OptiPNG File Type Plugin

OptiPNG File Type Plugin is an extension dedicated to Paint.net users, which gives them the possibility to save images as highly optimized PNG files. It has configuration settings available for the color reduction and compression.

This add-on isn't wrapped in a setup kit. Instead, it's wrapped in a DLL file that has to be copied to the "FileType" folder of Paint.net's directory. It doesn't matter whether you have the installer or portable version of the graphic editing tool.

Next, it's necessary to restart Paint.net if it was already launched before this step, in order to commit modifications. The "Optimized PNG" format can be selected from the "Save as type" menu when trying to save an image file by indicating the name, filename and format.

After choosing this type and clicking "Save", Paint.net displays a window where you can preview the image and configure PNG options. When it comes to color reduction, you can pick grayscale, RGB (optionally multiply by alpha channel), palette (set the dithering level and transparency threshold), grayscale with alpha, or RGB with alpha mode.

As far as PNG compression is concerned, it's possible to leave optimization enabled and change the default number of trials, as well as enable interlacing. While making these modifications, you can preview the new photo in this window. If you change your mind, you can reset these parameters to their default value with just the click of a button.

The tool worked smoothly with the latest Paint.net version on Windows 10 in our tests. Thanks to its intuitive configuration settings, OptiPNG File Type Plugin can be easily handled by Paint.net users interested in saving highly optimized PNG photos by tinkering with the color reduction and compression mode.