SVG vs HEIC
How do SVG and HEICcompare? Here's everything you need to know to choose the right format — and how to convert between them.
.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.
.heic
Full guide →High Efficiency Image Container
HEIC is Apple's preferred image format, used by iPhones and iPads since iOS 11. It delivers significantly better compression than JPG while maintaining higher quality, but compatibility remains limited outside the Apple ecosystem.
| Specification | SVG | HEIC |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Scalable Vector Graphics | High Efficiency Image Container |
| Extension | .svg | .heic |
| MIME type | image/svg+xml | image/heic |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Developer | W3C | MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) |
| Year introduced | 2001 | 2015 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossy |
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
HEIC advantages
- 50% smaller than JPG at equivalent quality
- Supports transparency and depth maps
- Live Photos and image sequences
- 16-bit color depth
HEIC limitations
- Limited compatibility outside Apple devices
- Not natively supported by most web browsers
- Requires special decoders on Windows/Android
- Patent-encumbered format
Which should you use?
Both SVG and HEIC have their strengths. SVG excels at logos and brand marks, while HEIC is better for iphone and ipad photography.
Best uses for SVG
Best uses for HEIC
Convert between SVG and HEIC
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.