The full name of the svg format is Scalable Vector Graphics. At its core, this is a text document with XML markup, which can be viewed using the Notepad ++ application. It was originally developed as a vector image format for use on websites, but soon migrated to “ordinary life”. In addition to static graphics, there is support for animated graphics. The image is made up of several shapes that can be moved, grouped, masks, filters, effects applied.
How to open SVG file
- is a powerful free image viewer. It has a basic set of photo editing - it allows you to apply effects, change contrasts, saturation of certain colors. More than 50 formats are supported, the application has a clear and simple interface.
- - Free analogue of CorelDraw. It has a simple interface and wide functionality. Allows you to view, edit and create both vector and raster images. An excellent feature is the work with clones, thanks to which you can create various complex patterns.
- is a free browser that is a universal application for surfing the Internet, web development, listening to music and watching videos, and much more. It has a simple interface, wide functionality is easily expanded using plugins. It has an algorithm for checking downloaded files, has a list of unwanted sites.
- - free browser. It has a simple and intuitive interface, in the latest versions it has undergone cardinal changes in the interface. Like any modern browser, it has a built-in file downloader, can play video and audio, view images.
- - a free browser that is quite popular among users of the CIS countries. Until a certain point, it was considered the fastest browser. Allows you to view videos and images, listen to audio, built-in antivirus to check downloaded files, has a convenient customizable express panel where you can place the most frequently visited sites.
- is a free raster-oriented photo editor, but vector is also supported. Layers, masks, overlay effects, changing the brightness and saturation of certain colors are supported. The application interface is simple and clear, you can make one to one as in Adobe Photoshop.
Very few users come across files that have the .svg extension, and in most cases, not only some, but almost all users delete such files, as they say, indiscriminately, without thinking at all about which program the SVG file was originally associated with. Now we will talk about exactly how you can open a file for editing and in general, whether it is worth doing it.
.svg extension: how to open it?
First, let's look at the simplest concepts. For an uninitiated user, the question of how to open an SVG file may remain incomprehensible. Here it is worth paying attention to the fact that initially files of this type are intended for processing graphics with a change in raster or vector mode. If the end user is, as they say, a layman in this matter, then there is nothing to explain to him.
For the rest of the audience, we note that the problem itself, than opening the SVG format, in most cases, is only related to choosing the appropriate application, installed by default or similar to it.
default?
As you know, the easiest way to open a file of any type is to double-click in the usual "Explorer". In this case, the operating system (in this case, Windows) itself determines which tool from its set will be used to open a file of a given type. At the same time, the SVG file is, in fact, universal.
Essentially, any program that supports the Scalable Vector Graphics standard, where the abbreviation actually came from, can work with it without problems. In principle, the same Adobe Illustrator or the latest version package or similar software packages are capable of processing files of this type. With installed applications, problems should not arise.
But if you use some simple utility like the usual “Microsoftware” Paint, Paint .NET, or editors that are part of the main Microsoft Office package of any version and year of release, then you can’t count on anything special. Although they can work with such data, they are not always the best editing utilities. The SVG file may not be recognized by them.
At best, you can simply view the image, change its position on the sheet, “edit” colors or saturation a little, but otherwise everything will remain as it was (or even worse). Let's try to look at how to open an SVG file in terms of editing using related programs and applications.
SVG Data Processing Tools
Surprising as it may sound, the .svg extension itself is considered to have no associated program ownership, although it is considered a scalable graphics format. How to open the SVG file doesn't really matter. In principle, with a sufficient number of installed programs and applications, the operating system itself will offer to choose the most suitable application (any Adobe package, variations of Paint, Corel, etc.).
Here, by the way, we should not forget that the same problem related to how and with what to open an SVG file has the other side of the coin. The fact is that files of this type can contain HTML or XML markup. So you will have to edit such data with the help of specialized utilities.
Outcome
In general, if we evaluate this issue, so to speak, on a global level, it can be noted that the discovery of SVG does not go beyond generally accepted concepts.
And this is understandable, because the format itself and its accompanying extension refer to graphics, which means that both the opening for viewing and the possibility of editing are provided initially, and regardless of the presence of special editors, and even more so, operating systems.
