image/*
image/png
File extensions: .png
Lossless raster format — the web default for graphics with transparency.
What is image/png?
image/png is the media type for Portable Network Graphics — a lossless raster format with alpha transparency, supported by every browser. PNG is the go-to format for UI graphics, screenshots, and logos where fidelity matters more than file size.
Typical usage
Icons, logos, screenshots, UI graphics, anywhere transparency is needed.
Common gotchas
For photographs, WebP or AVIF produce dramatically smaller files. Use PNG for graphics, not photos.
HTTP header example
Response header
Content-Type: image/pngReference
RFC 2083
Frequently asked questions
What is the image/png MIME type?
image/png is the media type for Portable Network Graphics — a lossless raster format with alpha transparency, supported by every browser. PNG is the go-to format for UI graphics, screenshots, and logos where fidelity matters more than file size.
What file extension does image/png use?
Files served as image/png typically use the extension .png. The most common is .png.
How do I set the Content-Type for image/png?
Send the HTTP response header Content-Type: image/png. Icons, logos, screenshots, UI graphics, anywhere transparency is needed.
Is image/png an official MIME type?
Yes. image/png is officially registered with IANA (RFC 2083), so standards-conformant clients recognize it.
What are common mistakes with image/png?
For photographs, WebP or AVIF produce dramatically smaller files. Use PNG for graphics, not photos.