What is the difference between PNG and SVG?

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) lossless compression — no quality loss. SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) infinitely scalable without quality loss. The best choice depends on your specific needs.

Can I convert PNG to SVG?

Yes, you can convert PNG to SVG online for free with SquishConvert. Upload your .png file, select SVG as the output format, and download your converted file in seconds.

Format comparison

PNG vs SVG

How do PNG and SVGcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.

.png

Full guide →

Portable Network Graphics

PNG is a lossless image format that supports transparency. It was created as an improved, non-patented replacement for GIF. PNG is ideal for graphics, logos, screenshots, and any image where quality preservation is critical.

.svg

Full guide →

Scalable Vector Graphics

SVG is a vector image format based on XML. Unlike raster formats, SVG images scale to any size without losing quality, making them perfect for logos, icons, and responsive web design.

Specification	PNG	SVG
Full name	Portable Network Graphics	Scalable Vector Graphics
Extension	.png	.svg
MIME type	image/png	image/svg+xml
Category	Image	Image
Developer	PNG Development Group	W3C
Year introduced	1996	2001
Compression	Lossless	Lossless

PNG advantages

Lossless compression — no quality loss
Supports full transparency (alpha channel)
Great for text, logos, and sharp-edged graphics
Universally supported across all browsers and platforms

PNG limitations

Larger file sizes than JPG for photographs
No animation support (use APNG or GIF instead)
Not ideal for print workflows (CMYK not supported)

SVG advantages

Infinitely scalable without quality loss
Tiny file sizes for simple graphics
Can be styled with CSS and animated with JavaScript
Text remains searchable and accessible

SVG limitations

Not suitable for photographs or complex images
Can be slow to render with many paths
Security concerns when accepting user uploads
Inconsistent rendering across browsers for complex SVGs

Which should you use?

Both PNG and SVG have their strengths. PNG excels at website graphics and logos, while SVG is better for logos and brand marks.

Best uses for PNG

Website graphics and logos

Screenshots and UI mockups

Images with transparency overlays

Digital art and illustrations

Best uses for SVG

Logos and brand marks

Icons and UI elements

Data visualizations and charts

Responsive web graphics

Convert between PNG and SVG

Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.

PNG to SVG SVG to PNG

Related format comparisons

PNG vs JPG PNG vs WebP PNG vs BMP PNG vs GIF JPG vs SVG WebP vs SVG BMP vs SVG GIF vs SVG

Specification

PNG

SVG

Full name

Portable Network Graphics

Scalable Vector Graphics

Extension

.png

.svg

MIME type

image/png

image/svg+xml