SVG: Scalable Vector Graphics | MDN (2024)

FAQs

What is SVG in vector graphics? ›

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) is a web-friendly vector file format. As opposed to pixel-based raster files like JPEGs, vector files store images via mathematical formulas based on points and lines on a grid.

The SVG file format is an XML-based vector image format, and it's a perfect fit when designing for scale in a 2D format. The format provides limitless scalability so that your designs work across different mediums and in various sizes.

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, and they are indispensable for creating sharp, high-quality images on the web.

SVG and Canvas are HTML5 APIs for rendering vector and raster graphics, respectively. SVG is used to create vector-based graphics, whereas Canvas can render both vector and raster graphics. Canvas is better for quickly rendering graphics and animations with less control than SVG.

If you're working with simple graphics, icons, or logos, SVG may be the better choice due to its smaller file sizes and ability to be scaled without losing quality. However, if you're dealing with complex images or photographs, a PNG may be more appropriate due to its lossless compression and support for transparency.

As previously mentioned, one of the primary benefits of using SVG files is their ability to scale without losing quality. This makes them perfect for responsive web design, ensuring that your graphics will always look crisp and clear, regardless of the device or screen size.

SVG graphics are scalable, and do not lose any quality if they are zoomed or resized. SVG is supported by all major browsers.

Step 1 − Adjust the parent container's width and height to the dimensions that you desire for the SVG. Step 2 − To the parent container, add the SVG. Step 3 − Set the SVG's width as well as height to 100% using CSS. Step 4 − To guarantee that the SVG's aspect ratio is preserved, use the preserveAspectRatio attribute.

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a specific file format that uses XML to define vector graphics, making it a way to store and display vector images on the web or in various software. In essence, a vector is a conceptual idea, while SVG is a file format used to store and display vector graphics.

Scalable Vector Graphics (SVGs) work well for logos and graphics because you can scale them up or down for different purposes. They're also a popular choice in web design because search engines like Google can read their XML programming language. This helps with SEO and website rankings.

Why use Canvas instead of SVG? ›

Because Canvas is a lower level API than SVG, it offers more flexibility than SVG in exchange for greater complexity. The limit of what can be drawn on a Canvas is only limited by how much code a developer is willing to write. Any SVG image can be drawn with the Canvas API with enough effort.

The SVG file format is a popular tool for displaying two-dimensional graphics, charts, and illustrations on websites. Plus, as a vector file, it can be scaled up or down without losing any of its resolution.

SVGs are vectors so they can rescale in size without losing any quality.

SVG files are great for web graphics like logos, illustrations, and charts. But their lack of pixels makes displaying high-quality digital photos difficult. JPEG files are generally better for detailed photographs. Only modern browsers can support SVG images.

SVGs (Scalable Vector Graphics) are an excellent choice for logos, icons, or any image that needs to appear sharp and high-quality, no matter the size.

SVG images work very well when the image itself is relatively simple. They're often used as logos, buttons, icons, and nav bars, roles for which they are ideally suited. They're not ideal for images with a lot of detail, such as photographs. For those, it's usually best to stick with PNG or WebP files.