Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)

What is Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)?

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is an XML-based image format for two-dimensional graphics that can be scaled to any size without any loss of quality.

Unlike raster images such as JPEGs or PNGs, which are made up of a fixed grid of pixels, SVG images are made up of shapes and lines that can be scaled up or down while remaining perfectly crisp.

What is the history of SVG?

The need for a web vector graphics format was recognized by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in the late 1990s. The goal was a format that would be open, accessible, and scalable. The first version of SVG was released as a W3C recommendation in 2001, with the most recent version, SVG 2.0, following in 2018. Today, SVG is supported by all major web browsers.

Why use SVG?

Because SVG files are essentially text, they are typically much smaller than raster images, making them ideal for the web. They also scale flawlessly for responsive design, and allow for greater interactivity and animation than static images. Most web servers support serving SVG by default, or can have SVG support easily enabled.

SVG and MIDAS

In MIDAS, SVG images are used for graphical user interface elements such as icons and buttons. Using SVG keeps the interface crisp and fast-loading on any screen, from a small mobile phone to a large high-resolution display.