PNG or SVG for your gradients? Both work, but they're built for different things. Here's when to use each.
PNG Gradients
PNG is a raster format. Your gradient is pixels.
When to use PNG:
- • Complex gradients - Multiple colors, textures, effects
- • Print design - Flyers, posters, business cards
- • Social media - Graphics for Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
- • Design software - Photoshop, Figma, Sketch
- • Exact color matching - What you see is what you get
Downsides:
- • Pixelates when scaled up
- • Larger file size
- • Can't be edited without image software
SVG Gradients
SVG is a vector format. Your gradient is code.
When to use SVG:
- • Icons and logos - Need to scale without blur
- • Responsive design - Different screen sizes
- • Simple gradients - 2-3 colors, clean transitions
- • Web graphics - Faster than PNG for simple gradients
- • Animation - Can be animated with CSS or JavaScript
Downsides:
- • Older software might not support it
- • Complex gradients increase file size
- • Limited filter/texture support
File Size Comparison
Here's how they compare for a simple two-color gradient:
PNG (512x512)
~45 KB
Scales poorly, looks good at native size
SVG (any size)
~1 KB
Scales infinitely, always sharp
Quick Decision Tree
Need it to scale? → SVG
For print? → PNG (high-res)
Complex effects? → PNG
Simple gradient for web? → SVG or CSS
Not sure about CSS? Check our PNG vs CSS comparison.
Bottom Line
SVG for web graphics that need to scale. PNG for print, social media, or complex effects. Both have their place.
Export in any format
Our gradient tool exports PNG, SVG, CSS, JPG, and WebP. Try them all and see which works best.
Create Gradients →