stands for "Non-Breaking SPace" and is used in HTML to insert a space that prevents line breaks between words, keeping them together on the same line.

Is it good practice to use in HTML?

While can be useful, it’s best to use it sparingly and rely on CSS for controlling spacing to maintain consistency across different devices and browsers.

How do you insert a blank space in HTML?

You can insert a blank space in HTML using the character entity, which ensures the space is preserved and not collapsed by the browser.

What is the difference between and a regular space?

A regular space can collapse and break lines, while prevents line breaks, ensuring adjacent words stay together on the same line.

Why Use HTML SVG? Benefits You Should Know

In today's web development landscape, scalable and high-quality graphics are essential for creating engaging user experiences. This is where SVG comes into play.

But what is SVG in HTML?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, a powerful image format used to define vector-based graphics in an XML format. Unlike traditional image formats, SVG images can be scaled up or down without any loss of quality, making them ideal for responsive designs.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the fundamentals of HTML SVG, exploring its syntax, capabilities, and best practices.

What is SVG File?

So, what is an SVG file used for? An SVG file is a text-based description of images composed of vector shapes, text, and embedded raster graphics. These files are written in Extensible Markup Language (XML), which means they can be edited with any text editor and are both human-readable and machine-readable.

Vector Graphics vs. Bitmap Images

Vector graphics, like those in SVG files, use mathematical equations to represent images, allowing them to be scaled infinitely without losing quality. In contrast, bitmap images (or raster images) like JPEG, PNG, and GIF are made up of tiny pixels, which can become distorted when zoomed or resized. This makes SVG graphics superior for icons, logos, and other graphics that require high scalability.

Embedding SVG in HTML

Now that we understand what SVG is, how do I add an SVG to HTML? There are several ways to embed SVG files into an HTML document.

Using the `<svg>` Tag (Inline SVG)

One of the most common methods is using the HTML SVG tag, which allows you to include inline SVG code directly within your HTML. This method provides full access to SVG elements and attributes, enabling interactivity and styling with CSS and JavaScript.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Inline SVG Example</title>
</head>
<body>
    <svg width="200" height="200">
        <circle cx="100" cy="100" r="80" stroke="green" stroke-width="4" fill="yellow" />
    </svg>
</body>
</html>

In this SVG fragment, we define a simple circle using SVG elements within an HTML page.

Using the `<img>` Tag

You can also embed an SVG image using the <img> tag:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>SVG Image Example</title>
</head>
<body>
    <img src="image.svg" alt="SVG Image">
</body>
</html>

This method treats the SVG file as an external resource, similar to other image formats.

Using CSS Background Images

Another method is to use SVG images as CSS background images:

body {
    background-image: url('background.svg');
}

This is useful for adding decorative SVG graphics to your web page.

Embedding SVG Files in HTML5

To embed SVG files in HTML5, you can also use the <object> or <embed> tags:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Embedding SVG in HTML5</title>
</head>
<body>
    <object type="image/svg+xml" data="graphic.svg"></object>
</body>
</html>

SVG Elements and Attributes

The core of any SVG graphic lies in its elements and attributes. The main SVG element is , which serves as a container for other SVG elements like , , , , and .

Common Attributes in SVG Files

Attributes define the properties of SVG elements. Some common attributes include:

• width and height: Define the dimensions of the SVG canvas.

• stroke and stroke-width: Set the color and width of the outline of shapes.

• fill: Specifies the interior color of shapes.

• x and y: Define the position of elements.

• viewBox: Establishes the coordinate system and scaling, crucial for responsive design.

• Event handlers: Attributes like onclick or onmouseover for interactivity.

Drawing Shapes with SVG

Let's explore how to draw a circle, rectangle, and other shapes using SVG.

Drawing a Circle

In this SVG example, cx="50" cy="50" r="40" define the circle's position and size. The stroke-width attribute specifies the outline's width.

Drawing a Rectangle with Rounded Corners

Here, rx and ry create rounded corners, and width and height define the rectangle's size.

