Tessisamess

One day I might explain how to make PNG images, but there are varying methods and outside factors to consider when making them, and if you're not into making graphics it can be a little overwhelming. That being said, Canva Pro has an instant PNG maker if you don't mind paying for a plan, and the results I've seen from my bud are honestly amazing considering it's automated. The fact that it can distinguish a figure from a complex background is well worth the money on its own if you care to budget for it!

As for now, let's look at how to search for free PNG images, and what sites are available out there.

Google

Google is the widest resource available, but it's also the most uncertain. These images are coming from all over the internet, and unless you go to the source (assuming that IS the real source) you have no clue what the usage rights are.

If I'm using Google for transparent images it's usually for a celebrity, an IP logo, or Tumblr-specific graphics since there are tons of Tumblr blogs dedicated to creating and distributing free PNGs, and I find using google to search for things from Tumblr to be less of a pain in the ass.

You can filter searches to only see images containing transparency by clicking Tools and using the Color menu, which I find way more reliable than using "png" in your search term.

Pixabay

Pixabay is a great place to find frames, wreaths, etc., and they make it very easy to find what you need. It's all free to use in whatever project you might be working on, so go ham! First search the term you're looking for. Floral, frames, borders, ink—you get the idea. Once you have your results, use the color filter to see only images with transparency and browse away!

Other PNG resources

Only GFX - I love this site so much; from what I can tell, this place is run by one person and a few family members/friends who also contribute content. No account needed, no limit, and this site also has great textures. Zolee allows any usage of their content as long as you aren't rehosting their original files for download and/or claiming creation of their content.

Note: Anything listed below is something I personally do not use; quality of images may vary, and I cannot verify the validity of sources for these images. A lot of PNG are filled with reposted content, so just something to keep in mind! The account creator on some of these sites may not be the real creator. This is not a comment on the sites themselves, but rather individual instances of uploading found content.

PNG Tree - 2 free downloads per day with registered account; Google sign-ins enabled.

Freepik - All image types; has a PNG specific section. Free with creator attribution.

Free PNG Img - Free downloads; no limit.

Fav PNG - Account required; must verify account before download access is granted. 2 free downloads per day with attribution required.

PNG Img - Free downloads; no limit. Has IP content, so definitely not 100% copyright compliant, but for little personal IJ accounts they're great for canon character layouts.

PNG Mart - No account needed; no limit. Shady usage policy. Has a lot of celebrities and IP content (including people's fanart, which I really don't love), so if you need movie or game PNGs this is a good one for that. I'd steer clear of the obviously stolen fanart though since there's no way to attain real crediting info. Irrelevant, but this site has Sad Keanu, and I think that's important information.

There are tons of free PNG sites out there of varying levels of legitimacy ranging from 100% on the level to "I guarantee you all of this content is stolen," so do with that information what you will. We're all using PB faces on this site anyway, so PNGs of celebrities are no different than icons. My main concern is with IP content and stolen fanart, so if something looks like it's been ripped from an artist... it probably has been.

♡ Happy Hunting! ♡