SVG to Raster Conversion: Best Practices & Format Guide

Converting SVG (vector) graphics to raster (bitmap) formats requires understanding when to rasterize, which format to choose, and how to optimize for quality and file size. Whether you're working with graphics from our AI SVG generator or converting designs created with our SVG code editor, this comprehensive guide covers all aspects of SVG to raster conversion with practical examples and decision-making frameworks.

Understanding Vector vs. Raster Graphics

Vector Graphics (SVG) Characteristics

• Infinite scalability: No quality loss at any size
• Small file sizes: For simple graphics with few colors
• Editable: Easy to modify individual elements
• Browser support: Native web support with interactivity
• Mathematical precision: Perfect geometric shapes

Raster Graphics (Bitmap) Characteristics

• Fixed resolution: Quality depends on pixel dimensions
• Universal compatibility: Supported everywhere
• Complex imagery: Better for photographs and detailed artwork
• Predictable rendering: Consistent appearance across platforms
• Processing efficiency: Faster to display and manipulate

When to Convert SVG to Raster

Scenarios Requiring Rasterization

Raster Format Selection Guide

PNG - Portable Network Graphics

class PngOptimizer {
  static async optimizeForPng(svgString, options = {}) {
    const config = {
      width: options.width || 800,
      height: options.height || 600,
      backgroundColor: 'transparent',
      compression: 6, // PNG compression level (0-9)
      colorType: 'auto', // 'grayscale', 'rgb', 'rgba', 'auto'
      bitDepth: 8 // 1, 2, 4, 8, 16
    };

    Object.assign(config, options);

    // Analyze SVG to determine optimal PNG settings
    const analysis = this.analyzeSvgForPng(svgString);

    // Adjust settings based on analysis
    if (analysis.hasTransparency) {
      config.colorType = 'rgba';
    } else if (analysis.isGrayscale) {
      config.colorType = 'grayscale';
    } else {
      config.colorType = 'rgb';
    }

    return this.convertToPng(svgString, config);
  }

  static analyzeSvgForPng(svgString) {
    const hasTransparency = svgString.includes('opacity') ||
                           svgString.includes('fill-opacity') ||
                           svgString.includes('stroke-opacity') ||
                           !svgString.includes('fill') && !svgString.includes('background');

    const isGrayscale = this.detectGrayscale(svgString);
    const complexity = this.assessComplexity(svgString);

    return {
      hasTransparency,
      isGrayscale,
      complexity,
      recommendedCompression: complexity > 0.7 ? 9 : 6
    };
  }

  static detectGrayscale(svgString) {
    // Simple heuristic for grayscale detection
    const colorMatches = svgString.match(/#[0-9a-fA-F]{6}|rgb\([^)]+\)/g) || [];

    for (const color of colorMatches) {
      if (color.startsWith('#')) {
        const r = parseInt(color.slice(1, 3), 16);
        const g = parseInt(color.slice(3, 5), 16);
        const b = parseInt(color.slice(5, 7), 16);

        if (r !== g || g !== b) {
          return false; // Found non-grayscale color
        }
      }
    }

    return colorMatches.length > 0; // Grayscale if all colors are gray
  }

  static assessComplexity(svgString) {
    const elements = (svgString.match(/<(path|circle|rect|ellipse|polygon|polyline)/g) || []).length;
    const gradients = (svgString.match(/<(linearGradient|radialGradient)/g) || []).length;
    const filters = (svgString.match(/<filter/g) || []).length;

    return Math.min(1, (elements + gradients * 2 + filters * 3) / 20);
  }

  static async convertToPng(svgString, config) {
    const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
    const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');

    canvas.width = config.width;
    canvas.height = config.height;

    return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
      const img = new Image();

      img.onload = () => {
        // Set background if not transparent
        if (config.backgroundColor !== 'transparent') {
          ctx.fillStyle = config.backgroundColor;
          ctx.fillRect(0, 0, config.width, config.height);
        }

        ctx.imageSmoothingEnabled = true;
        ctx.imageSmoothingQuality = 'high';
        ctx.drawImage(img, 0, 0, config.width, config.height);

