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File formats at a glance.Formats

SVG file: What is it and how do you open it?

.svg

SVG is an XML-based vector graphics format. Shapes, paths, text and effects can scale without becoming pixelated, making SVG especially useful for logos, icons and diagrams.

Format at a glance

Full name
Scalable Vector Graphics
File extensions
.svg
MIME types
image/svg+xml
Category
Images
Compression
Lossless
Transparency
Yes
Animation
Depends on the content
Properties
Vector graphics, Alpha channel, Animation

Suitable tools

Convert filesCompressionPDFOCR

What is this format?

Scalable Vector Graphics describes visual objects rather than a fixed pixel grid. An SVG document can contain paths, gradients, clipping, text, embedded raster images and metadata.

SVG can also reference external resources or include animation and scripts. Support and security policies differ by embedding method, so untrusted SVG should be treated as active document content rather than as a harmless bitmap.

What is it used for?

  • Logos and responsive interface icons
  • Charts, maps and technical diagrams
  • Illustrations that need resolution-independent scaling
  • Graphics styled or animated with CSS in web applications

Which programs can open it?

  • All current major web browsers
  • Inkscape
  • Adobe Illustrator and Affinity Designer
  • Text and code editors for inspecting XML source

Support across devices and browsers

Windows

Browsers and vector editors open SVG; file preview behavior varies.

macOS

Safari, Preview and vector applications support common SVG graphics.

Linux

Browsers and Inkscape provide strong SVG support.

Android

Browsers display SVG; gallery apps may not treat it as a photo.

iOS

Safari and compatible design apps display SVG.

Browsers

SVG is a standard web format, but script, font and external-resource behavior depends on how it is embedded.

Advantages

  • Scales without pixelation
  • Text-based and often compact for simple graphics
  • Supports shapes, text, gradients, transparency and accessibility metadata

Disadvantages

  • Complex illustrations can become large and slow to render
  • Not suitable for ordinary photographic pixel data
  • Scripts and external references require security care

Comparison with alternatives

SVG vs. PNG

SVG scales as vectors; PNG is a fixed raster image and is more predictable for pixel-based effects.

SVG vs. PDF

Both can preserve vectors, but PDF is page-oriented while SVG represents a web graphic or document fragment.

SVG vs. WebP

WebP is a compressed raster format for photos and graphics; SVG is best for geometry and text.

LocalFileLab support

InputSupported

The browser rasterizes compatible SVG content for image conversion.

OutputSupported

Raster images can be wrapped in an SVG document as an embedded PNG; this does not trace them into true vectors.

CompressionSupported

Generic compression can repackage or rasterize content; no dedicated SVG optimizer is implemented.

PreviewSupported

Compatible SVG can be previewed by the browser.

MetadataNot supported

SVG XML metadata and active content are not guaranteed to survive raster conversion.

Related formats

AVIF.avifBMP.bmpGIF.gifHEIC.heicHEIF.heifICO.ico

Frequently asked questions

Is SVG a vector format?

Yes. Its main drawing model uses vector shapes, paths and text, although an SVG can also embed raster images.

Can SVG contain JavaScript?

The format can contain scripts and external references. Browsers apply security restrictions depending on whether the SVG is loaded as an image, document or inline markup.

Does converting PNG to SVG create real vectors?

Not in LocalFileLab's current path. It embeds the raster pixels inside an SVG wrapper; automatic vector tracing is a different operation.