What are SVG File Types?

In recent years, an increasing number of applications have started supporting the SVG image file format. But what exactly are SVGs? Scalable Vector Graphics (SVGs) were once limited to web-based usage on a few website-building platforms and were typically embedded directly within the website’s code. As software for image editing, such as Adobe Photoshop, evolved, so did graphic editing tools like Adobe Illustrator. This development enabled us to create and edit vector-based graphics such as EPS and SVG files.

So, what differentiates standard image formats from graphic images? Common image formats, like JPEG, JPG, TIFF, and PNG, are classified as raster or bitmap images. These formats consist of hundreds of tiny colored pixels that together form a complete image.

In contrast, SVGs are known as vector-based graphics, created using points on a coordinate graph. These points are processed by the computer to generate lines and shapes that depict the image. This means that no matter how much you scale a vector-based graphic, it will always retain its quality.

However, SVGs do have limitations in terms of complexity. The same feature that makes them so advantageous can also be a drawback; too many points in an SVG can take up a significant amount of storage, making it challenging to use.

When should I use SVGs?

You always want to ensure you are using SVGs correctly to ensure you are not limiting yourself and slowing down any progress. This means we want to take full advantage of SVG’s brilliant scalability, but we want to watch out that the file size is not too large and will cause more of a hindrance.

For images that depict people, landscapes, or other detailed content, it’s best to use standard image formats, like JPEG, JPG, TIFF, and PNG. Attempting to recreate these images in vector format may strip away their details and introduce too many points, which can slow down your software instead of aiding your creative process.

Conversely, if you have simple images such as basic text, shapes, logos, or caricatures, it’s preferable to use a vector-based file type like SVG. These types of images won’t encounter the same problems and will help you maintain a high-quality format at all times.

How does this help me?

The great news is that in recent years, applications such as Canva, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint have made SVGs a compatible file type within their software. This means that graphical elements and logos can be used as SVGs and easily rescaled in documents without any loss of quality. As a result, you can present your brand professionally without worrying about resolution issues with SVG graphics.

At Yellow Cherry, we ensure that your websites, Word documents, and printed posters always maintain high quality by using the appropriate file types for each situation. When you choose us for your branding development, we take the time to provide you with your final logo and branding suite in all the necessary file formats, including SVG. This allows you to take full advantage of vector-based graphics.

Have a graphics job in mind? Get in touch with us!