Converting SVG to PNG means turning vector graphics (infinitely scalable paths) into raster graphics (a fixed grid of pixels). This is a one-way conversion — once rasterised, you can't get the vector data back. But it's often necessary when a platform or tool requires PNG.
The key decision is resolution. Since SVG can render at any size, you need to specify the dimensions of your PNG output. For web use, export at 1x and 2x (for Retina displays). For print, export at 300 DPI at the intended print size. Getting this right upfront means you won't need to convert again.
For quick conversion, fwip handles SVG to PNG in your browser. Drop the SVG file, set the output dimensions, and download the PNG. No upload, no account required.
Inkscape (free) offers precise control: File → Export PNG Image → set dimensions or DPI → Export. You can export the entire canvas, a specific area, or individual objects. For batch conversion, Inkscape's command line works well: `inkscape --export-type=png -w 1024 input.svg`.
In a browser, you can also use the built-in rendering: open the SVG in Chrome, right-click → Inspect → screenshot the element, though this is imprecise for production use.
For web developers who need multiple sizes from one SVG (favicon, app icons, social media images), sharp (Node.js library) and librsvg (command-line) handle batch rasterisation at specified dimensions efficiently.