CSS Animation vs SVG SMIL Animation  Which to Use?
CSS animations are GPU-accelerated and familiar; SVG SMIL offers unique path motion and attribute animation  compare for your SVG animation project.
CSS Animation for SVG
CSS animations work on SVG elements exactly like HTML elements. Use CSS `@keyframes` and `animation` property to animate SVG fill, stroke, opacity, and CSS transforms. GPU-accelerated on modern browsers for smooth performance.
- Animate: fill, stroke, opacity, transform with CSS @keyframes
- GPU acceleration: transform and opacity animate off main thread
- Familiar syntax: same as CSS animations on HTML elements
SVG SMIL Animation
SMIL animates SVG-specific attributes that CSS can't reach: `d` (path shape morph), `points`, `viewBox`, and motion along a path. `<animateMotion>` moves elements along a custom path  no CSS equivalent.
- animateMotion: moves element along an SVG path
- animate attributeName='d': morphs path shape
- No CSS equivalent for path motion or attribute animation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CSS or SMIL animation more performant for SVG?
CSS animations (especially transform and opacity) are GPU-accelerated and more performant. SMIL runs on the main thread. Use CSS for performance-critical animations; SMIL only when the animation requires SVG-specific attributes.
Should I use SMIL or CSS for SVG icon animations?
CSS animations for SVG icon hover states and transitions  better performance, familiar syntax, and easier to debug. Use SMIL only for animateMotion (path following) which has no CSS equivalent.
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