What is SVG?
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based vector image format that scales to any size without losing quality. Learn what SVG is, how it works, and when to use it.
SVG is an XML-based markup language for describing 2D vector graphics. Unlike raster formats (PNG, JPG) that store images as grids of pixels, SVG describes shapes mathematically — using paths, circles, rectangles, and Bezier curves. This means SVG images can scale to any size — from a 16×16 favicon to a 4K wallpaper — without any loss of quality.
How SVG Works
An SVG file is a text file with XML markup: <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 100 100"> <circle cx="50" cy="50" r="40" fill="#FF5733" /> <text x="50" y="55" text-anchor="middle" fill="white">Hello</text> </svg> This SVG renders a red circle with "Hello" inside. The browser reads the XML and renders it as crisp graphics at any resolution.
SVG Advantages
• Resolution independent — perfect at any size, no pixelation • Small file size — simple graphics are much smaller than PNG equivalents • Editable in a text editor or design tools (Figma, Illustrator) • Animatable — CSS and JavaScript can animate SVG elements • Accessible — text in SVGs is real text, readable by screen readers and search engines • Stylable with CSS — change colors and styles without editing the file • Can be inlined directly into HTML
When to Use SVG
SVG is ideal for: • Logos and brand icons — need to be sharp at every size • UI icons and illustrations • Charts and data visualizations • Interactive graphics and animations • Favicons (modern browsers support SVG favicons) • Simple geometric graphics Do NOT use SVG for: • Photographs — raster formats (JPG/WebP) are far more efficient • Complex photorealistic images • Images with many colors and gradients — file size becomes large
Try it yourself
Generate Favicon from SVGAbout SVG
SVG was developed by the W3C and became a W3C Recommendation in 2001. It is now natively supported by all modern browsers without plugins. SVG has become the standard for web icons and logos, replacing icon fonts and sprite sheets. The SVG 2.0 specification adds improved text handling, new color functions, and better integration with CSS and HTML.
FAQ
- What does SVG stand for?
- SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics.
- What is the difference between SVG and PNG?
- SVG is a vector format that stores mathematical descriptions of shapes, making it infinitely scalable without quality loss. PNG is a raster format that stores pixels, which becomes blurry when scaled up. SVG is best for logos and icons; PNG is best for photographs and complex images.
- Can I use SVG on a website?
- Yes. All modern browsers natively support SVG. You can use SVG as an <img> src, as a CSS background-image, or inline directly in HTML. Inline SVG is especially powerful as it enables CSS styling and JavaScript interaction.
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