        // Export as PNG
        canvas.toBlob((blob) => {
          resolve({
            blob: blob,
            dataUrl: canvas.toDataURL('image/png'),
            settings: config,
            fileSize: blob.size
          });
        }, 'image/png');
      };

      img.onerror = reject;

      const svgBlob = new Blob([svgString], {
        type: 'image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8'
      });
      img.src = URL.createObjectURL(svgBlob);
    });
  }
}

JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group

class JpegOptimizer {
  static async optimizeForJpeg(svgString, options = {}) {
    const config = {
      width: options.width || 800,
      height: options.height || 600,
      quality: options.quality || 85, // 1-100
      backgroundColor: '#ffffff',
      progressive: true,
      chroma: 'auto' // 'auto', '444', '422', '420'
    };

    Object.assign(config, options);

    // Analyze SVG characteristics for JPEG optimization
    const analysis = this.analyzeSvgForJpeg(svgString);

    // Adjust quality based on content type
    if (analysis.hasGradients) {
      config.quality = Math.max(config.quality, 80);
    }

    if (analysis.hasSharpEdges && config.quality > 90) {
      console.warn('High JPEG quality recommended for sharp edges');
    }

    return this.convertToJpeg(svgString, config);
  }

  static analyzeSvgForJpeg(svgString) {
    const hasGradients = svgString.includes('gradient') ||
                        svgString.includes('filter');

    const hasSharpEdges = svgString.includes('<rect') ||
                         svgString.includes('<polygon') ||
                         svgString.includes('stroke-width');

    const isPhotographic = svgString.includes('<image') ||
                          (svgString.match(/<path/g) || []).length > 20;

    return {
      hasGradients,
      hasSharpEdges,
      isPhotographic,
      recommendedQuality: this.calculateOptimalQuality(hasGradients, hasSharpEdges, isPhotographic)
    };
  }

  static calculateOptimalQuality(hasGradients, hasSharpEdges, isPhotographic) {
    let quality = 85; // Base quality

    if (isPhotographic) quality += 5;
    if (hasGradients) quality += 5;
    if (hasSharpEdges) quality += 10;

    return Math.min(95, quality);
  }

  static async convertToJpeg(svgString, config) {
    const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
    const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');

    canvas.width = config.width;
    canvas.height = config.height;

    return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
      const img = new Image();

      img.onload = () => {
        // JPEG requires opaque background
        ctx.fillStyle = config.backgroundColor;
        ctx.fillRect(0, 0, config.width, config.height);

        ctx.imageSmoothingEnabled = true;
        ctx.imageSmoothingQuality = 'high';
        ctx.drawImage(img, 0, 0, config.width, config.height);

        // Export as JPEG with quality setting
        canvas.toBlob((blob) => {
          resolve({
            blob: blob,
            dataUrl: canvas.toDataURL('image/jpeg', config.quality / 100),
            settings: config,
            fileSize: blob.size
          });
        }, 'image/jpeg', config.quality / 100);
      };

      img.onerror = reject;

      const svgBlob = new Blob([svgString], {
        type: 'image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8'
      });
      img.src = URL.createObjectURL(svgBlob);
    });
  }
}

WebP - Modern Web Format

class WebPOptimizer {
  static async optimizeForWebP(svgString, options = {}) {
    const config = {
      width: options.width || 800,
      height: options.height || 600,
      quality: options.quality || 80,
      lossless: options.lossless || false,
      backgroundColor: options.backgroundColor || 'transparent',
      method: 6 // 0-6, higher = better compression
    };

    Object.assign(config, options);

    // Check WebP support
    if (!this.isWebPSupported()) {
      throw new Error('WebP format not supported in this browser');
    }

    const analysis = this.analyzeSvgForWebP(svgString);

