Raster vs Vector Images—Complete Technical Guide 2026
New2026-02-011 min read1 tool
PNG and JPG are raster. SVG is vector. Understand the difference to choose the right format.
Raster Images (Pixel-Based)
Raster = grid of pixels. PNG, JPG, WebP. Zooming causes loss of sharpness. Ideal for photographs.
Vector Images (Math-Based)
Vector = mathematical paths. SVG. Zooming doesn't affect sharpness. Ideal for logos and icons.
When to Use Each
Raster: photos, photography. Vector: logos, icons, graphics. Convert SVG to PNG when you need compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between PNG and SVG?
- PNG is raster—a grid of pixels that loses sharpness when zoomed. SVG is vector—math-based paths that scale infinitely without quality loss. Use PNG for photos and complex graphics; use SVG for logos, icons, and illustrations that need to resize.
- When should I convert SVG to PNG?
- Convert SVG to PNG when you need compatibility with websites, social media, or software that does not support SVG. PNG preserves the look at a fixed size. Use Pngtm.com SVG to PNG converter for free—set your output dimensions and download.
- Can I use vector images on websites?
- Yes. SVG is ideal for web logos and icons because it scales on any screen and keeps file size small. All modern browsers support SVG. For photographs, use raster formats like JPG or WebP. Mix both: SVG for UI elements, raster for photos.