In general, we can only advise the installation of universal clients such as ACDSee or something similar, which are able not only to recognize the SVG file at the initial level (initialization, association with applications, viewers, etc.), but also work with it in full mode editing, the use of which can even change the very structure of the desired file. In this sense, it can support any internal external changes, even regarding paraphernalia.
Most popular image editors allow you to save images in several formats. If the program works with raster graphics, then raster formats are offered for saving files, if with vector graphics, then, respectively, vector formats. However, there are raster editors that support the export of drawings to vector and mixed formats. Such, for example, is Adobe Photoshop, which can export a drawing to SVG - a fairly common format today that can store both raster and vector graphics.
What is the SVG format and where is it used
Developed in 2001 by the World Wide Web Consortium, the SVG format is no ordinary document. It is based on the markup languages VML and PGML, that is, it is, in fact, a text file. At the same time, editors and browsers interpret SVG as an image, which can be either static or animated. Being the most common among other formats for storing vector graphics, SVG is currently actively used for storing and distributing vector and mixed images on the Internet.
Like all formats, SVG has its pros and cons. The former include scalability without loss of quality, relatively low weight, the ability to integrate PNG, GIF, JPG images into SVG documents, editing (if you have the appropriate experience) in text editors, indexing by search robots, animation support and prevalence. The advantages of the format should also include good compressibility, openness and adaptability.
On the other hand, SVG inherits disadvantages with all the consequences. The format is not well suited for creating complex objects, as SVG files quickly "gain" weight if they consist of many small details. In addition, programs need to read the entire document to display the image, making it difficult to use the format in mapping applications. Among the shortcomings of the format, we note the relatively low cross-browser compatibility and the lack of at least minimal support for three-dimensional graphics.
The best editors for working with SVG files
As already mentioned, you can edit the SVG file in a regular text editor, but for this you need to have specific knowledge. It is much more convenient and more correct to use vector graphics editors.
Adobe Illustrator
The most functional tool that is great for the role of an SVG editor. Adobe Illustrator has an impressive set of tools for working with vector and composite graphics. It allows you to create and edit both simple sketches and complex artistic illustrations. When working with the SVG format, the editor allows the use of layers and scripting languages, the use of special effects.
Boxy SVG
You can also open SVG images using the Boxy SVG application specially created to work with this format. This editor is inferior to Adobe Illustrator in many ways, but you will find all the basic tools for creating and editing SVG images in it. The application supports working with shapes and objects, importing fonts and pictures of popular formats, working with the Pixabay library, viewing and editing SVG and CSS source code. Boxy SVG is available as an online service and as an app for Windows 10, MacOS and Chrome OS.
Vector
How else to open an SVG file? To work with files of this type, there is the Vectr program, which copes very well with the editing tasks assigned to it. The application has such functions as changing individual parts of a vector image, working with layers, adding text and primitives, applying effects (for example, transparency, stroke, outer and inner shadow), using gradients, pen, lines and other tools. The Vectr utility is free, there are versions for Windows, Linux and Chrome OS.
inkscape
Unlike the previous two programs, Inkscape needs no introduction. This powerful and completely free editor can be used for editing and creating vector graphics of any complexity, from SVG icons to full-fledged illustrations. Inkscape can work with paths, text, markers, layers and channels, gradients and textures. Bitmap vectorization, SVG color management, and more are also supported.
By the way, you can change the color of an SVG by editing the source code of the file, but for this you need to have at least a basic understanding of the CSS language and color codes. By editing, for example, the style parameter in the block of code highlighted in the screenshot, we replaced the white color with red. And so, of course, if you edit SVG with anything, then Inkscape and similar programs.
How to open SVG online
If you need an online SVG editor, use the web versions of Boxy SVG, Vectr, and Inkscape. The functional set of such editions is almost one to one, like the desktop versions. The Inkscape application, for example, can be run as part of the www.rollapp.com/app/inkscape project.
If you're looking for something simpler, try the Sketchpad online vector editor, available at sketch.io/sketchpad . The Sketchpad asset has tools such as brushes, lines, arrows, primitives, clipart, pen, crayon, airbrush, fill, etc. There is work with layers, palette and gradients.
But for creating SVG images from scratch, the service is not very suitable, although the function of arbitrary drawing is supported by it. The editor is focused on novice users, so you can easily figure it out.
