Pros and Cons of Using SVG Formats

As a web designer, you might be unsure whether to use SVG images. We have used SVG formats frequently and are always happy with the results.

But if you are still debating whether you should use them, it helps to examine the pros and cons of SVG formats, which will help you decide whether to use them. 

What Are SVG Files?

Scalable Vector Graphics files are vector images you can scale to any size without losing quality.

SVGs are for web designers who need to resize images, logos, and other elements without losing clarity and sharpness.

Yes, you can use raster graphics like JPEG, but from personal experience, we have found that these images start losing their quality when you scale them up or down.

The best part about SVG files is that they are not limited to online use; you can import them into other vector graphics programs, such as Photoshop.

Pros of Using SVG Formats

1. Scalability

Unlike formats like JPG and PNG, which become pixilated when resized, SVG formats do not change. Vector images do not lose quality when you zoom in on your browser.

This helps when images must be scaled to fit different screen sizes. Your SVGs are resolution-independent, as other image formats need added assets/data to help fix the resolution based on the device used.

For instance, if you have a retina screen, you need the @2x hack to display your higher-resolution images.

However, you do not have these hassles with SVG, as you can easily resize them regardless of the resolution and device.

2. Amazing Speed

When you use SVG formats in your web design, your website loads faster. Raster images like PNGs and JPEGs are large files that slow down your website as users' browsers try to download all the available information. The SVG file is smaller and loads faster.

3. Versatile to Use

Another considerable benefit is that SVG formats are excellent and compatible with most browsers. We at Microapp have used them in our web design.

So, your website will display clean, scalable graphics to different customers regardless of their devices. You can also add animation effects to your website without a third-party plugin.

You can select your SVG image and manipulate it using CSS. You can even use your SVG file to convert them to work in React.

4. SVGs Are Resolution Independent

The SVG is resolution-independent and refers to the quality of your image. You can scale and zoom in on any size without losing clarity or sharpness.

With vector-based content, SVG images give you a massive advantage in your business as you can scale original graphics and logos to any size and will not lose quality.

5. W3C Standard Supported

You will know your site complies with the World Wide Web Consortium standards when using SVG images. The W3C standards ensure your website is compatible across different browsers and devices, making it accessible to a broad audience.

6. DPI Independent

As SVG images offer you DPI freedom, you can create clear graphics that you can display on any screen and print at any size. You can use them on highway billboards, business cards, or for any print implementation.

7. Very Interactive

This must be one of the most significant advantages of using SVG formats in your web design.

You can add animation to other interactivity to help visitors engage with your site and encourage them to stay longer.

You can use CSS and JavaScript to help animate your SVGs. It offers you loads of potential, allowing you to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience to your users.

8. Easy to Index

As SVG files are text-based, they quickly index on the search engines and can be read by users with screen readers. Hence, they improve the accessibility and searchability of the content. It can help your website's search engine rankings to make it accessible to any user with a disability.

Cons of Using SVG Formats

1. Not Detailed

SVG images can sometimes be less detailed than raster images, but they work well with 2D graphics like our icons and logos. However, SVG graphics cannot display as many details as raster images, as they are rendered using paths and points instead of pixels.

2. Browser Support 

While SVG formats have been around for a long time and support modern mobile and desktop browsers, they still do not work on legacy browsers like IE8 and below.

According to a survey, about five percent of users surf the web using a browser that still does not support SVG. Thus, you might miss out on one to twenty users who do not view content using SVG formats.

3. Learning Curve

SVGs offer many features, but using them can be more complex than other image formats, especially when working with REACT.

If you are new to using SVG, you must invest your time learning the ins and outs of working with them.

To solve your REACT problem, check out our microapp here to help you convert your SVG to REACT.

4. File Size

While SVG files are small, they can still grow when you have many elements. Using complex graphics can increase load time and slow down your website. Hence, optimizing the SVG images to help with this issue is essential.

9 Tips To Better Manage And Utilize Your SVG Format

1. Optimize your SVGs before deployment by reducing the file size without sacrificing quality. Use tools to remove unnecessary code, clean up, and compress paths before deploying your SVG images for better performance and faster load times.
2. Use your SVGs for icons and logos to ensure your brand elements look straightforward on all devices and maintain a professional appearance across all platforms.
3. Consider using SVG sprites instead of loading individual files for each icon. This technique bundles multiple icons into one file to reduce HTTP requests, improving your website's performance. You can use CSS to display the specific parts of your sprite as needed.
4. The SVG is not only a static image, but you can also make them interactive using CSS to add hover effects, animations, and color changes while using JavaScript for complex interactions.
5. Embed your SVGs in line with HTML, allowing you to manipulate them using JavaScript or CSS. It is a helpful approach to make dynamic changes when altering the SVG based on your user interaction.
6. When using SVGs, you can include description or title tags to help improve accessibility by adding descriptions for screen readers. Including your tags ensures that your SVGs convey essential information and are accessible to users with disabilities.
7. SVGs are great for simple graphics but can cause problems with detailed images. If you have complex SVGs, simplify the design or use raster formats like JPEG or PNG.
8. Use your SVGs as responsive images as they scale well without losing quality. Use them in responsive web designs to ensure your pictures look great on any device or screen size.
9. Always test your SVGs across different devices and browsers. Each one will render them differently, especially with animations and filters.

Wrap-Up: Pros And Cons of Using SVG Formats

As you can see, the pros of using SVG formats outweigh the cons. With the tips provided, you can work with SVGs to use them at the right time in your web design.

SVGs are still great for creating website icons. The images stretch without losing quality and do not become blurry. They are also great for displaying on desktops and smartphones.

Furthermore, these files can open on most browsers, and you can add tags to make them user-friendly for visitors using a screen reader.

So, check out our website to help convert your SVG to React. You will not be disappointed.