Every image on the web is stored in one of the file formats. PNG and JPEG are often used, especially for photographs, because they handle color and details very well. They are pixel-based and get blurred when scaled beyond their limit.

SVG stands for scalable vector graphics. This file format takes a different approach; it relies on mathematical paths to define shapes, lines, and colors, which allows the image to scale to any size without losing sharpness.

SVG graphics remain clear and crisp whether you watch them on a mobile screen or a high-resolution display. SVG file format not only gives clarity, but it's lightweight, supports transparency, is easy to edit, and even allows animation.

These rich qualities make it a go-to choice for web designers and developers. In this blog, we will find out what SVG files are in detail, their features, pros and cons, and much more.

What are SVG files?

Scalable vector graphics, or SVG for short, are a type of vector image that can be resized to any size without sacrificing quality. Instead of storing images as a fixed grid of pixels, it stores mathematical instructions.

Within the instruction, colors, shapes, lines, and curves are specified that help an image stay unblurred at any resolution. A circle in an SVG file, for instance, is saved as a formula that specifies its color, radius, and center point. 

SVGs can be written in XML code; i.e., any text data they contain is stored as literal text instead of shapes. This enables a search engine to read SVG graphics for keywords and helps a website get a better search rank. Consequently, the SVG format can improve search engine visibility and design flexibility.

SVG file history

This file format was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium in 1999 for vector graphics on the web. With time, it got popular due to its flexibility, lightweight nature, and compatibility with modern browsers.

Since SVG files are easily handled by the majority of browsers and vector file drawing applications, they are now frequently used for 2D website images.

Common Use Cases

SVG is widely used for:

• Logos and icons: to ensure clarity across devices and screen sizes
• Illustrations and infographics: lightweight and scalable for web use
• Interactive graphics and animations: enabled through CSS and JavaScript 
• Charts and graphs: because they can be styled and updated dynamically

Key features of SVG files

• Scalability without losing quality: Because these files are vector-based, they can be resized to any size without pixelating. It is ideal for high-resolution displays and responsive websites.
• Smaller File Size for Simple Graphics: SVG files are typically smaller than raster formats for images like logos, icons, and shapes. As a result, page load times are shortened, and website performance is enhanced.
• Support Interactivity and Animation: These files are not limited to static images. They can be styled with CSS or manipulated with JavaScript, enabling animations, hover effects, and interactive graphics.
• Platform and browser compatibility: All modern operating systems and web browsers support the SVG files. It displays consistently without any compatibility problems, whether you open it on a desktop computer or a mobile device.
• Editable with Code: SVG files can be written in XML; therefore, they can be opened and modified using design tools and text editors. As a result, developers and designers can easily adjust graphics right in code.

How do SVG files work?

SVG files work by using XML code to describe images as a set of instructions for the browser or software to follow. Instead of storing every pixel, an SVG tells the computer how to draw shapes, lines, colors, and text.

An SVG image could, for instance, include the following instructions:

• Place some text at a certain location.
• Draw a circle at this position with a specific radius.
• Fill it with blue color and add a black outline.

Below is a basic SVG code sample:

<svg width="120" height="120">
  <rect x="10" y="10" width="100" height="100" fill="green" />
</svg>

This code instructs the browser to start at position (10,10) and draw a green square that is 100 by 100 pixels in size.

SVG allows for infinite image scaling because it uses mathematical instructions rather than pixels. The shapes stay crisp whether you enlarge them 10 times or reduce them to an icon.

In practice:

• A logo in SVG format can appear on a mobile app icon, then be used again on a giant poster—without needing multiple versions of the file. 
• Because SVG loads quickly and adjusts to any screen size, it is used by websites for icons, charts, and illustrations.
• SVG files are lightweight, flexible, and independent of resolution because they function similarly to a set of drawing instructions.

Advantages of SVG files

• Unlimited scalability - images do not pixelate at any size, staying crisp and clear.
• Easy to edit – can be edited in text or code editors because SVG is XML-based.
• Lightweight for simple graphics - ideal for logos, icons, and illustrations, this feature usually results in smaller file sizes.
• Support for animation and interactivity – can be styled with CSS and controlled with JavaScript.

Disadvantages of SVG files

• Not suitable for complex, detailed images – Photographs and highly detailed visuals are better handled by raster formats.
• Large file sizes  - highly detailed vector paths may result in heavy SVG files.
• One requires coding knowledge for advanced editing – complex animations or interactivity need CSS/JavaScript skills.

SVG vs other file formats

How to open and edit SVG files?

There is no need for any special software to open SVG files. They work on almost every device and platform available.

Opening SVG files

• In a browser: The file will open immediately if you drag it into Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.
• Windows or Mac: SVGs open in the Preview app on a Mac. They launch in the Photos app on Windows.
• SVGs are created in text (XML) in a text editor. To view or modify the code, you can open it in Notepad or Visual Studio Code.

Editing SVG files

• Design software: Programs like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape (free), Figma, or Sketch (Mac) let you edit SVGs by moving shapes, changing colors, or resizing them.
• Online tools: Websites like Vectr, BoxySVG, or Canva let you make simple edits without downloading any software.
• By editing code: Because SVGs are text-based, you can change details directly. For example, changing fill="red" to fill="blue" will turn a red circle into a blue one.

How to convert SVG files?

There are different ways to convert SVG files to other formats. Sometimes, we need to convert SVG files to another file format - PNG, JPEG, or PDF, especially when sharing with someone who doesn't use vector graphics or while preparing for web and print. 

 Converting SVG to PNG, JPEG, or PDF

• PNG: Ideal for web use and transparent backgrounds.
• JPEG: Ideal for images or situations where file size is more important than sharp edges.
• PDF: The ideal format for professional, universal file sharing, printing, and storage.

Tools and Software for Conversion

Adobe Illustrator

1. Open Illustrator and open your SVG file.
2. Select Export As under File > Export.
3. Select PDF, JPEG, or PNG.
4. Modify the quality and resolution as necessary, then save.

Inkscape (Free & Open Source)

1. Open the SVG file in Inkscape.
2. Choose File > Export.
3. Select between PNG, PDF, and other file formats.
4. This is an excellent free alternative to Illustrator if you don't have it.

Internet-Based Converters

There are a few websites where you can upload an SVG and instantly download it in PNG, JPEG, or PDF format. For example, websites like Convertio, CloudConvert, or SVG to PNG.com.

Final Thoughts

SVG files are a game-changer when it comes to creating graphics that remain the same no matter the size. Whether it’s a logo, an icon, or a web illustration, SVGs let you scale, edit, and style images without worrying about them getting blurry. They are compatible with the majority of browsers and design tools, lightweight, and simple to use. Learning how to use SVGs increases your ability to create images that look fantastic on printed materials, websites, and apps.