SVG vs PNG
SVG and PNG represent images in fundamentally different ways. SVG is vector — it stores shapes as mathematical paths that scale to any size without blurring. PNG is raster — a fixed grid of pixels. The right choice depends on whether the artwork is geometric or photographic.
Use SVG for logos, icons, and illustrations that must stay sharp at any size. Use PNG for screenshots, detailed graphics, or anything photographic where vector paths cannot describe the content.
SVG vs PNG: side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | SVG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Vector (math paths) | Raster (pixel grid) |
| Scalability | Infinite, no quality loss | Fixed; blurs when enlarged |
| Best for | Logos, icons, line art | Photos, screenshots, complex images |
| File size | Tiny for simple art | Grows with resolution |
| Editable in code | Yes (XML, CSS-styleable) | No |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes (SMIL/CSS/JS) | No |
What is SVG and what is PNG?
SVG
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based format that describes images as paths, shapes, and text. Because it is resolution-independent, the same file looks crisp on a favicon and a billboard. SVG can be styled with CSS, animated, and even read by search engines as text, but it is unsuitable for photographic detail.
PNG
PNG stores a fixed grid of pixels. It can represent any image including photographs and complex gradients, but enlarging it past its native resolution produces blur or pixelation. It is the right tool when the content cannot be expressed as clean vector shapes.
When to use which
Choose SVG
Choose SVG for brand logos, UI icons, charts, and simple illustrations — especially on responsive sites and high-DPI screens where a single file must scale everywhere.
Choose PNG
Choose PNG for screenshots, photographic graphics, or detailed artwork with textures and gradients that vector paths cannot reproduce cleanly.
Convert between these formats
Use our free, browser-based converters: