Okuzeka
Graphic Design vocabulary · Image Formats & Resolution

SVG

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

/ˌɛs viː ˈdʒiː/abbreviationCommon term

In graphic design, SVG means: Scalable Vector Graphics: a vector file format for the web that stays sharp at any size and is often used for logos, icons and simple illustrations on websites and apps.

In Turkish: SVG, SVG dosyası

How it is used

Used mostly with web developers. You export, optimise or hand over SVGs; developers can change their colours with code. They are not ideal for photos or complex textures.

Example sentences

  1. The developer asked for the icons as SVGs so they stay sharp on every screen.

  2. Clean up the SVG before you export it; there are lots of empty groups in the file.

Common collocations

  • export as SVG
  • SVG icons
  • optimise an SVG
  • inline SVG
  • vector graphicAn image made of points, lines and curves defined by mathematics rather than pixels, so it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Logos and icons are usually vector graphics.
  • PNGPortable Network Graphics: a raster image format that keeps full quality and supports transparent backgrounds, often used for logos, icons and screen graphics.
  • exportTo save a copy of a design from your software in another file format, such as PDF, PNG or JPEG, so it can be printed, shared or used online.
  • anchor pointOne of the points along a vector path that define its shape. Handles attached to an anchor point control how the curve bends.

More terms: Image Formats & Resolution

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: