SVG vs PNG: which to use and when
Practical comparison
SVG and PNG are two widely used web formats, but they work differently. Choosing well improves quality and reduces your site's weight.
Key difference
- SVG: vector. Stores shapes with math. Scales infinitely without losing sharpness.
- PNG: raster. Stores pixels. When enlarged, it pixelates.
Quick comparison
- Quality when scaling: SVG wins (always sharp). PNG degrades.
- Weight: SVG is very light for simple graphics. PNG is heavier, especially at high resolution.
- Transparency: both support it.
- Photos: PNG (or JPG) works; SVG is not for photographs.
- Editing: SVG is edited as text/code; PNG needs an image editor.
- Animation: SVG animates with CSS/JS; PNG doesn't (except APNG, rare).
When to use SVG
Logos, icons, flat illustrations, graphics, diagrams. Anything that must look perfect on any screen and size.
When to use PNG
Screenshots, images with lots of detail/textures, or when a platform doesn't accept SVG. Also as a final export of a vector for sharing.
Best of both
Work in SVG (vector, editable) and export to PNG when you need it. With svgdesk you edit the SVG and export high-resolution PNG in one click.