    // Use lossless for simple graphics
    if (analysis.isSimple && !config.lossless) {
      config.lossless = true;
      console.log('Switching to lossless WebP for simple graphics');
    }

    return this.convertToWebP(svgString, config);
  }

  static isWebPSupported() {
    const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
    canvas.width = 1;
    canvas.height = 1;

    return canvas.toDataURL('image/webp').indexOf('data:image/webp') === 0;
  }

  static analyzeSvgForWebP(svgString) {
    const elementCount = (svgString.match(/<(path|circle|rect|ellipse|polygon)/g) || []).length;
    const colorCount = (svgString.match(/#[0-9a-fA-F]{6}/g) || []).length;
    const hasComplexPaths = svgString.includes('curve') || svgString.includes('arc');

    return {
      isSimple: elementCount < 10 && colorCount < 10,
      hasComplexPaths,
      recommendedMode: elementCount < 5 ? 'lossless' : 'lossy'
    };
  }

  static async convertToWebP(svgString, config) {
    const canvas = document.createElement('canvas');
    const ctx = canvas.getContext('2d');

    canvas.width = config.width;
    canvas.height = config.height;

    return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
      const img = new Image();

      img.onload = () => {
        if (config.backgroundColor !== 'transparent') {
          ctx.fillStyle = config.backgroundColor;
          ctx.fillRect(0, 0, config.width, config.height);
        }

        ctx.imageSmoothingEnabled = true;
        ctx.imageSmoothingQuality = 'high';
        ctx.drawImage(img, 0, 0, config.width, config.height);

        // WebP export
        const quality = config.lossless ? 1 : (config.quality / 100);

        canvas.toBlob((blob) => {
          if (blob) {
            resolve({
              blob: blob,
              dataUrl: canvas.toDataURL('image/webp', quality),
              settings: config,
              fileSize: blob.size
            });
          } else {
            reject(new Error('WebP conversion failed'));
          }
        }, 'image/webp', quality);
      };

      img.onerror = reject;

      const svgBlob = new Blob([svgString], {
        type: 'image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8'
      });
      img.src = URL.createObjectURL(svgBlob);
    });
  }
}

Resolution and Size Optimization

DPI Guidelines for Different Use Cases

class ResolutionOptimizer {
  static getOptimalDimensions(useCase, baseWidth, baseHeight) {
    const presets = {
      // Web use cases
      'web-thumbnail': { dpi: 72, maxWidth: 300, maxHeight: 300 },
      'web-hero': { dpi: 72, maxWidth: 1920, maxHeight: 1080 },
      'web-retina': { dpi: 144, scale: 2 },

      // Social media
      'facebook-post': { width: 1200, height: 630 },
      'twitter-card': { width: 1200, height: 675 },
      'instagram-square': { width: 1080, height: 1080 },
      'linkedin-post': { width: 1200, height: 627 },

      // Print
      'print-flyer': { dpi: 300, minWidth: 2550, minHeight: 3300 }, // 8.5x11 at 300 DPI
      'print-poster': { dpi: 150, minWidth: 1800, minHeight: 2400 }, // Lower DPI for large format
      'print-business-card': { dpi: 300, width: 1050, height: 600 }, // 3.5x2 at 300 DPI

      // Mobile
      'ios-icon': { sizes: [180, 167, 152, 120] },
      'android-icon': { sizes: [192, 144, 96, 72, 48] },

      // Email
      'email-header': { width: 600, height: 200, dpi: 72 },
      'email-signature': { width: 320, height: 80, dpi: 72 }
    };

    const preset = presets[useCase];
    if (!preset) {
      throw new Error(`Unknown use case: ${useCase}`);
    }

    return this.calculateDimensions(baseWidth, baseHeight, preset);
  }

  static calculateDimensions(baseWidth, baseHeight, preset) {
    let { width, height, dpi, scale, maxWidth, maxHeight, minWidth, minHeight, sizes } = preset;

    // Handle multiple sizes (for icons)
    if (sizes) {
      return sizes.map(size => ({
        width: size,
        height: size,
        dpi: dpi || 72,
        scale: 1
      }));
    }

