PCX to PNG Converter

PCX to PNG image conversion — free browser tool

Drop files here. 1 GB maximum file size or Sign Up
to
Facebook Amazon Microsoft Tesla Nestle Walmart L'Oreal

Server-Side Speed

Conversion happens on remote servers, so your computer or phone does not slow down. Upload PCX, get PNG — all handled in the cloud.

Batch Convert

Have multiple PCX files? Upload them all at once and convert the entire batch to PNG in a single session — saves significant time.

Privacy Protected

Convertio removes uploaded PCX files right after processing and purges PNG results within 24 hours. Your data does not linger on servers.

How to convert PCX to PNG

1

Select files from Computer, Google Drive, Dropbox, URL or by dragging it on the page.

2

Choose png or any other format you need as a result (more than 200 formats supported)

3

Let the file convert and you can download your png file right afterwards

About formats

PCX (PiCture eXchange) is a raster image format created by ZSoft Corporation in 1985 as the native format of their PC Paintbrush application, one of the first painting programs for IBM PC compatibles. The format uses a simple run-length encoding (RLE) compression scheme that works by replacing consecutive identical pixel values with a count-value pair, achieving modest compression on images with large areas of uniform color. A PCX file consists of a 128-byte header (specifying dimensions, color depth, palette information, DPI, and encoding method), the RLE-compressed pixel data organized in scan-line order, and an optional 256-color palette appended after the image data. The format evolved through several versions supporting increasing color depths: 1-bit monochrome, 4-bit (16 colors), 8-bit (256 colors), and 24-bit true color using multiple color planes. PCX became one of the most popular image formats during the DOS era, widely supported by paint programs, word processors, desktop publishers, and early games throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. One advantage was broad DOS-era software compatibility — PCX served as a practical interchange format when competing programs used proprietary raster formats. The simplicity of RLE decoding is another strength, requiring minimal CPU and memory resources ideal for the hardware of that period. While PNG, JPEG, and other modern formats have replaced PCX in contemporary use, the format remains encountered in legacy archives and retro computing contexts.
Developer: ZSoft Corporation
Initial release: 1985
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless raster image format developed by the PNG Development Group and published as a W3C Recommendation on October 1, 1996, created as a patent-free replacement for GIF after the Unisys LZW patent controversy. PNG uses a two-stage compression pipeline: a prediction filter selects the optimal per-row preprocessing (none, sub, up, average, or Paeth), then DEFLATE compression encodes the filtered data. The format supports rich color modes — 1/2/4/8/16-bit grayscale, 8/16-bit per channel true color, and indexed color with palettes up to 256 entries — all with optional alpha transparency ranging from a single transparent color to a full per-pixel alpha channel with 256 or 65536 levels. PNG also stores gamma correction, ICC color profiles, text metadata, and suggested background color. One advantage is lossless compression with transparency — PNG preserves every pixel exactly while supporting smooth semi-transparent edges, making it the standard format for web graphics, UI elements, logos, screenshots, and any image where artifacts or color shifts are unacceptable. Universal support is another core strength: every web browser, operating system, image editor, and programming library handles PNG natively. The format has proven remarkably durable — after nearly three decades, PNG remains the default lossless web image format. While newer formats like WebP and AVIF offer better compression, PNG's combination of lossless quality, full transparency, and absolute ubiquity keeps it indispensable.
Initial release: October 1, 1996

Frequently Asked Questions

Why convert PCX to PNG?

PCX was designed for 1980s PC software. Converting to PNG modernizes the file so it works with contemporary tools, browsers, and operating systems.

What software opens PNG?

Any web browser, plus Photoshop, GIMP, Paint.NET, Preview on macOS, and the built-in photo viewers on Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Do I need to install anything?

No — the entire conversion runs in your web browser. There is nothing to download or install on your computer or phone to convert PCX to PNG.

Does converting PCX to PNG lose quality?

The conversion preserves the quality stored in the original PCX file. No additional degradation occurs during the format change on Convertio.

Is PCX to PNG conversion free?

Standard conversions are free on Convertio. Premium plans provide additional benefits for users who need to process larger volumes regularly.

Does this work on my phone?

Yes — the Convertio converter runs in any mobile browser. Upload your PCX file, pick PNG, and download the result directly on your phone.

PCX to PNG Quality Rating

4.7 (324 votes)
You need to convert and download at least 1 file to provide feedback!