What is Vector vs raster?
A plain-English definition, and the tools that work with it.
Raster images (JPG, PNG, GIF) are grids of pixels. They have a fixed resolution and blur when enlarged. Vector images (SVG) are defined by mathematical shapes, so they scale to any size without losing sharpness. The right choice depends on whether you need photos or scalable graphics.
- Use raster for photographs, they're made of continuous tones no vector can capture efficiently.
- Use vector for logos, icons and illustrations you need at many sizes, from favicon to banner.
- You can trace simple raster art into vector (SVG), but photos don't vectorise cleanly.
Tools for Vector vs raster
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PNG to SVG
Convert PNG, JPG or WebP to SVG in your browser: trace a raster image into clean, scalable vector paths with adjustable colors and detail, then copy or download the SVG. Nothing is uploaded.
SVG to PNG
Convert SVG to PNG in your browser at any resolution. Pick a 1×–8× scale or exact pixel size, keep transparency or set a background color, preview live and download. Nothing is uploaded.
SVG Optimizer
Minify and clean SVG files in your browser with SVGO, strip editor metadata, round coordinates, drop hidden layers and see the exact bytes and percentage saved. Nothing is uploaded.
AI Image Upscaler
Enlarge photos and graphics 2x or 4x in your browser with a real ESRGAN neural network that reconstructs sharp detail, free, private and nothing uploaded.
Vector vs raster problems we solve
Hit one of these? Here's the fix.
- I need to convert a logo image to SVG (vector)Need a logo that's crisp on a billboard and a favicon alike? Trace it into a scalable SVG, with realistic expectations.
- I need a favicon for my websiteGive your site the little tab icon. Start from a simple, bold logo and export the small square sizes browsers expect.
- My photo is too small or blurryTurn a small, soft image into something larger and cleaner: with realistic expectations about what AI can recover.
Frequently asked questions
Related terms
- SVGSVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an image format that describes graphics as mathematical shapes and paths rather than pixels. Because it's vector-based, an SVG stays perfectly sharp at any size (from a favicon to a billboard) and is usually a small, text-based file.
- PNGPNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless image format that supports transparency. Because it never degrades on save and keeps sharp edges, it's the go-to format for logos, icons, screenshots and any graphic with text or a transparent background.
- Resolution (DPI/pixels)An image's resolution is how many pixels it contains, its width × height (e.g. 1920×1080). More pixels mean more detail and a larger file. DPI/PPI describes how densely those pixels print or display. It only matters relative to physical output size.
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