SVG vs PNG: 4 Key Differences and How to Choose

svg vs png

What Is SVG?

Scalable Vector Graphics, or SVG, is a popular web image format that uses vectors to display images, making it an ideal choice for high-resolution displays and responsive web design. SVG images are made up of paths, shapes, and text, which are defined by mathematical equations. These equations allow SVG images to be scaled up or down without losing any quality, making them resolution-independent.

One of the major advantages of using SVG images is their small file size. Since the images are defined by mathematical equations rather than pixels, the file size is often much smaller than that of a raster image, such as a PNG. This is especially beneficial for web developers looking to optimize the performance of their websites.

Another advantage of SVG images is their ability to be easily manipulated using CSS and JavaScript. This means that you can change the appearance of an SVG image on your website simply by adjusting some code, without needing to create a new image file. This can be a huge time-saver for web designers and developers.

What Is PNG?

Portable Network Graphics, or PNG, is a raster image format commonly used for web images and photographs. Unlike SVG, PNG images are made up of pixels, which are small squares of color that come together to form the image. PNG images have a fixed size, meaning that they can lose quality when scaled up or down, making them resolution-dependent.

PNG images have several key features that make them a popular choice for web developers. First, they support lossless compression, which means that the image quality is not compromised when the file size is reduced. This is particularly useful for images with large areas of solid color, such as logos and icons.

Second, PNG images support transparency, allowing web designers to create images with transparent backgrounds that can be layered over other elements on a webpage. This is a significant advantage over other raster image formats, such as JPEG, which do not support transparency.

Finally, PNG images are widely supported by web browsers and image editing software, making them a versatile choice for web developers and designers.

In this article:

SVG vs. PNG: 4 Key Differences
1. Image Quality and Scaling
2. File Size
3. Browser Support
4. Manipulation and Animation

svg vs png

Why vectorize PNG images?

Converting PNG images to vector format offers significant advantages, particularly in terms of scalability and flexibility. Vector graphics can be resized indefinitely without any loss in quality, ensuring that elements such as logos, icons, and illustrations remain crisp at any dimension. Additionally, vector formats allow for easier editing and manipulation of individual design components capabilities that are limited with raster-based formats like PNG.

Additionally, SVG files tend to have smaller file sizes, improving website load times and performance. They maintain high quality on any screen resolution, ensuring a crisp appearance across various devices. Furthermore, SVGs can be dynamically styled and animated with CSS or JavaScript, allowing for more interactive and engaging web experiences.

SVG vs. PNG: 4 Key Differences

1. Image Quality and Scaling

SVG images are vector-based, which means they can be scaled up or down without losing quality. This makes them an excellent choice for responsive web design, where images need to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions.

PNG images, on the other hand, are raster-based and can lose quality when scaled. This means that if you need to display an image at multiple sizes, you may need to create multiple PNG files to ensure the best quality at each size.

2. File Size

In general, SVG images tend to have smaller file sizes compared to PNG images, especially when dealing with simple graphics or icons. This is because SVG images are defined by mathematical equations rather than pixels, which can result in smaller file sizes.

However, for more complex images or photographs, the file size of an SVG may be larger than that of a PNG. It’s essential to consider the specific image you’re working with when deciding which format will result in the smallest file size.

3. Browser Support

Both SVG and PNG images are commonly supported by modern web browsers, making them reliable options for web development. However, it is important to note that some older browsers, as well as certain platforms like email clients, may not support either SVG or PNG images, or both. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the specific browsers or platforms where your images will be viewed and verify the supported formats.

4. Manipulation and Animation

One of the primary benefits of using SVG images is their ability to be easily manipulated using CSS and JavaScript. You can change the appearance of an SVG image on your website simply by adjusting some code, without needing to create a new image file. This can save time and make it easier to create dynamic, interactive elements on your website.

PNG images, on the other hand, cannot be manipulated in the same way and require a new image file for any changes made to the image, or may need to be converted to another format.

Learn more in our detailed guide to how to convert PNG to JPG

Consider Cloudinary’s URL Transformations

Cloudinary allows you to easily transform your images on the fly to any required format without the need for coding skills. Simply upload your images to Cloudinary and deliver them in your desired format via URL.

-> Learn More about Formats Supported for Transformations

SVG vs. PNG: How to Choose

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing between SVG and PNG:

Design Complexity

For simple graphics, icons, or logos, SVG is often the preferred format thanks to its scalability and typically smaller file sizes. In contrast, for more complex visuals such as detailed images or photographs, PNG may be more suitable, as it offers lossless compression and supports transparent backgrounds.

