Format comparison
SVG vs ICO
How do SVG and ICOcompare? 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.
.ico
Full guide →Icon File Format
ICO is the icon file format used by Windows for application icons and website favicons. It can contain multiple image sizes and color depths in a single file.
| Specification | SVG | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Scalable Vector Graphics | Icon File Format |
| Extension | .svg | .ico |
| MIME type | image/svg+xml | image/x-icon |
| Category | Image | Image |
| Developer | W3C | Microsoft |
| Year introduced | 2001 | 1985 |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
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
ICO advantages
- Multiple sizes in one file
- Standard for Windows icons and favicons
- Widely supported by all browsers
- Small file sizes
ICO limitations
- Limited to small image dimensions
- Primarily Windows-focused format
- Being replaced by PNG favicons in modern web
- Complex internal structure for a simple purpose
Which should you use?
Both SVG and ICO have their strengths. SVG excels at logos and brand marks, while ICO is better for website favicons.
Best uses for SVG
Logos and brand marks
Icons and UI elements
Data visualizations and charts
Responsive web graphics
Best uses for ICO
Website favicons
Windows application icons
Desktop shortcuts
Taskbar and system tray icons
Convert between SVG and ICO
Need to switch formats? Convert for free with SquishConvert.