Vector vs Raster Images

Two ways to describe pixels

Raster formats such as PNG, JPEG, and WebP store a grid of colored pixels. Vector formats such as SVG store shapes, paths, and text as instructions. Raster images have a fixed resolution; vectors can scale to any size without becoming blurry.

That difference explains most format decisions. A photograph has no useful vector description, while a logo is mostly simple shapes that stay crisp at any resolution.

When vector wins

Vector wins for logos, icons, charts, and illustrations that appear at many sizes. One SVG can serve a favicon, a large hero image, and a print banner without exporting separate files. It is also editable as text, which makes color changes and animation easier.

For real-time 3D scenes, glTF uses a similar idea: geometric meshes and materials are stored as data rather than baked pixels, so they render efficiently at any camera distance.

When raster wins

Raster wins for photographs, scanned artwork, and any content with continuous tonal detail. JPEG, PNG, and WebP are the practical choices there, with WebP often producing the smallest modern web file.

Raster also wins when a design must render exactly the same everywhere. A PNG or JPEG captures the final look without depending on fonts or vector rendering engines.

Working with both

Most real workflows use both. Keep the SVG or design source file for future edits, export PNG for pixel-perfect UI assets, and deliver WebP or JPEG for web photos. Label files by purpose, such as source, asset, and delivery, so nobody accidentally edits a flattened copy.