Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)

What is SVG?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It’s an image file format made up of XML markup. Unlike raster graphics made of pixel grids (think photographs), SVGs are vector graphics and consist of geometric instructions for shapes and paths.

The SVG file format is commonly used in web design and crafting with cutting machines, but this website and article is dedicated to website SVGs.

Why would you use SVG?

The majority of websites rely on photographs for visuals, but heavy use of image files like JPGs and PNGs can drag down performance, especially on mobile devices or slower connections. Large file sizes mean longer load times, which can lead to frustrated visitors and higher bounce rates.

That’s where SVG shines. Unlike traditional image formats, SVGs are lightweight, scalable, and built for the modern web. Here are some of the top reasons to consider using SVGs in your next project:

Widely Supported: Works across all modern browsers with graceful fallback options.
Fast Loading: Smaller file sizes and fewer server requests mean quicker load times.
Perfectly Scalable: Graphics stay sharp at any size, ideal for responsive design.
High Resolution: No pixelation, even on retina and high-DPI displays.
CSS Stylable: Target individual parts of the graphic with CSS for styling or interaction.
Animatable: Easily animate elements within the SVG for dynamic visuals.
Flexible Layouts: Rearrange, resize, or recolor elements without image degradation.
Supports Transparency: Clean transparency without jagged edges or bloated files.
Improves Readability: Flat colors and clean shapes work better behind text than photos.
Stands Out Visually: Gives websites a distinctive, custom look compared to overused stock photos.
JavaScript Friendly: Easily update or animate SVGs with JavaScript for dynamic effects.
Generated Visuals: Create SVGs with code for dynamic, data-driven visuals.
Performance Boost: SVGs work great with caching and CDNs to speed up your site.
Code Editable: Tweak SVGs directly in code editors—no need for design software.
Open Standard: SVG is non-proprietary and works across tools without vendor lock-in.
Reusable Elements: Define SVGs once and reuse them sitewide to cut down on file size.

Types of graphics SVG can do well

While SVGs are versatile, they cannot simply replace photographs. Instead, they’re great for illustrative visuals and abstract decorations. If it’s something the average person could sketch, it’s probably a good fit for SVG.

Common types of SVG-based graphics

SVGs can be used in all sorts of graphics. SVGs work well for icons, backgrounds, illustrations, and other website graphics such as animated preloaders, horizontal rules, and shape dividers.

As mentioned earlier, drawings are suitable for SVG. So SVGs are ideal for text-emphasizing graphics such as circles, arrows, and underlines.

Editing and creating SVG

Since not everyone is comfortable with code, SVGs can seem unapproachable at first. However, in terms of coding complexity, SVG has simple markup, often using element shapes like <rect> for rectangle, <circle> for circles, and <path> for complex shapes made up of coordinates and curve instructions.

Furthermore, you can create and use SVG without touching code. Vector editing software like Adobe Illustrator and the free, open-source Inkscape can help you create and manipulate SVG-based graphics without having to touch code. And once you save your file as an SVG, you can often integrate that file the same way you would add photographs to a website.

For those who are more comfortable working with code, Matt Visiwig, the founder of SVGBackgrounds.com, has made many video tutorials on using SVGs on his YouTube channel. The videos often share tips and tricks for working with SVGs, often making it as simple as copy-and-paste into your project.