SVG is an acronym for a Scalable Vector Graphics file, commonly used in graphics programs like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. It's considered a resolution-independent file format, because you can scale the image up to any size without losing image quality. You can open SVG files in a variety of programs and also convert it to other formats if needed.
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What is an SVG file?
The SVG file format is short for Scalable Vector Graphics, and as the name suggests, it's a kind of graphics file. Unlike bitmap graphics (such as JPG and PNG files), SVG graphics are composed of vectors, which are a kind of geometric object. The file uses the language of XML to describe the image mathematically using vector geometry.
All that means that SVG files are resolution-independent; you can scale an SVG file up or down and it will maintain sharpness and clarity. In contrast, if you tried scaling a JPG image up, it would quickly become pixelated and blurry because the original image has a set number of pixels.
When used for the right applications, SVG files can also be compact and efficient, resulting in small file sizes. That said, SVG isn't the right file format for every application. It works best for images like logos, diagrams and other line art images. Highly complex, organic images like photographs are a poor use of the SVG format.
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How to open an SVG file
While SVG graphics are not commonly used outside of graphics professionals, the files are easily opened and viewed using lots of common software.
The easiest way to view an SVG file is within a web browser. Because SVG uses XML — a text-based markup language similar to HTML — any modern web browser can display an SVG file. Just drag your SVG file to a browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Microsoft Edge and the image should appear in a new tab. You won't be able to edit the image, though.
You can also open an SVG file in many graphics programs. If you want to be able to edit the image in its native vector format, you'll need to use a program like Adobe Illustrator. If you use Photoshop, the image will instead be automatically converted to a bitmap graphic at a specific size — see the next section for details.
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How to convert an SVG file
Because SVG is a specialized file format, you might want to convert it to a bitmap file like JPG or PNG so you can more easily use it in other applications. One way to do that is with Adobe Photoshop — when you open an SVG in Photoshop, the image is automatically converted to a bitmap graphic at a size you specify. Here's what to do:
1. In Photoshop, click File and choose Open.
2. Find the SVG file and choose Open.
3. In the Rasterize SVG Format window, choose the size that you want the image to be converted to and click OK.
4. Make any additional changes you like to the graphic.
5. Choose File, then Export, and then Export As.
6. In the Export As window, choose the kind of file you want (like JPG) to create and click Export.
7. Choose a location for the file and click Save.
If you don't have access to a program like Photoshop or just want a quick and easy way to convert an SVG file, you can use an online tool like Convertio. To use Convertio:
1. Click Choose Files and select your SVG file.
2. In the drop-down menu to the right of to, choose the file format you want to convert it to (such as JPG).
3. Click Convert.
4. After a short wait, the file will be completed. Click Download and save the file to your computer.
Freelance Writer
Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.