Responsiveness

If you need your images to adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions, SVG is likely the better option. Its ability to scale without losing quality makes it an excellent choice for responsive web design.

Browser Compatibility

While both SVG and PNG images are widely supported across modern web browsers, older browsers may have better support for PNG images. If you need to ensure compatibility with older browsers, you may want to opt for a PNG image.

Interactivity

If you want to create dynamic, interactive elements on your website, SVG is the clear winner. Its ability to be manipulated using CSS and JavaScript makes it a powerful tool for web developers and designers.

How to Convert SVG to PNG with Cloudinary

Converting SVG to PNG with Cloudinary is easier than you think.

Simply upload your image to Cloudinary, get the URL, and change the URL extension from SVG to PNG.

For example, if your original URL is:

https://res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/logo.svg

To change it to PNG, just modify the URL to:

https://res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/logo.png

And that’s it!

Mastering SVG and PNG with Cloudinary

Cloudinary’s f_auto parameter offers a powerful solution for dynamic image format delivery. It automatically determines and serves the most suitable image format based on the capabilities of the user’s browser, optimizing performance across devices and environments. For instance, if a browser supports SVG, that format will be delivered; otherwise, Cloudinary will convert the image to a compatible format, such as PNG. This eliminates the need for manually managing multiple file types, streamlining image delivery, and enhancing the user experience.

But that’s just scratching the surface of what you can do with Cloudinary. The platform offers an extensive range of features to enhance your SVG and PNG images. From resizing and cropping to applying effects and filters, Cloudinary gives you the tools to transform and optimize your graphics effortlessly. With Cloudinary’s intuitive interface and robust API, you can easily integrate image transformations into your workflows and unlock the full potential of SVG and PNG files.

Cloudinary empowers you to master SVG and PNG files with its dynamic image conversion capabilities and comprehensive features. Whether you’re looking to seamlessly deliver scalable and interactive SVG graphics or high-quality PNG images, Cloudinary has you covered.

Say goodbye to hassles and hello to the power and convenience of Cloudinary. Try it out today and elevate your image game like never before.

QUICK TIPS

Nadin Indre

In my experience, here are tips that can help you better choose between SVG and PNG formats:

Use SVG for logos and icons
SVG is ideal for logos, icons, and other simple graphics that need to be displayed across various sizes and resolutions. Its vector-based nature ensures that your graphics remain sharp and clear at any size, making it perfect for responsive design.
Choose PNG for complex images and photos
When dealing with detailed images, such as photographs or graphics with complex textures, PNG is the better choice. Its lossless compression maintains high image quality while supporting a wide color range and transparency.
Leverage SVG for interactive web elements
If your project requires interactive or animated elements, SVG should be your go-to format. SVG files can be manipulated easily with CSS and JavaScript, allowing you to create dynamic and responsive web content without needing multiple image files.
Opt for PNG when browser compatibility is a priority
While SVG is widely supported by modern browsers, PNG has broader compatibility, especially with older browsers and email clients. If you need to ensure your images display correctly across all platforms, PNG offers more reliable compatibility.
Use SVG for scalability without losing quality
If your design requires the image to scale from small icons to large banners, SVG will retain its crispness and clarity. This scalability makes SVG essential for responsive web design where the same asset is used at multiple sizes.
Consider PNG for images with transparent backgrounds
PNG supports full alpha transparency, making it perfect for images that require smooth blending with various backgrounds. This feature is particularly useful in web design where images may be placed over different colored or patterned backgrounds.
Combine SVG with PNG for optimal performance
Consider using SVG for vector graphics and icons while using PNG for photos and detailed imagery on the same website. This strategy ensures that each image is delivered in the format that best suits its content, optimizing both quality and performance.
Use PNG for print designs
If you’re working on designs that may eventually be printed, PNG is generally better suited for this purpose due to its high resolution and lossless quality. While SVG can be used for vector-based print designs, PNG is often more practical for pixel-based graphics.
Test SVG across all intended platforms
While SVG is highly versatile, some platforms (like certain email clients) might not fully support it. Always test SVG files across all intended platforms to ensure they display correctly. If issues arise, PNG may be the safer fallback option.
Use SVG to reduce website load times
SVG files are typically smaller than PNG files for simple graphics, which can help reduce your website’s load times. This is particularly important for performance-focused websites where every kilobyte counts.

By following these tips, you can make informed decisions on when to use SVG or PNG, ensuring your designs are optimized for quality, performance, and compatibility based on your specific project needs.

Last updated: Apr 10, 2025