Choosing an image format: SVG, JPG or PNG

Every level needs a map image. Here's what each format is good at, so your map looks crisp, loads fast and behaves the way you expect.

On the Levels tab you upload one map image per level, and Mapvera accepts SVG, JPG and PNG. They aren't interchangeable — the right choice depends on whether your map is drawn artwork or a photograph-style picture.

The quick answer

Which format to reach for

Your map is…	Best format	Why
A drawn plan, illustration or diagram with flat colours and lines	SVG	Vector — stays razor-sharp at any zoom, and usually the smallest file.
A drawing you only have as a flat picture (no vector file)	PNG	Clean edges and crisp text, and it can have a transparent background.
A photo, a rendered 3D view, or a scan with lots of shading	JPG	Smallest file for photographic detail, where slight softness doesn't show.

SVG — vector artwork

An SVG is drawn from shapes and text rather than a grid of pixels, so it looks perfect no matter how far a visitor zooms in — there's no blurring or blockiness. It's the ideal format for floor plans, site maps and illustrated maps that were designed in a tool like Illustrator, Inkscape, Figma or a CAD package.

Mapvera never rasterises an SVG on upload — it's stored exactly as you saved it, so it stays sharp at every zoom level. Because of that, keep the file tidy (see the guide on vector maps) so it stays light.

PNG — crisp pictures, optional transparency

PNG keeps hard edges and text clean, and it supports a transparent background — handy when you want the map's areas to sit over your chosen background colour rather than a white rectangle. Choose PNG when you only have your map as a flat image (not a vector file) but it's still a clean drawing rather than a photo.

JPG — photographic maps

JPG gives the smallest file for images full of shading and gradients — aerial photos, rendered site views, or scanned maps with lots of texture. The trade-off is that JPG can't be transparent, and fine text or thin lines may look slightly soft. If your map is mostly flat colour and crisp labels, PNG or SVG will look better.

A note on other formats

The upload button will let you pick other image types (for example GIF or WebP), and Mapvera will accept them, but SVG, JPG and PNG are the tested, recommended formats for a map level. If in doubt, export your artwork as one of those three.

Still unsure?

If you have a vector file, use SVG — it's almost always the best result and the smallest download. Only fall back to PNG or JPG when a vector export isn't available. You can re-upload a level's image at any time from the Levels tab if you want to try a different format.