SVG to PNG converters
You can view an SVG file as a regular image by simply dragging it onto the browser window, but it also happens that the SVG document needs to be converted to a more accessible and familiar graphic format, say PNG. If there are a lot of files to be converted, it makes sense to use a free tool SVG2PNG, which allows you to convert SVG to PNG in batch mode. To convert SVG to PNG, run the utility, drag vector files into its window, click "Start" and get the result.
From the author: SVG images are not as common as our favorite PNG and JPG bitmap formats, but the benefits of vector graphics are attracting more and more designers. Designers are increasingly using vector graphics in their projects. Previously, we had to download desktop applications like Adobe Illustrator and Inkscape, but in 2017 we can design vector graphics without leaving the browser. If you've been looking for a free SVG editor, you can start with these six free tools.
Vector
Vector is a good choice for beginners and advanced SVG users. The interface is neat and not cluttered with a lot of tools that you won't use. The editor is well suited for beginners in vector illustration. The user should not get lost among tools that are not clear what they are used for. There are several lessons included. Even if you are a complete zero with SVG, you have the opportunity to learn quickly.
However, all of the above does not mean that Vectr has poor functionality. It has all the basics for creating a regular image: shapes, text, layers, shadows, frames, backgrounds, etc. It can't compare to a full-fledged desktop editor, but for quick designs and edits, it's more than enough. You can create an image from scratch or upload an existing one.
When loading complex illustrations into Vectr, errors may occur (maps or detailed diagrams). The editor does not always handle complex graphics well. However, for simpler SVG (icons, logos, etc.) this editor will be enough.
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If the online version does not have the features you need, you can download the desktop version of the application. The editor is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebook.
Perhaps the coolest feature in Vectr is that you can link and embed images directly from the Vectr website, making it an efficient SVG host. Many services block the loading of SVG files, so this is a major plus. You can display SVG images from Vectr on remote sites like WP, Medium, Tumblr, etc. that block direct loading of SVGs but allow them to be shown remotely.
Vectr allows you to share vector graphics in the editor panel so that other users can modify the graphics you create. That is, you can, for example, make an SVG logo template, which users will already modify for themselves. All this in the browser.
To this end, Vectr recently released a version of the editor in the form plugin for WP.
Roll App
Unlike the other tools on the list, when you go to the RollApp homepage, no editor opens in front of you. RollApp is an application package, and the SVG editor is just one of the applications. Great tool, it's a browser version inkscape.
To work in RollApp, you need an account. You can register a new one or sign in with Google, Facebook, Amazon. Very convenient, I hate creating thousands of new accounts just to see the app.
Inkscape at its finest! Without a doubt, RollApp is the richest application on the list. You are literally using Inkscape in the browser! I haven't compared everything in detail, but this application seems to have ALL the features of Incscape, such as layers, objects, text, paths, filters, effects, extensions, etc.
Large files are not processed so quickly, because the actions are performed on the application servers and over the Internet. In short - if you need to edit large and complex files, RollApp will not be ideal, but for other tasks that are not included in the basic set, this editor is better than others.
BoxySVG
If you've been reading SitePoint for a long time, you should be familiar with the editor. BoxySVG, because over the past 12 months we have already talked about him. I will not do a detailed review, as this has already been done in this article.
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Importantly, since Alex's review, BoxySVG has added a code inspector, making it one of the hottest SVG tools for web developers.
Janvas
A couple of years ago Janvas was a very popular SVG editor. Unfortunately, this editor has not been developed lately, but even so it still works. The web is moving forward, but Janvas is standing still, so interest in it has faded. Alex from SitePoint worked with this tool a bit in 2013-14 (including the paid version) and even answered questions for a while on the Google+ page. Janvas was quite a powerful tool.
The main problem with Janvas is that it is a little outdated. Browsers evolve, and applications that don't follow browsers become less stable every day. Janvas has a lot of features: shapes, text, drawing tools, paths, masks, and layers. However, users on the forums say that many of these functions do not bring the desired result.
There is good news - a new version will be released as a Chrome application. We hope they fix the problems.
DrawSVG
You may have already chosen a free online SVG editor. If not, then we move on. DrawSVG is a fully compatible SVG editor with many features. I really like that this application has a design that is really sharpened for the web and does not look like a port of the desktop application for the browser. The menu is located on the left, a second-level menu opens on click, and so on.
