible with: Universal — all browsers, image editors, operating systems, and web platforms.
What is the maximum file size I can convert?
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PureConverter accepts PCX files up to 20 MB. Your files are processed securely and deleted from our servers after conversion.
What's the difference between PCX and PNG?
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PCX (PiCture eXchange) is best for opening legacy dos-era graphics and early pc game artwork from the 1980s and 1990s. PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is best for screenshots, logos, ui elements, and any image requiring transparency or pixel-perfect accuracy. Key tradeoff: PCX's advantage is simple run-length encoding makes it one of the easiest raster formats to parse programmatically, while PNG's advantage is lossless compression with full alpha-channel transparency — every pixel is preserved exactly.
Pro Tips for PCX to PNG Conversion
PNG preserves full quality, so your output file will be as good as the PCX source — no need to worry about compression artifacts
If your PCX file has transparency, make sure PNG supports it — PNG supports transparency
PNG works especially well for: saving digital art and illustrations where every pixel must be preserved
Did you know? PNG was created in 1995 specifically to replace GIF after Unisys began enforcing its LZW patent — the name originally stood for "PNG's Not GIF."
Ready to Convert?
Upload your PCX file above and get your PNG in seconds. Free, fast, and secure.