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What is XWD?

X Window Dump (XWD) is the native screenshot format for X11 windowing systems, capturing pixel data from X displays.

What is APNG?

Animated PNG (APNG) extends the PNG format with frame-based animation support while maintaining full backward compatibility with standard PNG decoders.

When Should You Use XWD vs APNG?

Use XWD When...

Reach for XWD when your priority is x11 screenshots, remote display capture — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

Use APNG When...

Reach for APNG when your priority is web animations, game sprites, animated icons — its uncompromising quality ensures every detail is preserved.

XWD vs APNG: Key Differences

  • •XWD uses lossless compression while APNG uses lossless compression — both take the same approach to file size management.
  • •Since both XWD and APNG use lossless compression, the quality characteristics are comparable — differences in file size come down to how efficiently each format implements compression.
  • •Transparency: Full alpha channel transparency per frame
  • •Storage footprint: Similar to uncompressed PNG for XWD vs Larger than GIF but better quality for APNG.
  • •XWD is optimized for x11 screenshots, remote display capture while APNG is designed for web animations, game sprites, animated icons — choose based on your specific workflow needs

Advantages of XWD

  • ✓XWD compresses data using lossless methods, keeping file sizes manageable for X11 screenshots, remote display capture.
  • ✓Industry-wide support means XWD files open anywhere — from legacy systems to the latest devices.
  • ✓Lossless quality makes XWD the gold standard for archival and master copies.
  • ✓From professional software to open-source alternatives, XWD works out of the box.

Advantages of APNG

  • ✓APNG applies lossless compression specifically calibrated for Web animations, game sprites, animated icons.
  • ✓APNG enjoys broad native support across operating systems, browsers, and creative tools alike.
  • ✓APNG guarantees every bit of the original data survives — no approximations, no shortcuts.
  • ✓You will find APNG support built into virtually every tool that handles Web animations, game sprites, animated icons — no plugins or converters needed.

Common Use Cases for XWD to APNG Conversion

  • Websites and online content
  • Print materials and publications
  • Social media posts and ads
  • Digital photography and editing
  • Graphic design projects
  • E-commerce product images

Industry Applications

Web DevelopmentGraphic DesignPhotographySocial Media MarketingPrint PublishingE-commerce

Best Practices for XWD to APNG Conversion

  • →When converting XWD to APNG, check whether APNG supports transparency — if not, your transparent areas will be filled with a solid color
  • →Use APNG for maximum quality archival and XWD for lossless workflows
  • →Optimize images for web to reduce page load times — tools like our converter let you adjust quality settings before conversion
  • →Maintain original aspect ratio to avoid distortion during conversion
  • →Always keep a backup of your original files before converting
  • →Choose the appropriate quality settings for your specific use case

Related Article

JPG vs PNG vs WebP: Which Image Format Should You Use?

Learn more about XWD and APNG formats in our detailed guide.

Troubleshooting XWD to APNG Conversion

  • !Converting XWD to APNG gives blurry output → increase the quality setting before conversion
  • !Colors look different in APNG than XWD → check color profile mismatch (sRGB vs Adobe RGB)
  • !File size changed more than expected → APNG uses different compression, file size differences of 2-5x are normal
  • !Transparent areas in XWD turned white in APNG → APNG may not support transparency

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Convert XWD to APNG Online - Free & Fast

Convert XWD files to APNG online for free. High-quality conversion with no registration required.

Image Converter

Upload or enter a URL to convert XWD to APNG instantly

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or paste from clipboard

.xwd,.XWD (max 100MB)

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About XWD and APNG

XWD

XWD (XWD screenshots) - X Window Dump, screenshot format for X11 systems. Best for x11 screenshots, remote display capture.

APNG

APNG (APNG animations) - Animated PNG, frame-based animation using PNG compression. Ideal for web animations, game sprites, animated icons.

Format Comparison

CompressionLossless → Lossless
TransparencySupported
Use CaseConvert from x11 screenshots, remote display capture to web animations, game sprites, animated icons
File Size~Larger than GIF but better quality after conversion

FAQs

Is converting XWD to APNG free?

Yes, GoConvertFile offers free conversion of XWD to APNG for files up to 100MB. No registration required.

How long does it take to convert XWD to APNG?

Most XWD to APNG conversions complete within seconds for standard-sized files. Larger files may take longer depending on the conversion complexity.

What is APNG best used for?

APNG is ideal for web animations, game sprites, animated icons. Animated PNG, frame-based animation using PNG compression

What file size should I expect after converting XWD to APNG?

File size after XWD to APNG conversion depends on the content complexity and quality settings. Both formats use similar compression approaches so sizes are comparable.

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