SVG vs PNG - When to Use Each Format
Understanding the differences between SVG and PNG formats and choosing the right one for your project
SVG vs PNG: When to Use Each Format
Choosing between SVG and PNG can significantly impact your website's performance and visual quality. Let's explore when to use each format.
What is SVG?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector image format based on XML. It uses mathematical formulas to define shapes, paths, and colors.
Advantages of SVG
- Infinitely scalable - looks perfect at any size
- Small file size - especially for simple graphics
- Editable - can be modified with code
- SEO-friendly - searchable and indexable
- Accessible - can include text alternatives
Best Use Cases for SVG
- Logos and icons
- Illustrations and diagrams
- UI elements
- Charts and graphs
- Simple animations
What is PNG?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a raster image format that stores images as a grid of pixels.
Advantages of PNG
- Supports transparency - alpha channel
- Wide compatibility - works everywhere
- Better for complex images - photographs, gradients
- Lossless compression - no quality loss
Best Use Cases for PNG
- Photographs
- Complex graphics with many colors
- Screenshots
- Images with text that needs to be crisp
- When you need transparency with photos
Performance Comparison
| Feature | SVG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size (simple logo) | 2-5 KB | 10-50 KB |
| Scalability | Perfect at any size | Pixelated when scaled |
| Colors | Limited for simple graphics | Millions of colors |
| Animation | CSS/JS animations | Requires GIF or video |
| Editing | Easy with code | Requires image editor |
Making the Right Choice
Choose SVG when:
- The graphic is relatively simple
- You need it to scale perfectly
- You want to animate or interact with it
- File size matters
Choose PNG when:
- The image is a photograph
- The graphic has complex gradients or effects
- You need pixel-perfect rendering
- SVG support is a concern
Hybrid Approach
Modern websites often use both:
- SVG for UI elements, logos, and icons
- PNG for photos and complex graphics
- WebP as a fallback for better compression
Conclusion
Both formats have their place in web development. Understanding their strengths helps you make informed decisions that improve both performance and visual quality.
Use Tiny SVG to optimize your SVG files and keep your website fast!