SVG is an XML-based vector format that stays sharp at any size. Current browsers open SVG, but support in programs and services is uneven.
PNG is a versatile lossless format with transparency support. When you convert SVG to PNG, you can open it in more places. See the comparison below for what changes.
This converter reads the file itself to confirm it is SVG, then converts it to PNG right in your browser. Your image is never uploaded.
SVG vs PNG: what's the difference?
| Item | SVG | PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Compression | Vector (stored as math) | Lossless |
| Transparent background | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes | No |
| Introduced | 2001 | 1996 |
| Support in programs and upload forms | moderate | nearly everywhere |
| Shown directly in browsers | Yes | Yes |
| Photo file size (JPG = 1) | n/a | about 3× |
What is SVG?
SVG stores lines, shapes and curves as math in text (XML) instead of pixels. It stays sharp however far you zoom, and a simple logo can be just a few KB.
What is PNG?
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless format created in 1996 to avoid the patent problems around GIF. Because not a single pixel changes when you save and reopen it, it suits original artwork that goes through many edits.
What changes when you convert SVG to PNG
The vector becomes a fixed-size pixel image
The moment you convert SVG to PNG, the resolution is fixed. Set the width in px in the options first so it is drawn sharply at the size you need; enlarging it later makes it blurry.
Moving images keep only their first frame
PNG can't hold animation. If your SVG file is animated, only the first frame is converted.
PNG has no quality setting
PNG is lossless, so the quality slider doesn't apply. Instead, when converting from SVG you can manage file size by resizing (exact width and height, or a percentage).
How the file size changes
SVG is a resolution-independent vector, so its size depends on how complex the shapes are. A simple logo is far smaller as SVG than as PNG, but once rasterized it needs pixel data for the exact width and height you choose.
PNG opens in more places
Support for SVG in programs, document tools and upload forms is moderate, while PNG is nearly everywhere. If you need to upload somewhere SVG wouldn't open, try again after converting.
When to convert
- You need to upload to a program, messenger or upload form that can't open SVG
- You're putting a logo or icon into a document, social network or presentation that doesn't support vectors
- You're preparing an image for typical PNG uses (logos and icons, screenshots)
SVG → PNG: practical tips
SVG has no resolution, so you need to set the size yourself when converting to PNG. Set the width in px in the options and it is drawn sharply at that size. If you may need it larger later, specify a generous size from the start.
The background stays transparent. If you need a white background, convert to JPG instead and pick the background color.
If the SVG links to external fonts or external images, they can be missing when the browser draws it. An SVG whose text has been converted to outlines is the safest.