Convert G4 to APNG (Animated PNG)

The G4 file extension, standing for CCITT Group 4 Fax Image, is a specialized format used primarily for storing black-and-white facsimile (fax) images. Its origins trace back to the Consultative Committee for International Telegraphy and Telephony (CCITT), now known as the ITU-T, which developed the Group 4 standard in the 1980s to improve fax transmission efficiency over digital networks. This format employs a high compression ratio to reduce file size while maintaining image quality, making it ideal for archiving documents and transmitting faxes in professional and business environments.

Animated Portable Network Graphics (APNG) is an extension of the Portable Network Graphics (PNG) format designed to support animated images. Introduced in 2004, APNG allows for animated sequences while retaining backward compatibility with non-animated PNG files. This format is utilized for its lossless compression, making it ideal for web graphics where image quality is paramount. APNG files are widely used for animated icons, logos, and other elements that benefit from high-quality animations without the artifacts common in GIF files. Its concise, efficient structure makes it a preferred choice among developers and designers focused on optimizing web performance.