Convert SVG to PNG
About SVG
Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a unique image format because it is not based on pixels like JPEG or PNG. Instead, it's an XML-based vector format that describes images with shapes, paths, and text. This means SVGs can be scaled to any size without losing quality. They are ideal for logos, icons, and illustrations on the web, and can be manipulated with code (CSS and JavaScript).
About PNG
Portable Network Graphics (PNG) is a raster graphics format that supports lossless data compression, meaning no quality is lost when the file is compressed. Its most notable feature is its support for transparency (the alpha channel), which allows images to have transparent backgrounds. This makes PNG a favorite for web graphics, logos, and icons.
SVG vs PNG
| Feature | SVG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | text-based (XML) | lossless |
| Transparency | true | true |
| Animation | true | false |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 5 |
| Patent Status | royalty-free | patent-free |
| Year Introduced | 2001 | 1996 |
| Developed By | W3C | PNG Development Group |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use SVG for a photograph?
No, SVG is not suitable for photographs. The complexity and color detail of a photograph would result in an enormous and highly complex SVG file. SVGs are designed for graphics with defined shapes and colors, like logos and diagrams. For photos, use raster formats like JPEG or WebP.
Are SVGs better than icon fonts?
SVGs are now generally considered the superior choice for icons. They offer better accessibility, are more semantic, and provide more control over styling and animation compared to icon fonts, which are a bit of a hack using font features to display symbols.
Is PNG better than JPEG?
It depends on the use case. For photographs, JPEG provides smaller file sizes with minimal perceptible quality loss. For graphics with sharp lines, text, or transparency needs, PNG is superior as it is lossless and supports an alpha channel.
Why are PNG files larger than JPEGs?
PNG files are larger because they use lossless compression. They retain all the original image data, whereas JPEG uses lossy compression to discard data and reduce file size. This makes PNGs higher quality but also larger.
Transform Your Videos with AI Subtitles & Closed Captions
Get started with 10 minutes of free transcription. No credit card required.