You've created your QR code. Now you need to download it. PNG or SVG? The short answer: PNG for screens, SVG for print. But there's more nuance depending on your specific use case.
PNG — Pixel-Based
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a raster image format. The image is made up of pixels — tiny colored squares on a fixed grid. A 600×600 px PNG contains exactly 360,000 pixels. The image quality is locked to this resolution.
Strengths: Works everywhere — every browser, app, device, social media platform, and email client supports PNG. Easy to share, universally compatible, and small file sizes for standard dimensions. Good for any screen-based use at the size it was generated.
Weaknesses: Fixed resolution. Enlarge a 300×300 px PNG beyond its dimensions and it becomes blurry and pixelated. The pixels become visible, and the clean edges of the QR modules turn into fuzzy blocks. For large-format printing, this is a problem.
Resolution guidance: 300×300 px is fine for on-screen display and small print (2-3 cm). 600×600 px covers most medium print needs. 1200×1200 px handles large print like posters. 2400×2400 px is for very large format or if you want maximum flexibility. Check our QR code size guide for minimum dimensions by use case.
SVG — Math-Based
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector format. Instead of pixels, it describes shapes mathematically — "draw a rectangle at position X,Y with width W and height H." This means it can be scaled to any size without any quality loss. A 1 KB SVG file looks just as sharp at 2 cm as at 2 meters.
Strengths: Infinitely scalable, perfect for print at any size. Small file size (often smaller than high-res PNGs). Editable in design tools like Figma, Illustrator, Inkscape, and Affinity Designer. Future-proof — you'll never need to regenerate for a different size.
Weaknesses: Not universally supported in all contexts. Instagram, Facebook, and most social media platforms don't accept SVG uploads. Some email clients don't render SVGs. Needs a design tool or browser to preview properly.
Decision Matrix
| Use case | Best format | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Social media post | PNG | Platforms require raster images |
| Email signature | PNG | Best email client compatibility |
| Website embed | Either | Both work; SVG sharper on retina displays |
| PowerPoint/Slides | PNG | Presentation tools handle PNG reliably |
| Business card | SVG | Print quality critical at small size |
| Flyer / brochure | SVG | Must be sharp in professional print |
| Poster (A3+) | SVG | Large format demands vector |
| Banner / billboard | SVG | Any raster would pixelate |
| Product packaging | SVG | Print shops prefer vector files |
| Small sticker | Either | SVG is safer; high-res PNG works |
| Design file (Figma, AI) | SVG | Editable and stays clean at any zoom |
| WhatsApp / Telegram | PNG | Messaging apps need raster images |
| PDF document embed | SVG preferred | Stays sharp regardless of PDF zoom |
Real-World Scenarios
"I'm putting the QR on a flyer my designer is creating"
Download SVG. Your designer will place it in InDesign, Illustrator, or Figma. SVG imports cleanly, scales perfectly, and matches professional print workflow.
"I'm posting the QR on Instagram"
Download PNG at 600×600 px or higher. Instagram requires raster images and will compress them during upload. Starting with a higher resolution gives better results after compression.
"I'm printing a banner for a trade show"
Download SVG. A trade show banner is 2+ meters tall. Any raster image would need to be enormous to avoid pixelation. SVG handles this effortlessly.
"I'm adding the QR to my email"
Download PNG at 300×300 px. Email clients have the best compatibility with PNG. The QR will display at roughly 100-150 px wide in most email layouts, so 300 px is more than enough.
"I'm not sure how I'll use it yet"
Download both. SVG gives you maximum flexibility for any future use. PNG gives you immediate compatibility. It takes one extra click to download both.
Can I Convert Between Formats?
SVG to PNG: Easy. Any design tool, browser, or online converter can rasterize an SVG to PNG at any resolution you choose. You never lose quality going from vector to raster.
PNG to SVG: Difficult and not recommended for QR codes. Converting raster to vector requires tracing, which can introduce imperfections. It's always better to download the original SVG from the generator than to try converting a PNG.
This is another reason to always download SVG — you can generate PNG from it later, but not the reverse.
File Size Comparison
A typical QR code:
- SVG: 2-10 KB (incredibly small)
- PNG 300×300: 5-15 KB
- PNG 600×600: 15-40 KB
- PNG 1200×1200: 40-100 KB
- PNG 2400×2400: 100-300 KB
SVGs are often smaller than even a medium-resolution PNG, while providing infinite scalability.
The Practical Rule
If the QR code stays on a screen → PNG.
If the QR code gets printed → SVG. See our printing guide for materials, sizes, and best practices.
If you're not sure → download both. It takes one extra click.
Download Both at qree.app
At qree.app, every QR code can be downloaded as both PNG (multiple sizes) and SVG. One click each, both free.