What is SVG?
SVG or “Scalable Vector Graphics” is a vector drawing format based on the XML language. It was developed from 1998 by a working group including, among others, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Xerox. SVG is much more powerful than other image formats that we can use on the web, which gives it a large number of advantages. Namely, it has the particularity of being manipulated with code either in a text editor or with CSS or JS. Despite the fame of its designers, this vector drawing format was not directly estimated at its fair value, in particular because of the lack of compatibility with browsers (compatible with Internet Explorer from version 9 only).
The advantages of SVG
Easy to learn
Learning to create and integrate SVG requires spending a minimum of time depending on the difficulty of the illustrations you want to create. However, the syntax is simple and its capabilities are comparable to those of the flash language! In addition, the creation of this format can be done without ever writing a single line of code thanks to programs such as Libre Office Draw, Inkscape or Illustrator.
A single aspect ratio for all screen sizes
Scalable Vector Graphics which translates to “Vector Graphic Adaptative” in French defines this image format as a vector file. Unlike bitmap images, which adapt very poorly to changes in size because they are made up of pixels, vector images have the ability to adapt to any size. No more saving your images in different resolutions so that they fit in your responsive site, the SVG adapts by itself!
Reduced file size
As said before, Scalable Vector Graphics are file formats based on XML, which means that it is composed of code. Its weight is therefore insignificant compared to a bitmap image made of pixels. This reduced weight greatly influences the loading times of a site, and therefore its speed. Knowing that beyond a second of loading, an average user is able to abandon his search to look elsewhere. This advantage is significant!
Ease of handling
Beyond the fact that creating SVGs can be done through any vector creation program (which makes it much easier to achieve), animating SVG files requires a minimum of practice. However, it is easy to learn the language and animate simple shapes like icons or logos. The more you practice, the more complex your animations can be!
A very simple bitmap/svg conversion
Since this vector file format did not receive the interest it deserved when it was created, many sites today use bitmap images when generally the use of SVG is more beneficial. Luckily, illustrations, icons, shapes, logos, etc. are fully convertible to SVG thanks to Illustrator for example. So by updating your site you only have to replace your PNG, jpeg, etc. files. by these same files in SVG.
A timeless smart choice
The importance of having a fast and efficient website, the attraction for animations, the need to capture the user’s attention and the attraction for organic forms. After 20 years without much consideration, SVG finally regains the place it deserves in the web world!
