PNG format

Just for quick answer; is it true that the PNG format can contain layers? I've had an argumenbt with a friend that no it doesn't contain any layers. But he insisted in saying that in his software he created the image with layers and that the source file is the PNG. When I go in GIMP I don't see any calcs, just the imag, and transparency if he set it like so.

Experts?

If "his software" is Adobe Fireworks, then yes, he's right. Otherwise, no, he's wrong.

It is!

Thanks!

What Gab said, the actual PNG format doesn't support layers, but some specific programs (Fireworks being the only one I can think of actually) goes ahead and by default, embeds all the layer information and crap directly into the PNG, bloating the filesize a fair amount, albeit that extra information is only usable to Fireworks, and nothing else, as everything else just sees the actual saved PNG image.

Fireworks does indeed support layers in a PNG format - rather like a psd format file. In fact PNG with layers is the main save format for Fireworks documents.

BUT it can also save out png with no layers - it is a simple export option and one which makes developing very easy.

Why does having layers help? I have developed many CD-ROMs where clients make numerous small and large changes to say a word or a background image.

Using png's with layers means that whilst programming in something like Director the developer can simply open up the png (double clicking on that image inside Director) and edit the layers (inside Director using Fireworks), swap things around, and close it down again without having to leave the development environment. This makes changes and smends to work very very easy.

IPete2.

Erm Genexi2 you are aware that PNG is Macromedias Format, targeted as a free standard which it actually became and therefor its more a problem of the actual PNG loader and missing PNG support instead of some "mystic" apps handling PNG the way it actually is.
Most apps are just not interested in the layers, why would they, each graphics application has its own main format. PSD, PNG, XCF ...

at least PNG can be used by other apps :D

No it's not.