Spotlight The Difference Between SVG and PNG File Format

April 27, 2023

5 Min Read

PNG files are coined as portable network graphics and SVG are more based on scalable vector graphics. PNGs are basically raster based and consist of features like transparency, lossless compression, high resolution etc. These files can handle 16 million colours which means they are a top choice for logos, charts, graphics, and illustrations. They give very detailed images but are not very suitable for online photos due to their huge size. SVG files are suitable for logos and graphics due to the reason that you can scale them up and down for your desired reasons. These are also a top choice for web design because their XML programming language can be read by google search engines. This can be of huge advantage with respect to SEO and web rankings online. Depending on your desired requirement, image format can be converted from one format to another using tools like an online picture resizer.

Key Differences Between SVG and PNG

SVG files use mathematical algorithms for image display due to the reason that they are vector based. This means you can scale your images up to any size without impacting their quality in a bad way. However, SVG and PNG file formats may have some differences. Discussed below are some key factors that differ between the two formats.

Vector VS Raster

This is the most basic distinction between SVG and PNG. PNG file is a raster meaning that it is a pixel based image format. If this type of image is scaled up too much, the result is a grainy image. However, in the case of a small image, it ultimately becomes indistinct. PNGs are not very expandable, although they can handle very high resolutions. In Contrast to this, SVG files are built with a complicated mathematical network of lines and algorithms. These are vector based and have the ability to be expanded to any desired size. Little to no resolution is lost during this process.

Size of Files

PNG files usually take a long time to process or to be shared and opened. This is because they handle high resolutions. This can often slow down page loading times. There’s an 8-Bit variant of PNG format but it can support a limited amount of colours. Due to this reason, JPEGs are more acclaimed for online photography. For purposes other than web use you can convert images from SVG to PNG due to high resolution ability. However, generally SVG are way smaller in size than PNGs and are less likely to slow down the computer system or the site. The fact that SVG files are in vector format, they can easily be scaled up and scaled down without losing quality.

Compressing Images

SVGs have the advantage of lossless compression. They can easily be compressed to smaller files without compromising quality, detail or even definition. Unlike PNGs, SVG are a lot smaller in size. Thus, these can be stored easily and transmitted without any trouble. To compress an SVG, an SVG file compress tool is required. On the other hand, PNG file format also offers the benefit of lossless compression but only 5% to 20%. This can reduce the huge file size by a few folds but they still tend to be a lot larger than an SVG file.

Use in Web

PNG and SVG files have the ability to display phenomenal levels of web graphics and details, as well as infographics and logos. However, SVG has a key advantage due to its XML programming language. Instead of being written in code, each SVG file is written in text form. This results in such images being analysed by search engines efficiently. Thus SVG files are great for accessibility and search engine optimization. These files are also relatively smaller in size, which means fast loading. This is a major element in the context of search engine optimization. On the contrary, PNG files support text based graphics to some extent as well but not as much as SVG.

Photography and Compatibility

SVGs are a more advanced file type than PNGs but they are incompatible with operating systems and browsers. Thus, their programming language can be somewhat intimidating to users who are new to them. SVGs are unable to display images of high standard, and do not use any pixels. On the contrary, PNGs are a more standard online format which receive popularity within web browsers etc but aren’t ideal to be used on websites. Although they can retain high quality and editing for printing purposes.

To Sum Up

These are some key differences between SVG and PNG file formats. Both these file formats support transparency, so both are phenomenal choices for online graphics or logos. Although it’s crucial to note that PNGs are a better choice for a raster based file that is transparent. PNGs are a winner as compared to SVG when it comes to pixels and transparency. In addition, animation is not supported by PNGs whereas SVGs files do support animation. Before choosing which file format to use for a specific purpose, it’s important to keep these points well in perspective.