    // Use provided dimensions or calculate from base
    width = width || baseWidth;
    height = height || baseHeight;

    // Apply scaling
    if (scale) {
      width *= scale;
      height *= scale;
    }

    // Apply DPI scaling
    if (dpi && dpi !== 72) {
      const scaleFactor = dpi / 72;
      width *= scaleFactor;
      height *= scaleFactor;
    }

    // Respect size constraints
    if (maxWidth && width > maxWidth) {
      const ratio = maxWidth / width;
      width = maxWidth;
      height *= ratio;
    }

    if (maxHeight && height > maxHeight) {
      const ratio = maxHeight / height;
      height = maxHeight;
      width *= ratio;
    }

    if (minWidth && width < minWidth) {
      const ratio = minWidth / width;
      width = minWidth;
      height *= ratio;
    }

    if (minHeight && height < minHeight) {
      const ratio = minHeight / height;
      height = minHeight;
      width *= ratio;
    }

    return [{
      width: Math.round(width),
      height: Math.round(height),
      dpi: dpi || 72,
      scale: scale || 1
    }];
  }

  static async generateOptimizedSizes(svgString, useCase, options = {}) {
    const baseDimensions = this.extractSvgDimensions(svgString);
    const targetDimensions = this.getOptimalDimensions(
      useCase,
      baseDimensions.width,
      baseDimensions.height
    );

    const results = [];

    for (const dimensions of targetDimensions) {
      try {
        const config = {
          ...dimensions,
          ...options,
          format: options.format || this.getOptimalFormat(useCase)
        };

        const result = await this.convertWithDimensions(svgString, config);
        results.push({
          ...result,
          useCase: useCase,
          dimensions: dimensions
        });

      } catch (error) {
        console.error(`Failed to generate ${dimensions.width}x${dimensions.height} version:`, error);
      }
    }

    return results;
  }

  static extractSvgDimensions(svgString) {
    const widthMatch = svgString.match(/width=["']([^"']+)["']/);
    const heightMatch = svgString.match(/height=["']([^"']+)["']/);
    const viewBoxMatch = svgString.match(/viewBox=["']([^"']+)["']/);

    let width = 800, height = 600; // defaults

    if (widthMatch && heightMatch) {
      width = parseFloat(widthMatch[1]);
      height = parseFloat(heightMatch[1]);
    } else if (viewBoxMatch) {
      const viewBox = viewBoxMatch[1].split(/\s+/);
      width = parseFloat(viewBox[2]);
      height = parseFloat(viewBox[3]);
    }

    return { width, height };
  }

  static getOptimalFormat(useCase) {
    const formatMap = {
      'web-thumbnail': 'webp',
      'web-hero': 'webp',
      'web-retina': 'png',
      'facebook-post': 'jpeg',
      'twitter-card': 'jpeg',
      'instagram-square': 'jpeg',
      'linkedin-post': 'jpeg',
      'print-flyer': 'png',
      'print-poster': 'png',
      'print-business-card': 'png',
      'ios-icon': 'png',
      'android-icon': 'png',
      'email-header': 'png',
      'email-signature': 'png'
    };

    return formatMap[useCase] || 'png';
  }

  static async convertWithDimensions(svgString, config) {
    // Implementation would use the appropriate format optimizer
    const optimizers = {
      png: PngOptimizer,
      jpeg: JpegOptimizer,
      webp: WebPOptimizer
    };

    const Optimizer = optimizers[config.format];
    if (!Optimizer) {
      throw new Error(`Unsupported format: ${config.format}`);
    }

    return await Optimizer[`optimizeFor${config.format.charAt(0).toUpperCase() + config.format.slice(1)}`](svgString, config);
  }
}

