SVG VS PNG
The ultimate comparison guide. Understanding the technical differences between Scalable Vector Graphics and Portable Network Graphics.
SVG
svgVector format for infinite scaling without quality loss.
Pros
- Infinite scalability
- Small text-based files
- Programmable with CSS/JS
Cons
- Not for photos
- Complex rendering for detailed art
PNG
pngLossless format supporting transparency, ideal for logos and digital art.
Pros
- Lossless quality
- Alpha channel transparency
- Wide support
Cons
- Larger file sizes than JPG
- Not good for print (RGB only)
When SVG wins
Stay with SVG when you need logos or icons. Its strengths center on infinite scalability and a feature set native to W3C.
When PNG wins
Choose PNG when your workflow prioritizes logos or screenshots. It delivers lossless quality plus modern compression perks.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | SVG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| MIME Type | image/svg+xml | image/png |
| Developer | W3C | PNG Development Group |
| Release Year | 2001 | 1996 |
| Best For | Logos, Icons, Illustrations | Logos, Screenshots, Graphics with transparent backgrounds |
Need to switch?
Where SVG still wins
Keep SVG when you need infinite scalability and workflows depend on logos / icons. Link those teams directly to the converter above so they can ship PNG deliverables without leaving their browser.
- • Reference the .svg glossary from this page.
- • Embed the conversion CTA in docs, wikis, and onboarding runbooks.
- • Use PNG for logos while archiving originals as SVG.
Keep crawlers in the conversion hub
Link this comparison to the relevant tool, glossary, and documentation pages so every crawl discovers a monetizable route.