SVG vs PNG — When to Use Vector vs Raster Images
Should you use SVG or PNG? Learn the key differences between vector and raster images, and when each format is the best choice for your project.
SVG and PNG serve fundamentally different purposes. Understanding when to use each format can make or break your design workflow and website performance.
SVG — Scalable Vector Graphics
SVG files define images using mathematical equations, not pixels. This means they scale to any size without quality loss.
Infinite scalability — looks perfect at any resolution
Tiny file sizes — simple icons can be under 1KB
CSS stylable — change colors and styles with code
Animatable — create smooth CSS/JS animations
SEO-friendly — text inside SVG is indexable
**Best for:** Logos, icons, illustrations, charts, maps
PNG — Pixel-Perfect Rasters
PNG files store images as a grid of colored pixels. They excel at reproducing complex visual content exactly.
Photo-realistic detail — captures complex imagery
Transparency support — smooth alpha channel
Lossless compression — no quality degradation
Universal support — works everywhere
**Best for:** Screenshots, photos needing transparency, complex graphics, UI mockups
Decision Guide
Ask yourself:
**Is it geometric/simple?** → SVG
**Does it need to scale to any size?** → SVG
**Is it a photograph or complex artwork?** → PNG
**Do you need pixel-level control?** → PNG
**Will it be displayed at a fixed size?** → Either works
Many modern design workflows use SVG for icons and logos, PNG for screenshots and complex graphics, and WebP for photographs.