SVG FAQ

From SVG

• Q: What is SVG?
• A: SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is a vector graphics format intended primarily for the Web, though it is getting wider deployment on a variety of devices.

• Q: What are vector graphics, and why is it important?
• A: Vector graphics is a way of describing an image not as rows and columns of pixels, but rather as a set of instructions on how to create the image. A raster image, such as a bitmap, PNG, JPEG, or GIF, is merely a series of unconnected pixels (or colored dots), while a vector image represents different parts of the image as discrete objects, so it allows for better interactivity. When you zoom in on a raster image, it becomes blocky and fuzzy (or "pixelated"), but when you zoom in on a vector image, it remains crisp and clear at any resolution. Also, vector graphics can often have a smaller file size (especially when compressed) than the equivalent raster image. Note that for photographic images, however, raster images are called for; vector graphics are better for line art, drawings, charts and graphs, maps, and text.

• Q: Is SVG based on VML or PostScript? What is the history of SVG?
• A: SVG is influenced by several formats, but was not based on any one format. For more details, please see the Secret Origin of SVG. You can also read about the history of the various SVG specifications and implementation news.