PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is the next-generation graphics file format for the Web. Designed as an open-source format to replace GIF (which uses a proprietary compression scheme, for which software makers must pay a licensing fee), PNG is better, smaller, more extensible, and FREE.

Already supported by major software like Macromedia Fireworks, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft Office 98, as well as Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer, PNG is the next big thing in computer graphics. Similar to the GIF and TIFF formats, but far better, PNG will soon become the preferred file format for color-critical web images and high-quality graphics interchange. Even for noncritical images, PNG will likely replace GIF as the standard web format. PNG supports lossless compression, variable transparency information, and a range of color depths. PNG also provides direct support for gamma correction, the cross-platform control of image "brightness," and transparency. PNG: The Definitive Guide addresses the needs of graphic designers who want to get the most out of the format and programmers who want to add full PNG-support to their own applications. Specifically, Roelofs covers implementing PNG with the libpng C library. The book includes explanations of important improvements with PNG, such as gamma correction and the standard color spaces for precise reproduction of image colors on a wide range of systems.

PNG: The Definitive Guide is the first book devoted exclusively to teaching and documenting the important new format, PNG. It is an indispensable compendium for Web content developers and is chock full of examples, sample code, and practical hands-on advice.