FAQ 6 of 6
Common Misconceptions
These statements are frequently repeated but are incomplete or incorrect.
| Misconception | Accurate explanation |
|---|---|
| PNG is always print-ready | PNG can carry raster artwork, but production readiness depends on dimensions, method, product, material, machine, and handoff requirements |
| PNG is a vector because it has clean edges | Clean-looking artwork can still be a fixed raster pixel grid |
| Transparent means the background is white | Transparent pixels have alpha information; white pixels are visible image content |
| Changing 72 PPI to 300 PPI improves quality | Changing metadata alone does not create pixels or source detail |
| Every print must be 300 PPI | The required effective resolution depends on the product, viewing conditions, method, and maker specification |
| PNG supports standard CMYK images | PNG defines grayscale, indexed-color, and RGB-based image types, not a standard CMYK image type |
| Lossless means the image can be enlarged forever | Lossless compression preserves encoded pixels; it does not make raster artwork resolution-independent |
| A larger file is always higher quality | Metadata and inefficient encoding can increase file size without adding useful image information |
| PNG can replace the editable source | PNG does not inherently preserve live text, layers, vectors, masks, or application-specific structure |
| If software imports the PNG, it is compatible | Import success does not verify final dimensions, settings, material, product, safety, or output quality |
| PNG contains cut paths, stitches, or toolpaths | Those require vector, embroidery, 3D, or machine-specific information |
| The file alone determines final color | Profiles, software, devices, ink, coatings, material color, lighting, and production conditions affect the result |