SVG to PNG Converter

What is SVG to PNG Conversion?

SVG to PNG conversion is the process of rasterizing vector graphics, where mathematical descriptions of shapes and curves are transformed into a pixel grid. This process is fundamentally different from simple transcoding between raster formats: it involves interpreting geometric instructions and visualizing them at a specific resolution.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) describes an image as a set of mathematical objects: rectangles, ellipses, paths made of Bezier curves, and text elements. An SVG file is an XML document where each shape is defined by coordinates and attributes: <circle cx="50" cy="50" r="40" fill="red"/> draws a red circle centered at point (50, 50) with a radius of 40 units. At any scale, the browser or graphics editor recalculates pixel coordinates, maintaining perfect sharpness.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) stores an image as a fixed matrix of pixels. Each pixel has a specific color and transparency level. Enlarging a PNG image leads to interpolation - adding new pixels based on neighboring ones, which inevitably creates blur. Reducing requires discarding pixels, potentially losing details.

Why convert infinitely scalable SVG to limited raster PNG? The answer lies in compatibility and specific use cases. Despite widespread SVG support in modern browsers, there are situations where a raster format is necessary or preferable.

When SVG to PNG Rasterization is Necessary

Software Compatibility

The SVG vector format is not supported by all programs. Many applications, especially those designed for working with photos and raster graphics, cannot open SVG files or do so incorrectly.

If you need to insert a logo into a PowerPoint presentation, send an image via messenger, or upload an icon to a social network - PNG becomes the universal solution.

Security and Platform Restrictions

SVG files can contain executable JavaScript code, which creates a potential security threat. For this reason, many platforms prohibit SVG uploads:

• WordPress blocks SVG files in the media library by default
• Email providers remove SVG from emails or block their display
• Content management systems often restrict SVG to prevent XSS attacks
• Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy) require raster formats for product images

PNG is secure by definition - it is simply pixel data with no possibility of embedded code.

Fixed Size Requirements

SVG by its nature has no "native" size - it scales to fit its container. Sometimes an image of strictly defined dimensions is required:

• Favicon - strictly 16x16, 32x32, 48x48 pixels
• App icons - iOS requires PNG of specific sizes (180x180 for iPhone)
• Banners - advertising networks require exact pixel dimensions
• Avatars - social networks expect square images of specific resolution

Converting SVG to PNG allows you to obtain an image with exact pixel dimensions.

Integration with Raster Graphics

When creating compositions, collages, or photo montages, it is often necessary to combine vector with raster. Working with two types of graphics in one project is inconvenient: different editing tools, different behavior during transformations. Rasterizing SVG unifies the format for further processing in Photoshop, GIMP, or other raster editors.

Technical Comparison of SVG and PNG

Image Storage Principles

SVG (vector):

• Stores mathematical descriptions of objects
• File size depends on path complexity, not resolution
• Supports CSS styles, JavaScript scripts, SMIL animations
• Text remains editable and indexable
• Infinite scaling without quality loss

PNG (raster):

• Stores a pixel grid with color information
• File size is directly proportional to resolution
• Static image without interactivity
• Text becomes pixels, losing editability
• Scaling up leads to blur

Comparative Characteristics Table

When PNG is More Compact Than SVG

Paradoxically, for some types of images PNG turns out to be smaller than SVG:

• Photorealistic illustrations - complex gradients and textures in SVG are described by a huge number of paths
• Images with many small details - each detail requires a separate path
• Traced photographs - automatic vectorization creates thousands of nodes

PNG efficiently compresses such images with the Deflate algorithm, while SVG must describe each curve mathematically.

The SVG Rasterization Process: How It Works

Vector to Raster Conversion Stages

1. Parsing the SVG document - the file's XML structure is parsed. All elements are identified: shapes, paths, groups, text, styles, transformations. Nested elements and references (use, defs) are processed recursively.

2. Computing the coordinate system - the viewBox and canvas dimensions are determined. If a scale is specified, the final pixel dimensions are calculated. For example, an SVG with viewBox="0 0 100 100" at scale=2 will produce a 200x200 pixel image.

3. Loading fonts - system fonts are loaded for correct text element rendering. If a specific font is specified (font-family), a system search is performed.

4. Rasterizing each element - in z-index order (order of appearance in the document), each element is converted to pixels:

   • Paths are interpolated using Bezier curves and filled with color
   • Shapes (rect, circle, ellipse) are calculated using formulas
   • Text is rendered considering font, size, letter spacing
   • Gradients are interpolated between color stops
   • Filters (blur, shadow) are applied as per-pixel operations

5. Layer compositing - elements with transparency (opacity) and blend modes are layered on top of each other according to alpha compositing rules.

6. PNG formation - the resulting RGBA pixel array is compressed with the Deflate algorithm and written into the PNG file structure.

The Scale Parameter

The key parameter during rasterization is scale, which determines the ratio between viewBox units and pixels:

• scale=1 - one SVG unit equals one pixel. If viewBox="0 0 100 100", the result will be 100x100 pixels
• scale=2 - double pixel density for Retina displays. A 100x100 viewBox will produce 200x200 pixels
• scale=4 - quadruple resolution for high-quality printing

It's important to understand: scale does not affect the quality of vector elements - they are always rendered with maximum precision. Scale only determines the pixel grid density.

