GraphicsOptimization Software Review: PNGOUTWin
Submitted by: Derek Tonn, December 4, 2007
PNGOUTWin, produced by Ardfry Imaging, LLC, a company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan which offers advanced graphics solutions for professionals in the graphic arts, pixel arts, and web design industries, is a wonderful Windows-based tool for quickly and effectively optimizing one's .png imagery for on-screen display. It will automatically convert one's files to .png format from .tif, .gif, .bmp and other formats, as well as optimize existing .png imagery.
Positive Features:
This is a very well thought-out and well-designed program! It allows for a user to either select individual files to optimize or to select entire folders to run its optimization processes in batch mode. My favorite feature of this program though is the speed in which it carries out one's optimization requests. It is fast, VERY fast! For individuals who need greatly-reduced file sizes but do not have the time or RAM/resources required to run a comprehensive batch optimizer such as PNGSlim, this is one of the best Windows-based programs that I have seen to date. And if there weren't already enough positives related to this program, Ardfry also recently released a Photoshop plug-in to make the process of generating optimized content easier for users of Adobe products. Outstanding!
Screenshot of PNGOUTWin Interface
Drawbacks or Limitations:
The only "drawback" or "limitation" I might mention is the fact that superior .png optimization results can be achieved using PNGSlim. That is to be expected, however, since PNGOUT's proprietary algorithms have also been incorporated into that command-line service (with Ardfry's permission). Those other 4-5 processes in PNGSlim will often-times shave an additional 1 to 3 percent off a file's size...even after using PNGOUTWin! As a stand-alone program though, PNGOUTWin has achieved the best results I have seen to date.
Overall Recommendation:
PNGOUTWin is a very powerful, easy to use and affordable ($14.95 to $29.95 US) optimization tool that most "beginners" or even seasoned optimization veterans will find to be highly useful in their efforts to prepare imagery for on-screen display. This particular product will receive a very strong "buy" recommendation from me going forward with anyone who happens to ask for my advice related to .png optimization tools that are available for purchase.
Other: