Should I use SVG or PNG?

For most use cases, SVG is the recommended default. Use SVG when: icons and logos, illustrations, multiple sizes. Use PNG when: screenshots, pixel art, when svg is not supported.

Can I convert between SVG and PNG?

Yes. Use optimo to convert between them with a single command. Run "npx optimo file --format png" to convert from SVG to PNG.

SVG vs PNG

SVG is vector and stays crisp at any size. PNG is raster and best for pixel-based assets like screenshots or when you need a bitmap output.

Last updated: 2026-03-18

SVG is vector and stays crisp at any size. PNG is raster and best for pixel-based assets like screenshots or when you need a bitmap output. For most projects, SVG is the recommended default.

Key differences

Topic	SVG	PNG
Type	Vector	Raster
Scaling	Infinite	Pixel-based
Best for	Graphics/UI	Bitmaps

When to use SVG

Icons and logos
Illustrations
Multiple sizes

When to use PNG

Screenshots
Pixel art
When SVG is not supported

Our recommendation

For most web projects, use SVG. SVG is best for icons and logos. Choose PNG when screenshots.

Next steps

Optimize SVG Compress SVG Resize SVG SVG format guide

Convert between them

Convert SVG to PNG Convert PNG → SVG

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SVG and PNG?: SVG is vector and stays crisp at any size. PNG is raster and best for pixel-based assets like screenshots or when you need a bitmap output.
Should I use SVG or PNG?: For most use cases, SVG is the recommended default. Use SVG when: icons and logos, illustrations, multiple sizes. Use PNG when: screenshots, pixel art, when svg is not supported.
Can I convert between SVG and PNG?: Yes. Use optimo to convert between them with a single command. Run "npx optimo file --format png" to convert from SVG to PNG.