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Use-Case Guides· Use Case

Best image format for logos and icons

When to use SVG, when to keep PNG fallbacks, and how to avoid fuzzy brand assets across the UI.

Most logos and icons should stay vector. The real work is deciding when SVG is safe, when PNG fallback is necessary, and how that choice flows into favicons and social assets.

Primary delivery

SVG for true vector brand assets

Fallback

PNG for raster-safe export paths

Watch closely

Brand rendering at very small sizes

Recommendation

Use SVG for logos and icons when the source is truly vector and the target environment can accept it. Use PNG for fallbacks, favicons, and flattened exports where vector is not practical.

Differentiate asset classes

  • Main site logo: SVG primary, PNG fallback if needed.
  • UI icons: SVG or icon-font alternatives depending on the system.
  • Favicons and app icons: PNG and ICO exports at platform-specific sizes.

Brand-safety advice

Always test the mark at the smallest real UI size. A technically correct format decision is still wrong if the icon loses legibility at 16 pixels.

Checklist

  • Keep the master logo in vector form.
  • Use SVG for web delivery where the environment supports it safely.
  • Generate explicit PNG and ICO exports for platform-specific icon needs.
  • Test tiny-size legibility before finalizing.

Common mistakes

  • Flattening the logo to PNG too early and losing scale flexibility.
  • Using the same asset file for logo, favicon, and app icon without adaptation.
  • Ignoring how thin strokes or small details collapse at tiny sizes.

Quick answers

What is the best image format for logos?

SVG is usually best when the logo is true vector artwork. PNG remains the fallback for exports and contexts where SVG is not practical.

Do icons need different treatment than logos?

Yes. Icons often need simplified geometry and separate exports for tiny UI sizes, favicons, and app icons.