Image formats are divided into two large types: raster and vector. Raster format is used for various complex and detailed graphics, such as photographs.
Here, each pixel, the smallest element, can have its own color, and the file, in general, stores the colors for each pixel of the image. When enlarging such files, pixels become visible.
Vector formats work in a completely different way. They use lines, segments, and figures described by mathematical formulas. Any space that they limit can be filled with color or a gradient. The result is an image not tied to specific dimensions. It can be easily compressed or stretched to huge sizes without losing quality. One of such vector formats is SVG. It’s getting popular, especially in the web development environment.
So, SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML markup language based on vector graphics. This is, in fact, a text file, which is an open web standard for describing two-dimensional vector images without loss of quality when scaling. It also supports interactivity and animation. The language has been developed since 1999 and is used to describe the graphic elements of the site using a programming language.
Features of the SVG format
The features of the SVG format in detail:
- The SVG file size is independent of measures or color depth. The size is affected by the complexity of the points and lines that make up the image.
- The file does not lose information during scaling. It replaces several options for raster files for different screen resolutions.
- It is suitable for printing and indexing by search engines.
- The file can be embedded in the site’s HTML code, which means it is cached along with it and loads faster than .png or .jpeg images.
How to use SVG?
Usually, SVG is used in icons, logos, and user interface elements for websites. Also, you can create graphs and charts, simple infographics templates, scalable road maps, and light games like Sudoku or crossword puzzles with it.
You can find SVG icons, logos, and other graphics on various websites dedicated to design resources, such as Icons8, unDraw, and Freepik. Moreover, many graphic design software programs, like Adobe Illustrator, Lunacy, and Canva offer built-in libraries with SVG graphics.
The resulting elements will losslessly stretch and shrink based on screen size, be lightweight, and look great on devices with high pixel density.
Working with SVG is available in popular software: Illustrator, Corel Draw, or Sketch.
Also, you can open an SVG file with:
- Inkscape, SVG-Edit, Iconizer, Autotracer, Sankey Diagram, Vector Paint, Chittram, IrfanView, Visio Standard, Corel Paint Shop Pro, ABViewer in Windows, and Mac OS.
- GIMP, Kolourpaint, sK1, librsvg, Autodesk Tinkercad, Boxy SVG, Vectr in Linux.
- In Google Drive.
Where is SVG used in practice?
Due to many advantages, this format is very convenient to work with and use. For example:
- It can be used on any display regardless of its resolution. SVG will be displayed the same everywhere. These files do not lose information during scaling.
- Easy-to-manage SVG files are saved as static images.
- With the help of SVG, you can also make a nice animation that will make your website look better.
- The SVG format is used for logos, background images like buttons, maps, charts, or pictures.
- It is used to create adaptive sites, dynamic effects, etc.
- It is excellent for printed products, especially for printing banners, business cards, and other types of publications where there are minor elements, and their high-quality display is necessary.
- SVG cutting file is a graphic type that can be scaled to use with the Silhouette Cameo or Cricut.
- You can print SVG files just like sublimation prints.
Where can I find free SVG files?
There are many sites on the web with both paid and free SVG files. The SVG Ocean website has an extensive collection of SVG files for every taste. Study it in detail: we are sure that you will find many exciting items in it.
