Do you want to learn about an image format that’s used on 31% of all websites?
The Adobe Scalable Vector Graphics file format or SVG is one of the world’s most-used graphic types. Unlike JPEGs, an SVG can scale without becoming pixellated. And its small file size makes it popular amongst web and graphic designers.
This article helps you get started with scalable vector graphics.
We show you how to create your first SVG file using XML. Learn how scalable vector graphics apps like Illustrator make the process easy. Then explore how to convert SVGs into other formats like PDF.
Read on to see how simple yet powerful the SVG format is and how to best use it.
What Is a Scalable Vector Graphics File?
An SVG file doesn’t work in the same way as other popular file formats like JPEGs.
Instead of breaking an image into tiny pixels, it uses mathematical data called vectors. These vectors tell the computer to create graphics based on direction and magnitude. For example, SVG code tells the browser to draw a circle with a radius of 100 pixels.
The Adobe Scalable Vector Graphics format or SVG is written in a language called XML.
XML is a web markup language that provides a set of instructions for other apps to follow. In this case, creating a series of lines and shapes that combine to produce a graphic.
SVGs are very small in size so they’re great for sharing online. They also don’t lose definition when scaled which makes them perfect for logo creation.
Manually Create Scalable Vector Graphics
Want to make your very own SVG file? Then follow the instructions below.
Open your favorite simple text editor like Notepad. Next, enter the following code. You can either copy/paste it or type it in.
Finally, save the file as rectangle.svg and open it in a browser like Google Chrome. You’ll see an orange rectangle at the top left of the screen.
Congratulations! This is your first scalable vector graphics file.
Play around with the numbers in the tag. Make it wider by editing the width attribute or edit the color by changing the rgb() values. Then visit W3Schools SVG Tutorials to learn how to add circles, paths, and text.
Scalable Vector Graphics Apps
Building complex graphics like company logos becomes difficult if you manually write the XML code. Thankfully, several scalable vector graphics apps are available for you to draw and sketch.
Adobe Illustrator
Illustrator is Adobe’s flagship product for vector graphic design.
The application lets you create web and mobile app icons to packaging, illustrations, and billboards. It works on Windows and Mac platforms as well as iPad.
Adobe Illustrator isn’t free but you can use it as part of the Creative Cloud package for a monthly fee.
Inkscape
Inkscape is an open-source vector drawing tool that includes powerful features like:
- bezier curves
- freehand drawing
- object transformations
- gradient editor
You can build complex SVG files and export them as XML. From there, you can convert those files to other formats using Offdrive’s free online conversion tools.
Convert SVG to Other Formats
One disadvantage of using SVGs on the web is that older browsers may not display them correctly. Internet Explorer has a reputation for ignoring SVG animations or not rendering files at all.
To combat this, simply convert your scalable vector graphics files into a more popular format like PNG. But how do you do that?
SVG to PNG
Visit our SVG to PNG conversion page and upload your SVG file.
Confirm that you’re not a robot by filling out the reCAPTCHA. A button will appear stating ‘Convert SVG to PNG’. Click the button and the conversion will happen within seconds.
You can then download your new file or choose to convert more SVGs. The service is entirely free and has no file size limits.
Convert SVG to PDF
Adobe’s Portable Document Format or PDF remains a popular way to share content. Regardless of the information, you can be certain it always retains its format.
Scalable vector graphics PDF conversions are great for users with older browsers who want to see your files. The process is easy too.
Use our SVG to PDF conversion tool to upload and convert your files to PDF format.
Our powerful servers transform your content within seconds. We can also convert between multiple formats like:
- SVG to GIF
- SVG to ICO
- SVG to JPG
- SVG to WEBP
Check out our Image Conversion toolbox for the full list of options.
Animated SVGs
One final tip when creating scalable vector graphics is using them to build animations.
This feature allows you to craft beautiful graphics that move on-screen. You can even make short animated features that won’t hog bandwidth as movies do.
Editors like SVGator let you create your animated SVGs using standard drawing tools. However, you can code them yourself if you’re versed in XML and CSS stylesheets.
Here’s an example of a simple animated SVG file.
begin=”0s”
dur=”20s”
type=”rotate”
from=”0 60 60″
to=”360 60 60″
attributeName=”transform”
repeatCount=”indefinite”
/>
Save this content to a new file called ‘animated.svg’ then open it in Chrome. You’ll see an orange rectangle spin clockwise!
Edit the element to change the duration lengths and rotation points. But remember, animations won’t appear when you convert them to another format.
Convert Any File Online for Free With Offdrive
Scalable vector graphics let you create complex files that scale without compromising quality.
Using tools like Adobe Illustrator, you can make logos, designs, and graphics in the SVG format. From there, it’s simple to convert those files into PDFs or other formats by using Offdrive’s free online tools.
Offdrive.com lets you convert a broad range of files to other types.
Need to transform a Word document into HTML or rich text format? Use our Document Conversion tools. Have a 7Zip file that you need to open as RAR? That’s no problem with our Archive Conversion tools.
Visit Offdrive.com and select an option from the menu. Then upload your file, hit convert, and wait for our free conversion software to do the rest.