SVG file format
Scalable Vector Graphics (.svg): logos, icons and illustrations that must stay sharp at any size.
SVG describes an image with shapes and paths instead of pixels, so it stays perfectly sharp at any size. It is the standard format for logos and icons on the web. Many apps, social networks and upload forms only accept pixel images, so SVGs often need to be rendered to PNG or JPG at a chosen size.
| Full name | Scalable Vector Graphics |
|---|---|
| File extension | .svg |
| MIME type | image/svg+xml |
| Created | 2001 by the W3C |
| Compression | Vector (no pixels) |
| Transparency | Yes |
| Animation | Yes |
| Colors | Vector shapes: no pixels, sharp at any size |
| Opens on | Every browser and design tool; not accepted by many upload forms and office apps |
| Best for | logos, icons and illustrations that must stay sharp at any size |
Advantages
- Infinitely scalable, always sharp
- Tiny files for logos and icons
- Editable as text
Drawbacks
- Not accepted by most social networks and upload forms
- Not suitable for photos
Convert SVG to…
Frequently asked questions
What is a .svg file?
SVG describes an image with shapes and paths instead of pixels, so it stays perfectly sharp at any size. It is the standard format for logos and icons on the web. Many apps, social networks and upload forms only accept pixel images, so SVGs often need to be rendered to PNG or JPG at a chosen size.
How do I open a SVG file?
Every browser opens SVG files; design tools like Figma, Illustrator and Inkscape edit them. To use an SVG where only photos are accepted, convert it to PNG.
Is SVG lossless?
SVG is a vector format: it stores shapes, not pixels, so it stays sharp at any size.
How do I convert SVG?
Use one of the converters below — they run in your browser, so your images are never uploaded. Most popular: SVG to JPG, SVG to PNG, SVG to WebP.