SVG vs PNG for Keynote
Keynote actually gives you the choice — modern versions import SVG, and PDF offers an even stronger vector route.
Keynote's Vector Support
Recent Keynote versions import SVG directly on macOS — simple logos and icons stay crisp at every scale and on every retina display. Complex SVGs (filters, masks) can misrender; the bulletproof alternative is PDF, which Apple's graphics stack renders natively and perfectly. PNG remains right for photos and screenshots only.
- Direct SVG import works for clean, simple vector files
- PDF is Keynote's most reliable vector format
- Reserve PNG for photographic content
Choosing Per Asset Type
Logos, icons, diagrams: SVG or PDF — they scale during design tweaks and animate crisply through Magic Move. Photos and app screenshots: PNG/JPEG at 2x. Mixed infographics: try SVG first; if rendering glitches appear, export the same master as PDF and place that instead.
- Vector assets survive Magic Move scaling sharply
- Screenshots and photos stay raster at 2x
- PDF fallback fixes any SVG rendering glitch
Frequently Asked Questions
My SVG won't import into Keynote — why?
Older Keynote versions lack SVG support, and complex files can fail. Update Keynote, or convert the SVG to PDF — same vector quality, universal Apple support.
Do Keynote vectors survive export to PowerPoint?
Unreliably — graphics get converted during .pptx export. If PowerPoint is the destination, build there with its native SVG support instead.
Related guides
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