Decision Flowchart for Format Selection

Automated Format Selection

class FormatSelector {
  static selectOptimalFormat(svgString, useCase, options = {}) {
    const analysis = this.analyzeSvgContent(svgString);
    const requirements = this.getUseCaseRequirements(useCase);

    const decision = this.makeFormatDecision(analysis, requirements, options);

    return {
      format: decision.format,
      reasoning: decision.reasoning,
      settings: decision.settings,
      alternatives: decision.alternatives
    };
  }

  static analyzeSvgContent(svgString) {
    return {
      hasTransparency: this.detectTransparency(svgString),
      complexity: this.calculateComplexity(svgString),
      colorCount: this.estimateColorCount(svgString),
      hasGradients: svgString.includes('gradient'),
      hasText: svgString.includes('<text'),
      hasSharpEdges: this.detectSharpEdges(svgString),
      isPhotographic: this.detectPhotographicContent(svgString)
    };
  }

  static getUseCaseRequirements(useCase) {
    const requirements = {
      'web-performance': {
        prioritizeFileSize: true,
        modernBrowsers: true,
        acceptableLossy: true
      },
      'email-marketing': {
        universalSupport: true,
        transparencySupport: true,
        acceptableLossy: false
      },
      'print-materials': {
        highQuality: true,
        acceptableLossy: false,
        largeFileSize: true
      },
      'social-media': {
        prioritizeFileSize: true,
        acceptableLossy: true,
        standardSupport: true
      },
      'mobile-app': {
        fileSize: true,
        performance: true,
        multipleFormats: true
      }
    };

    return requirements[useCase] || {
      balanced: true
    };
  }

  static makeFormatDecision(analysis, requirements, options) {
    const candidates = [];

    // PNG evaluation
    candidates.push({
      format: 'png',
      score: this.scorePng(analysis, requirements),
      reasoning: this.generatePngReasoning(analysis, requirements),
      settings: this.getPngSettings(analysis, requirements)
    });

    // JPEG evaluation
    if (!analysis.hasTransparency) {
      candidates.push({
        format: 'jpeg',
        score: this.scoreJpeg(analysis, requirements),
        reasoning: this.generateJpegReasoning(analysis, requirements),
        settings: this.getJpegSettings(analysis, requirements)
      });
    }

    // WebP evaluation
    if (requirements.modernBrowsers !== false) {
      candidates.push({
        format: 'webp',
        score: this.scoreWebP(analysis, requirements),
        reasoning: this.generateWebPReasoning(analysis, requirements),
        settings: this.getWebPSettings(analysis, requirements)
      });
    }

    // Sort by score
    candidates.sort((a, b) => b.score - a.score);

    const winner = candidates[0];
    const alternatives = candidates.slice(1);

    return {
      format: winner.format,
      reasoning: winner.reasoning,
      settings: winner.settings,
      alternatives: alternatives.map(alt => ({
        format: alt.format,
        score: alt.score,
        reasoning: alt.reasoning
      }))
    };
  }

  static scorePng(analysis, requirements) {
    let score = 70; // Base score

    // Advantages
    if (analysis.hasTransparency) score += 30;
    if (analysis.hasText || analysis.hasSharpEdges) score += 20;
    if (requirements.universalSupport) score += 15;
    if (requirements.highQuality) score += 15;
    if (analysis.colorCount < 256) score += 10;

    // Disadvantages
    if (requirements.prioritizeFileSize && analysis.complexity > 0.7) score -= 20;
    if (analysis.isPhotographic) score -= 15;

    return Math.max(0, Math.min(100, score));
  }

  static scoreJpeg(analysis, requirements) {
    let score = 60; // Base score

    // Advantages
    if (analysis.isPhotographic || analysis.hasGradients) score += 25;
    if (requirements.prioritizeFileSize) score += 20;
    if (analysis.complexity > 0.5) score += 15;
    if (requirements.acceptableLossy) score += 10;

    // Disadvantages
    if (analysis.hasSharpEdges || analysis.hasText) score -= 25;
    if (requirements.highQuality && !requirements.acceptableLossy) score -= 20;
    if (analysis.colorCount < 50) score -= 15;

    return Math.max(0, Math.min(100, score));
  }

  static scoreWebP(analysis, requirements) {
    let score = 80; // High base score for modern format

    // Advantages
    if (requirements.prioritizeFileSize) score += 20;
    if (requirements.modernBrowsers) score += 15;
    if (analysis.complexity > 0.3) score += 10;

    // Disadvantages
    if (requirements.universalSupport) score -= 30;
    if (requirements.print || requirements.email) score -= 25;

    return Math.max(0, Math.min(100, score));
  }

  static generatePngReasoning(analysis, requirements) {
    const reasons = [];

    if (analysis.hasTransparency) reasons.push('requires transparency support');
    if (analysis.hasText || analysis.hasSharpEdges) reasons.push('contains sharp edges or text');
    if (requirements.universalSupport) reasons.push('needs universal compatibility');
    if (requirements.highQuality) reasons.push('prioritizes image quality');

    return `PNG recommended: ${reasons.join(', ')}`;
  }

  static generateJpegReasoning(analysis, requirements) {
    const reasons = [];

    if (analysis.isPhotographic) reasons.push('photographic content');
    if (analysis.hasGradients) reasons.push('contains gradients');
    if (requirements.prioritizeFileSize) reasons.push('file size optimization');
    if (requirements.acceptableLossy) reasons.push('lossy compression acceptable');

    return `JPEG recommended: ${reasons.join(', ')}`;
  }

  static generateWebPReasoning(analysis, requirements) {
    const reasons = [];

    if (requirements.modernBrowsers) reasons.push('modern browser support');
    if (requirements.prioritizeFileSize) reasons.push('superior compression');
    if (analysis.hasTransparency) reasons.push('supports transparency with compression');

    return `WebP recommended: ${reasons.join(', ')}`;
  }

  // Helper methods for analysis
  static detectTransparency(svgString) {
    return svgString.includes('opacity') ||
           svgString.includes('fill-opacity') ||
           svgString.includes('stroke-opacity') ||
           (!svgString.includes('fill=') && !svgString.includes('background'));
  }

  static calculateComplexity(svgString) {
    const elements = (svgString.match(/<(path|circle|rect|ellipse|polygon|polyline)/g) || []).length;
    const pathComplexity = (svgString.match(/[MmLlHhVvCcSsQqTtAaZz]/g) || []).length;

    return Math.min(1, (elements + pathComplexity / 10) / 50);
  }

  static estimateColorCount(svgString) {
    const colors = new Set();
    const colorMatches = svgString.match(/#[0-9a-fA-F]{3,6}|rgb\([^)]+\)|rgba\([^)]+\)/g) || [];

    colorMatches.forEach(color => colors.add(color.toLowerCase()));

    return colors.size;
  }

  static detectSharpEdges(svgString) {
    return svgString.includes('<rect') ||
           svgString.includes('<polygon') ||
           svgString.includes('stroke-width');
  }

  static detectPhotographicContent(svgString) {
    return svgString.includes('<image') ||
           (svgString.match(/<path/g) || []).length > 20 ||
           svgString.includes('filter');
  }

  // Settings generators
  static getPngSettings(analysis, requirements) {
    return {
      compression: analysis.complexity > 0.7 ? 9 : 6,
      backgroundColor: analysis.hasTransparency ? 'transparent' : '#ffffff'
    };
  }

  static getJpegSettings(analysis, requirements) {
    let quality = 85;

    if (requirements.highQuality) quality = 95;
    else if (requirements.prioritizeFileSize) quality = 75;

    if (analysis.hasSharpEdges) quality = Math.max(quality, 85);

    return {
      quality: quality,
      progressive: true,
      backgroundColor: '#ffffff'
    };
  }

  static getWebPSettings(analysis, requirements) {
    const lossless = analysis.colorCount < 256 && !analysis.isPhotographic;

    return {
      lossless: lossless,
      quality: lossless ? 100 : (requirements.prioritizeFileSize ? 75 : 85),
      backgroundColor: analysis.hasTransparency ? 'transparent' : '#ffffff'
    };
  }
}

