Comparison

PNG vs PDF for iOS assets: when to use each format

Choosing between PNG and PDF for iOS assets is not about picking a universal winner. It is about matching the format to the kind of asset you have and the workflow you want to support.

When PNG is the better choice

• When the source artwork is already raster-based
• When you need exact pixel control for final icon exports
• When effects, textures, or gradients do not translate cleanly as vector
• When you are preparing fixed-size outputs such as app icon files

When PDF is the better choice

• When the source artwork is vector-based
• When you want one scalable master asset
• When the asset will be resized across contexts
• When storing multiple raster variants too early feels wasteful

Use the workflow, not dogma

Many teams end up using both. PDF can be the efficient vector source, while PNG remains the final delivery format for slots that require exact raster outputs. The right workflow is often a mix rather than a single-format rule.

If you need a quick vector handoff step, try the SVG to PDF converter. If you need final icon exports, start with the iOS icon generator.