With DrawSVG you can draw, modify and render objects. You can draw simple shapes, there are Bezier curves, straight and curved text, many styles of strokes and fills, etc. You can also export SVG to PNG.
SVG edit
SVG edit- the grandfather of online vector graphics editors, appeared in the mid-2000s. There is no server functionality, everything works in the browser. You can't save your work without adding your own functionality.
However, for an editor whose life began as a very limited and inconspicuous vector drawing program, the functionality of SVG-edit has been constantly improved.
With SVG-edit you can draw simple shapes (lines, rectangles, circles, polygons, freehand lines, etc.), use paths, layers, gradients, view and edit SVG sources, export to PNG, JPEG, BMP , WEBP, etc.
Conclusion
In addition to these 6 SVG editors, there are others, but few offer more functionality than the five shown above.
If you want to get serious about SVG and these tools don't have the functionality you need, you can always download a desktop SVG editor like Illustrator or Inkscape. However, for ease, speed, and flexibility, all of the above editors offer a useful set of features.
PS: you can also try Figma. It's more of a UI creation tool than an SVG editor. However, it has an excellent set of tools and generates well-optimized SVG code.
Not all users have dealt with files that have the .svg extension. In many cases, almost all of them delete such files indiscriminately, without thinking about what program the SVG file was associated with in the first place.
The article will discuss exactly what tools allow you to open a file in order to edit it, and in general, whether it is necessary to do this.
How to open a file with the extension .svg?
First we need the simplest notation. An inexperienced user may not understand the question of how to open an SVG file. In this case, you should pay attention to the fact that initially files of this type are necessary for processing graphics with a change in raster or vector mode. In the case when the end user is a complete layman in such a matter, he has nothing to explain. As for the rest of the audience, it should be noted that the problem itself, than opening the SVG format, is largely related solely to the choice of the required application, which is installed by default or another similar to it.
How to open SVG files by default?
It is worth noting that the simplest method of opening a file of a different type is to double-click in an ordinary "Explorer". It is worth noting that in this case the operating system independently determines which tool from its set is used to open a file of a given type. SVG file, in fact, is universal. In fact, every program that supports the Scalable Vector Graphics standard, from which the acronym comes from, is able to function with it without any problems. It is worth noting that the same Adobe Illustrator or the latest version of the Corel Draw package or similar software packages can process files of this type.
If the appropriate applications are installed, problems usually do not occur. In the case when a simpler program is used, for example, the usual Microsoft Paint, Paint .NET or editor, which are part of the main Microsoft Office package of any version and year of release, you should not count on something supernatural. Of course, they are able to work with such data, but they do not always act as the best editing utilities. The SVG file may not be recognized by them.
One way or another, you can simply view the picture, change its location on the sheet, slightly “edit” the colors or saturation. As for the rest, it will remain as it was, and sometimes even worse. Thus, you need to look at how you can open an SVG file in the edit area using related programs and applications.
SVG Data Processing Tools
It may seem surprising, but the .svg extension is considered to have no ownership in the associated program's plan. However, it is a scalable graphics format. It's worth noting that it doesn't really matter how you open the SVG file. If there are a sufficient number of installed programs and applications, the operating system itself offers to select the appropriate application. You should also not forget that a similar problem, which is related to how and with what to open an SVG file, can be considered from the other side. After all, files of this type are capable of containing HTML or XML markup. Thus, it is necessary to edit such data with the help of specialized programs.
One way or another, when evaluating the issue that is considered in this article, in the so-called global plan, it is worth noting that opening SVG files does not go beyond the concepts generally accepted among users. And this is not surprising, since the format itself, as well as the extension accompanying it, are related to graphics. This means that the opening for viewing, and the possibility of editing are provided from the very beginning. Moreover, it does not depend on the availability of special editors, as well as operating systems.
The only thing that can be advised is to install universal clients such as ACDSee or something similar, which can both recognize an SVG file at an initial level, and work with it in full editing mode. Its use can even change the structure of the desired file. In this regard, the SVG-format file can support any internal external changes, even those that relate to attributes.
In the presented article, the question of what SVG files are. The main aspects of such a problem are considered and ways to solve it are proposed. This information can help many users who are interested in this issue.