5 min

What is SVG?

By ToSVG Team
SVG Guides

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based file format used to define vector-based graphics on the web. This format was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in 1999 and has become an indispensable part of modern web design today.

Basic Features of SVG

Scalability

SVG files can be scaled to any size without quality loss. This feature is ideal for responsive design.

Small File Size

Being vector-based, it has very small file sizes, especially for simple shapes and icons.

Programmability

Can be animated and made interactive with CSS and JavaScript, allowing dynamic content creation.

Accessibility

Text content and structural information are preserved and can be read by screen readers.

SVG File Structure

SVG files are written in XML format and contain the following basic elements:

  • <svg> - Main SVG container element
  • <rect> - Rectangle shapes
  • <circle> - Circle shapes
  • <path> - Complex shapes and lines
  • <text> - Text content
  • <g> - Group element

Advantages of SVG

Perfect quality at any resolution

Small file size and fast loading

Can be styled with CSS

Can be made interactive with JavaScript

Conclusion

SVG is an indispensable tool in modern web design. It is especially preferred for icons, logos, graphics and simple illustrations. Due to responsive design requirements and performance-oriented approaches, SVG usage is becoming increasingly widespread.

Tip: You can use online tools to optimize your SVG files and clean up unnecessary metadata. This will significantly reduce file size.