Pngquant - library and command line utility for png lossy compression

A new version (2.0.1) of the utility has been released .

The utility allows you to convert png with 24 and 32 bits per pixel to png with a palette (8 bits).

The developers claim that the utility in some cases allows reducing the file size by as much as 70% from the original, while maintaining alpha transparency (they claim that transparency is processed better in IE6 than in 24-bit png - not that it is serious). something worried ...).
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Features:

- creating a new palette using vector quantization algorithms
- a unique dithering that adds less noise to pictures than the standard Floyd-Steinberg algorithm
- easily integrates with scripts and gui (well, still, it's the same command line)
- there is an accelerated mode of operation, for processing a large number of images

Let's check. Under the cut - pictures (surprise), ie - traffic.

Image 1.

The original uncompressed image, 1'389'142 bytes . 72'664 unique colors.

Compressed image, 530'334 bytes. 256 colors in the palette.

In my opinion, not bad. I did not see the difference. Compression by 62%.

Image 2.

Original Image, 693'602 b . 39'121 unique colors.

Compressed image, 230'297 b . 256 colors in the palette.

Visible a slight difference (lips, jacket). But do not say that essential.

Image 3.

Original image, 745'912 b. 140'838 unique colors.

Compressed image, 236'205 b. 256 colors in the palette.

The difference is noticeable in some places, but only if you switch between the original and compressed images. If you look at one, and after a minute - at another, you can hardly remember what the difference is.

Conclusion: not bad at all.