// Usage example
const svgContent = `
<svg width="400" height="300" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
  <rect width="100%" height="100%" fill="#f0f0f0"/>
  <circle cx="200" cy="150" r="100" fill="#4CAF50" opacity="0.8"/>
  <text x="200" y="160" text-anchor="middle" font-size="16">Sample Logo</text>
</svg>
`;

const decision = FormatSelector.selectOptimalFormat(svgContent, 'web-performance');

console.log('Recommended format:', decision.format);
console.log('Reasoning:', decision.reasoning);
console.log('Settings:', decision.settings);
console.log('Alternatives:', decision.alternatives);

File Size Optimization Strategies

Multi-Format Output Strategy

class MultiFormatOptimizer {
  static async generateOptimizedFormats(svgString, options = {}) {
    const config = {
      targetSizes: ['small', 'medium', 'large'], // or specific dimensions
      formats: ['png', 'jpeg', 'webp'],
      quality: {
        png: { compression: 6 },
        jpeg: { quality: 85 },
        webp: { quality: 80, lossless: false }
      },
      ...options
    };

    const results = {};

    for (const format of config.formats) {
      results[format] = {};

      for (const size of config.targetSizes) {
        try {
          const dimensions = this.getSizeDimensions(size, options.baseWidth, options.baseHeight);
          const formatConfig = {
            ...dimensions,
            ...config.quality[format]
          };

          const result = await this.convertToFormat(svgString, format, formatConfig);
          results[format][size] = result;

        } catch (error) {
          console.error(`Failed to generate ${format} ${size}:`, error);
        }
      }
    }

    // Generate comparison report
    const comparison = this.compareFormats(results);

    return {
      formats: results,
      comparison: comparison,
      recommendations: this.generateRecommendations(comparison)
    };
  }

  static getSizeDimensions(size, baseWidth = 800, baseHeight = 600) {
    const sizeMap = {
      small: { scale: 0.5 },
      medium: { scale: 1 },
      large: { scale: 2 }
    };

    if (typeof size === 'string' && sizeMap[size]) {
      const scale = sizeMap[size].scale;
      return {
        width: Math.round(baseWidth * scale),
        height: Math.round(baseHeight * scale)
      };
    }

    return { width: baseWidth, height: baseHeight };
  }

  static async convertToFormat(svgString, format, config) {
    const optimizers = {
      png: PngOptimizer.optimizeForPng,
      jpeg: JpegOptimizer.optimizeForJpeg,
      webp: WebPOptimizer.optimizeForWebP
    };

    const optimizer = optimizers[format];
    if (!optimizer) {
      throw new Error(`Unsupported format: ${format}`);
    }

    return await optimizer(svgString, config);
  }

  static compareFormats(results) {
    const comparison = {
      fileSize: {},
      quality: {},
      compatibility: {
        png: 100,
        jpeg: 100,
        webp: 85 // Approximate browser support
      }
    };

    // Compare file sizes
    Object.keys(results).forEach(format => {
      comparison.fileSize[format] = {};

      Object.keys(results[format]).forEach(size => {
        const result = results[format][size];
        comparison.fileSize[format][size] = result.fileSize;
      });
    });

    // Calculate savings
    comparison.savings = this.calculateSavings(comparison.fileSize);

    return comparison;
  }

  static calculateSavings(fileSizes) {
    const savings = {};
    const sizes = Object.keys(fileSizes.png || {});

    sizes.forEach(size => {
      savings[size] = {};
      const pngSize = fileSizes.png?.[size] || 0;

      Object.keys(fileSizes).forEach(format => {
        if (format !== 'png') {
          const formatSize = fileSizes[format]?.[size] || 0;
          savings[size][format] = pngSize > 0 ?
            Math.round(((pngSize - formatSize) / pngSize) * 100) : 0;
        }
      });
    });

    return savings;
  }

  static generateRecommendations(comparison) {
    const recommendations = {};

    Object.keys(comparison.savings).forEach(size => {
      const sizeSavings = comparison.savings[size];
      let bestFormat = 'png';
      let bestSavings = 0;