Drawing a Star (Polygon)

This SVG star is created using the element.

Drawing an Ellipse

Advantages of Using SVG

SVG images offer numerous benefits over other image formats:

• Scalability: SVG graphics can be zoomed or resized without losing quality.

• Small File Sizes: Since they are text-based, SVG files are often smaller than raster images.

• Editability: You can edit SVG images with any text editor or vector graphic software.

• Interactivity: SVG elements can have event handlers and be manipulated with CSS and JavaScript.

• Accessibility: Text within SVG files is searchable and accessible.

Comparing SVG and Raster Images

When deciding between SVG and raster images, consider the following:

• Use SVG for logos, icons, and illustrations that require scalability.

• Use PNG or JPEG for photographs or images with complex color variations.

Best Practices for Using SVG in Web Development

Optimizing SVG Images

To ensure optimal performance:

• Minimize unnecessary elements and attributes in SVG files.

• Use tools to compress SVG files without losing quality.

• Inline SVG when possible to reduce HTTP requests.

Styling SVG with CSS

You can style SVG elements using CSS:

Accessibility

Always include alt attributes when using the tag and provide descriptions within the SVG code for screen readers.

Advanced Topics

Using SVG Icons in HTML

To use SVG icons in HTML, you can define them within a element and reference them with .

Creating Pie Charts and Graphs

SVG can be used to create complex graphics like pie charts, allowing for dynamic data visualization.

Interactivity with Event Handlers

SVG elements can have event handlers like onclick, onmouseover, enabling interactive graphics on your web page.

Browser Support and Accessibility

SVG is widely supported across all modern browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and even Internet Explorer. This means you can confidently use SVG images in your HTML pages.

Conclusion

Mastering HTML SVG opens up a world of possibilities for creating scalable, interactive, and high-quality graphics on the web. Whether you're embedding an SVG image directly into your HTML document or manipulating SVG elements with CSS and JavaScript, understanding SVG is an essential skill for modern web development.

Understanding HTML SVG Basics: What You Need to Know

Rakesh Purohit

Got a Figma? Or just a shower 🚿 thought?

About the Author

Rakesh Purohit

Related questions

Read More

Figma to Database Schema: Generate App Data Models with AI

Prompt to App Generator: Turn Ideas into Working Apps with AI

Rocket.new and Replit: How They Differ in AI Development

How to Build a Hospital Management System with AI in Minutes

How to Convert Figma to Website Without Code in 2026

Best AI Product Strategy Tool: Plan Smarter Product Roadmaps

Understanding HTML SVG Basics: What You Need to Know

Rakesh Purohit

Got a Figma? Or just a shower 🚿 thought?

About the Author

Rakesh Purohit

Related questions

Read More

Figma to Database Schema: Generate App Data Models with AI

Prompt to App Generator: Turn Ideas into Working Apps with AI

Rocket.new and Replit: How They Differ in AI Development

How to Build a Hospital Management System with AI in Minutes

How to Convert Figma to Website Without Code in 2026

Best AI Product Strategy Tool: Plan Smarter Product Roadmaps

What is SVG File?

Vector Graphics vs. Bitmap Images

Embedding SVG in HTML

Using the <svg> Tag (Inline SVG)

Using the <img> Tag

Using CSS Background Images

Embedding SVG Files in HTML5

SVG Elements and Attributes

Common Attributes in SVG Files

Drawing Shapes with SVG

Drawing a Circle

Drawing a Rectangle with Rounded Corners

Drawing a Star (Polygon)

Drawing an Ellipse

Advantages of Using SVG

Comparing SVG and Raster Images

Best Practices for Using SVG in Web Development

Optimizing SVG Images

Styling SVG with CSS

Accessibility

Advanced Topics

Using SVG Icons in HTML

Creating Pie Charts and Graphs

Interactivity with Event Handlers

Browser Support and Accessibility

Conclusion

Using the `<svg>` Tag (Inline SVG)

Using the `<img>` Tag