What Is a PNG Sequence?
A PNG sequence is a series of individually numbered PNG image files that together represent a
video animation — frame_001.png, frame_002.png, frame_003.png, and so on. Each file is
one frame of the animation. Imported into a video editor (DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, After
Effects), the files play back as a smooth video clip.
Unlike MP4 video, PNG sequences can include an alpha channel (RGBA) for per-pixel transparency — making them the professional standard for compositing animated graphics over footage without masking.
Why PNG Sequences Are Used in Video Production
Each frame is a full-resolution PNG with no lossy compression. Sharp text edges and fine chart details are preserved at full quality.
PNG supports RGBA — the alpha channel stores per-pixel transparency. Animated graphics composite cleanly over any background without a white box.
NLEs read PNG sequences frame-by-frame, giving precise timing control. Easier to trim, slip, and adjust than compressed video.
PNG sequences are the standard inter-application format in professional VFX pipelines. Every major NLE and compositing tool supports them natively.
PNG Sequence vs. MP4 Video
| Property | PNG Sequence | MP4 (H.264) |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Lossless — full quality | Lossy — compressed |
| Transparency | Full alpha channel (RGBA) | Not supported |
| File size | Large (many files) | Small (single file) |
| Compositing | Ideal — no background | Requires keying or matte |
| Final delivery | Not typical | Standard format |
| NLE support | All major NLEs | Universal |
Use PNG sequences for compositing during production. Use MP4 for final delivery to YouTube, social media, or clients.
How to Import a PNG Sequence
Right-click Media Pool → Import Media → navigate to PNG folder → select first frame → check "Image Sequence" → confirm. Full guide: full Resolve import guide →
File → Import → navigate to PNG folder → select first frame → check "Image Sequence" at the bottom of the dialog → set frame rate to match export settings.
File → Import → File → navigate to PNG folder → select first frame → check "PNG Sequence" → OK. The sequence imports as a footage item.
PNG Sequences and framechart
framechart is a native DaVinci Resolve plugin — inside Resolve, the chart composites with transparency directly in your timeline, so there's no PNG sequence round-trip at all. A PNG sequence only enters the picture if you need the chart in an NLE other than Resolve:
- 1. Drop the framechart effect onto a clip in Resolve, point it at your CSV, and pick a Clean template variant for a transparent background.
- 2. For Premiere Pro or After Effects: render the chart in Resolve as ProRes 4444 with Export Alpha enabled — a single file with a full alpha channel, no per-frame PNGs needed.
- 3. If you specifically need a PNG sequence, use Resolve's own image-sequence render preset on the composited timeline instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PNG sequence in video editing?
A PNG sequence is a folder of sequentially numbered PNG image files (frame_001.png, frame_002.png...) that an NLE reads as a single video clip. Each frame is lossless and can have alpha channel transparency.
Why use a PNG sequence instead of MP4?
PNG sequences preserve full quality (no compression), support alpha channel transparency (MP4 does not), and allow frame-accurate compositing. MP4 is better for final delivery; PNG sequence is better for production-stage compositing.
What does RGBA mean in a PNG sequence?
RGBA = Red, Green, Blue, Alpha. The alpha channel stores transparency information per pixel. Pixels with alpha=0 are fully transparent; alpha=255 is fully opaque. RGBA PNG sequences composite over any background without masking.
How large are PNG sequence files?
PNG sequences are larger than MP4 files because they are uncompressed (or lightly compressed). A 10-second 1080p 30fps chart produces ~300 PNG files. A 4K 60fps version produces ~600 files at higher resolution. Store on an SSD for smooth NLE import.
How do I get a PNG sequence from framechart?
You usually don't need one — inside DaVinci Resolve, the framechart plugin composites with transparency directly in your timeline. For Premiere Pro or After Effects, render the chart in Resolve as ProRes 4444 with Export Alpha enabled instead; if you specifically need PNG frames, use Resolve's own image-sequence render preset on the composited timeline.
Related Terms & Pages
Last reviewed: April 2026