SVG vs. PNG for Seals: Which Format Should You Export?

When you export a seal, you'll usually choose between PNG and SVG. They're not interchangeable — each is the right tool for a different job. Here's how to decide.

The core difference: raster vs. vector

PNG is a raster image. It's a fixed grid of pixels. At its intended size it looks crisp, but enlarge it far enough and the edges turn jagged.

SVG is a vector image. It stores the seal as shapes and math rather than pixels, so it can scale to any size — from a favicon to a billboard — with zero quality loss. It's also editable: paths, colors, and text can be changed in vector software later.

When to choose SVG

Pick SVG when you need:

Print — vectors render at the printer's full resolution, no matter the size.
Scalability — one file that stays sharp at any dimension.
Re-editing — you (or a designer) may want to tweak the seal later.
Small file size for simple shapes — a geometric seal often weighs less as SVG than as a high-res PNG.

When to choose PNG

Pick PNG when you need:

Drop-in simplicity — it pastes straight into Word, email, chat, and most image tools without conversion.
Guaranteed appearance — it looks identical everywhere; there's no risk of a viewer rendering the vector slightly differently.
Transparency for documents — a transparent PNG overlays content cleanly. (See how to create a transparent PNG seal.)

For most everyday document use, PNG is the practical choice. Reach for SVG when print quality or future editing matters.

A simple rule of thumb

If the seal is going into a document right now, export PNG. If it's a reusable asset you'll scale, print, or edit, export SVG. When in doubt, you can export both from the seal generator — they're generated from the same design.

Once you've picked a format, see how to add a seal to a PDF or Word document for placing it cleanly.