      Object.keys(sizeSavings).forEach(format => {
        const savings = sizeSavings[format];
        if (savings > bestSavings) {
          bestSavings = savings;
          bestFormat = format;
        }
      });

      recommendations[size] = {
        format: bestFormat,
        savings: bestSavings,
        reasoning: this.getRecommendationReasoning(bestFormat, bestSavings, comparison.compatibility[bestFormat])
      };
    });

    return recommendations;
  }

  static getRecommendationReasoning(format, savings, compatibility) {
    const reasons = [];

    if (savings > 30) {
      reasons.push(`${savings}% smaller file size`);
    }

    if (compatibility >= 95) {
      reasons.push('excellent browser support');
    } else if (compatibility >= 85) {
      reasons.push('good modern browser support');
    }

    switch (format) {
      case 'webp':
        reasons.push('superior compression algorithm');
        break;
      case 'jpeg':
        reasons.push('optimized for photographic content');
        break;
      case 'png':
        reasons.push('lossless quality preservation');
        break;
    }

    return reasons.join(', ');
  }

  // Generate responsive image markup
  static generateResponsiveMarkup(results, imageName = 'image') {
    const formats = Object.keys(results.formats);
    const sizes = Object.keys(results.formats[formats[0]] || {});

    // Generate picture element with multiple sources
    let markup = '<picture>\n';

    // Add WebP sources first (if available)
    if (results.formats.webp) {
      sizes.forEach(size => {
        const webpResult = results.formats.webp[size];
        markup += `  <source srcset="${webpResult.dataUrl}" type="image/webp" media="(max-width: ${this.getSizeBreakpoint(size)}px)">\n`;
      });
    }

    // Add fallback format
    const fallbackFormat = results.formats.png ? 'png' : 'jpeg';
    if (results.formats[fallbackFormat]) {
      sizes.forEach(size => {
        const fallbackResult = results.formats[fallbackFormat][size];
        markup += `  <source srcset="${fallbackResult.dataUrl}" type="image/${fallbackFormat}" media="(max-width: ${this.getSizeBreakpoint(size)}px)">\n`;
      });
    }

    // Default img tag
    const defaultResult = results.formats[fallbackFormat]?.medium ||
                         Object.values(results.formats[fallbackFormat] || {})[0];

    if (defaultResult) {
      markup += `  <img src="${defaultResult.dataUrl}" alt="${imageName}" loading="lazy">\n`;
    }

    markup += '</picture>';

    return markup;
  }

  static getSizeBreakpoint(size) {
    const breakpoints = {
      small: 768,
      medium: 1024,
      large: 1920
    };

    return breakpoints[size] || 1024;
  }
}

// Example usage
async function optimizeForAllFormats(svgString) {
  const optimizer = new MultiFormatOptimizer();

  const results = await optimizer.generateOptimizedFormats(svgString, {
    baseWidth: 800,
    baseHeight: 600,
    targetSizes: ['small', 'medium', 'large'],
    formats: ['png', 'jpeg', 'webp']
  });

  console.log('Format comparison:', results.comparison);
  console.log('Recommendations:', results.recommendations);

  // Generate responsive markup
  const markup = optimizer.generateResponsiveMarkup(results, 'My SVG Image');
  console.log('Responsive HTML:', markup);

  return results;
}

Conclusion

Converting SVG to raster formats requires careful consideration of use case, format characteristics, and optimization goals. Whether you're working with icons from our AI icon generator or animated graphics from our animation tool, following the best practices outlined in this guide and using the decision flowchart will help you choose the optimal format and settings for any scenario.

Key takeaways for successful SVG to raster conversion:

• Always consider the end use case before selecting a format
• PNG for transparency and sharp graphics
• JPEG for photographic content and file size optimization
• WebP for modern web applications with superior compression
• Match resolution to the intended display or print requirements
• Test multiple formats and choose based on quality-to-size ratio

For professional SVG to raster conversion with automatic format selection and optimization, try our advanced SVG converter tool. For more conversion options and tools, explore our complete SVG toolkit.