pypng
Pure Python library for saving and loading PNG images
Decision gist · record as of 2026-08-14
Yes, if you need pure-Python PNG I/O with no external dependencies and can tolerate an abandoned codebase. The library is stable for basic read/write tasks and has no known vulnerabilities. Install only if you specifically require zero compiled dependencies or are working in a constrained environment; otherwise, more actively maintained alternatives may be preferable.AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page — verify before relying
Before you install
- Requires Python 3.5 or later; the package is pure Python with no compiled dependencies.
- Installation is straightforward with low friction—the package is pure Python with zero runtime dependencies and installs via a simple wheel.
- However, the project is marked abandoned with no releases since 2022-07-15, so expect no active maintenance or bug fixes.
License · maintenance · safety
MIT (permissive) — MIT license permits commercial and private use with minimal restrictions, requiring only that you retain the license notice in distributions.
last release 2022-07-15 (1491 days)
0 known vulnerabilities (OSV.dev, 2026-08-14) · 8,671,088 downloads/mo, #1,599 on PyPI
Alternatives
Verify before relying
import pypng
pypng.from_array([[255, 0, 0, 255],
[0, 255, 255, 0]], 'L').save("image.png")- Whether the abandoned status affects real-world reliability for common PNG read/write tasks
- Performance characteristics compared to other pure-Python PNG libraries or alternatives
What it is and what it does
PyPNG is a pure Python library for reading and writing PNG image files. It handles grayscale, RGB, and RGBA color modes and supports various PNG features like interlacing, transparency, and ICC profiles through command-line tools. The core module has no external dependencies, making it lightweight and portable—you can even copy the single file into your project and use it directly.
The library is designed for straightforward PNG I/O without the overhead of compiled image libraries. It includes both a Python API for programmatic use and several command-line tools for image manipulation and format conversion. However, the project has been abandoned since 2022-07-15, so there is no active maintenance or support for new features or bug fixes.
Use it for
- Generate simple PNG images programmatically from pixel arrays in pure Python environments
- Read and write PNG files in applications that cannot depend on compiled libraries
- Convert between PNG and other formats using the included command-line tools
- Add or modify PNG chunks like ICC profiles and transparency via command-line tools
- Join multiple PNG images horizontally or vertically using included utilities
Worth the install?
AI-flagged interpretation of the facts on this page. Verify before relying on it.
Yes, if you need pure-Python PNG I/O with no external dependencies and can tolerate an abandoned codebase.
The library is stable for basic read/write tasks and has no known vulnerabilities. Install only if you specifically require zero compiled dependencies or are working in a constrained environment; otherwise, more actively maintained alternatives may be preferable.
Install
pypng on PyPI
Before you install
Installation is straightforward with low friction—the package is pure Python with zero runtime dependencies and installs via a simple wheel. However, the project is marked abandoned with no releases since 2022-07-15, so expect no active maintenance or bug fixes.
Requires Python 3.5 or later; the package is pure Python with no compiled dependencies.
License in practice
MIT license permits commercial and private use with minimal restrictions, requiring only that you retain the license notice in distributions.
Quickstart
import pypng
pypng.from_array([[255, 0, 0, 255],
[0, 255, 255, 0]], 'L').save("image.png")Verify before relying
- Whether the abandoned status affects real-world reliability for common PNG read/write tasks
- Performance characteristics compared to other pure-Python PNG libraries or alternatives
Package facts
| License | MIT permissive |
| Python support | Not specified |
| Install friction | Low. Pure-Python wheel |
| Runtime dependencies | None |
| Maintenance | Abandoned 1,491 days since the last release |
| First released | |
| Downloads | 8,671,088 / month, #1,599 on PyPI 30-day window, as of 2026-08-14 |
| Known vulnerabilities | None known OSV.dev, checked 2026-08-14 |
| Classifiers | License :: OSI Approved :: MIT LicenseOperating System :: OS IndependentProgramming Language :: PythonProgramming Language :: Python :: 3Programming Language :: Python :: 3.10Programming Language :: Python :: 3.5Programming Language :: Python :: 3.6Programming Language :: Python :: 3.7Programming Language :: Python :: 3.8Programming Language :: Python :: 3.9Topic :: Multimedia :: GraphicsTopic :: Software Development :: Libraries :: Python Modules |
Evidence: pypng-0.20220715.0-py3-none-any.whl
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