Text Handling in SVG

Text elements in SVG require special attention during rasterization:

• System fonts - if the font is installed on the system, text renders correctly
• Web fonts - references to external fonts (Google Fonts) may not load during local conversion
• Embedded fonts - base64-encoded fonts inside SVG are processed correctly
• Fallback - if a font is missing, system serif/sans-serif is used

After rasterization, text becomes pixels and loses the ability to be edited. If preserving text editability is important, keep the image in SVG format.

Preserving Transparency During Conversion

How SVG Stores Transparency

In SVG, transparency is implemented in several ways:

<!-- opacity attribute - transparency of the entire element -->
<rect opacity="0.5" ... />

<!-- fill-opacity - transparency of fill only -->
<rect fill-opacity="0.7" ... />

<!-- stroke-opacity - transparency of stroke only -->
<rect stroke-opacity="0.3" ... />

<!-- RGBA color - built-in transparency -->
<rect fill="rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.5)" ... />

All these variants are correctly interpreted during rasterization and converted to PNG's 8-bit alpha channel.

Transparent Background

SVG by default has no background - the space behind elements is transparent. During PNG conversion, this transparency is preserved: areas without elements receive alpha=0 (fully transparent).

This is critically important for:

• Logos - placement on any background without white rectangles
• Icons - integration into interfaces with different designs
• Graphic elements - overlaying on photos and backgrounds

Semi-transparent Elements

Elements with opacity < 1 retain their semi-transparency in PNG. Soft shadows (drop-shadow), blurred edges, overlays with transparency - all of this is correctly transferred thanks to PNG's 8-bit alpha channel (256 levels of transparency).

Optimal Usage Scenarios

Preparing Icons for Applications

Mobile platforms require icons in raster format of specific sizes:

iOS:

• 180x180 - iPhone (3x)
• 167x167 - iPad Pro
• 152x152 - iPad
• 120x120 - iPhone (2x)

Android:

• 192x192 - xxxhdpi
• 144x144 - xxhdpi
• 96x96 - xhdpi
• 72x72 - hdpi
• 48x48 - mdpi

Having an SVG icon, you can generate all necessary PNG sizes with perfect quality.

Creating Favicons

A favicon (website icon) must be in ICO or PNG format. From an SVG logo, the following versions are created:

• 16x16 - minimum size for browser tab
• 32x32 - standard favicon
• 48x48 - Windows shortcuts
• 180x180 - Apple Touch Icon

Export for Social Networks

Each platform has its own image requirements:

SVG graphics are converted to PNG of the required size for each platform.

Print Materials

For quality printing, 300 DPI resolution is required. From SVG, you can create PNG of any size:

• Business card (3.5x2 inches) at 300 DPI: 1050x600 pixels
• A4 poster (8.27x11.69 inches) at 300 DPI: 2480x3508 pixels
• Banner (40x20 inches) at 150 DPI: 6000x3000 pixels

The scale during conversion is selected so that the final resolution meets printing requirements.

Limitations and Considerations

Loss of Editability

After rasterization, SVG loses its vector properties:

• Cannot change the color of an individual element
• Cannot edit text
• Cannot modify paths
• Cannot add animation

PNG is a "frozen" image. Keep the original SVG for possible changes.

Loss of Interactivity

SVG supports:

• Mouse events (onclick, onmouseover)
• JavaScript manipulations
• CSS animations
• Links within the image

All of this is lost during PNG conversion. If interactivity is important - use SVG directly.

Fixed Scale

Infinite scalability is SVG's main advantage. PNG fixes the image at a specific resolution. Enlarging PNG beyond its original size causes blur.

Recommendation: create PNG with extra resolution. It's better to reduce a large image than to enlarge a small one.

Font Dependency

Text in SVG is rendered using system fonts. If the conversion server doesn't have a specific font, text will display with a fallback font, which may distort the design.

Solutions:

• Convert text to paths (text-to-path) in a vector editor before conversion
• Use common system fonts
• Embed the font in SVG via base64

Alternative Formats for SVG Export

SVG to JPG

If transparency isn't needed, JPG will give a smaller file size. However, JPG uses lossy compression, which can create artifacts on sharp edges of graphic elements.

SVG to WebP

WebP is a modern format with a good balance of quality and size. It supports transparency and is smaller than PNG. However, WebP compatibility is lower than PNG.

SVG to PDF

For printing, PDF preserves the vector nature of SVG without rasterization. However, PDF is more difficult to use in a web context.

Keeping as SVG

If the target platform supports SVG - leave the format unchanged. SVG provides minimal size and infinite scalability.

Recommendations for Preparing SVG

Optimal File Structure

• Use viewBox - defines the coordinate system regardless of size
• Minimize the number of paths - combine where possible
• Remove hidden elements - they won't make it to PNG anyway
• Optimize gradients - complex gradients increase rendering time

Pre-conversion Checklist

1. Open SVG in a browser - this is how it will look after rasterization
2. Check text display - all fonts should load
3. Ensure transparency is correct - background should actually be transparent
4. Assess detail level - small elements may be lost at low scale

Choosing Scale

• For screen - scale=1 or scale=2 for Retina
• For print - calculate from required DPI and physical size
• For icons - exact pixel size according to platform specification
• For archive - with margin, scale=4 will ensure quality for any purpose