Export Formats & Asset Requirements
What to export, when to use SVG vs PNG, and the practical input requirements for cleaner results.
Icora Docs
Engineering
Icora can export projects as SVG, PNG, or a mixed bundle depending on what is inside the project. The right choice depends on where the asset will be used and whether you need editability, scalability, or guaranteed raster output.
Available Export Modes
| Mode | Best For | Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| SVG | Apps, websites, editable design systems | Prefers vector content and preserves SVG output when available. |
| PNG | Slides, docs, marketplace previews, fixed-size handoff | Converts assets to raster output and can resize to a target size. |
| Mixed | Projects with both vector and raster sources | Exports SVG when available and falls back to the original raster asset when not. |
Target Size
Project ZIP export uses a target size setting with 1024 as the default. PNG exports are resized to the target size unless you use the original size option. SVG exports can also have width and height written into the exported markup when a target size is set.
When to Choose SVG
- Use SVG for UI icons: SVG stays sharp at any size and is easier to recolor, animate, and optimize.
- Use SVG for developer handoff: Icora can optimize SVG output and inject accessibility metadata for cleaner production assets.
- Use SVG when you expect edits later: Vector output is easier to refine in code and in design tools.
When to Choose PNG
- Use PNG for fixed-size previews: Good for thumbnails, docs, decks, and environments that do not handle inline SVG well.
- Use PNG when the source is raster-first: If the asset is not meaningfully vectorized, PNG may be the safer delivery format.
- Use PNG for quick compatibility: It is the most predictable export for generic image workflows.
Input Recommendations
- Upload standard image files: The creation flow accepts image uploads through image file inputs.
- Prefer high contrast for tracing: Clean separation between subject and background gives better vectorization results.
- Avoid tiny or heavily compressed images: Low-quality inputs create noisy paths and weak edge detection.
- Use reference images for style, not ownership transfer: A style reference helps consistency, but you still need rights to any uploaded source material.
Optimization and Accessibility
Icora can optimize SVG for export and inject accessibility metadata into SVG files. Use optimization when shipping to production and accessibility injection when the icon will appear in interfaces that should be screen-reader friendly.
Rule of thumb: if the asset is meant to live in product UI, export SVG first. If it is meant to be dropped into documents or thumbnails, export PNG.
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