In which cases is it preferable to use canvas, and in which cases should you choose SVG?

Canvas is preferred for:

• Working with pixels, for example, for image editing or creating filters.
• Rendering a large number of complex 2D objects, for example, for real-time graph plotting or game development.
• Manipulating thousands of small objects simultaneously.
• Animations that require high performance and smoothness.
• Creating drawings with unpredictable dynamics, where each frame is generated uniquely.

SVG is preferred for:

• Creating scalable vector graphics that do not lose quality when enlarged.
• Developing logos, icons, diagrams, complex illustrations that need to look sharp at different resolutions.
• Interactive elements where each object is a DOM node and easily accessible for event handling and manipulation via CSS and JavaScript.
• Animations with predictable, defined behavior.
• Working with static images that require clarity and the ability to edit individual elements.
• SEO, as SVG content can be indexed by search engines.

Comparison:

Criterion	Canvas	SVG
Type of graphics	Raster (pixel-based)	Vector
Scaling	Loses quality when enlarged	Does not lose quality
Performance	High when working with large data	Depends on scene complexity and number of elements
DOM Integration	Single <canvas> element	Each element is a separate DOM node
Interactivity	Via JavaScript, essentially drawing on a canvas	Full DOM events and CSS styles
Animation	High-performance, pixel-based	Attribute and CSS-based animation
File size	Depends on content	Depends on complexity
SEO	Not indexed	Indexed