What is SVG?

What is SVG?
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics and is basically a text based language that is used to describe two dimensional graphics and graphical shapes.

What are Vector Graphics?
They are basically graphics which are based upon geometric primitives like polygons and curves.

What is the main advantage of Vector Graphics over Raster Graphics?
The main advantage of Vector Graphics over Raster Graphics has to be zero percent loss over scaling the image. If you have a Raster Image (any picture or jpg image for example), you can get diminishing levels of quality as soon as you scale the image (increase or decrease its size). On the other hand, when using Vector Graphics there is no loss of image quality whatsoever when you scale the vector graphics based image. This can prove to be extremely useful for web graphics as well as print media.

What are the main tools for creating Vector Graphics?
The most famous Vector Graphics creation tools on the market have to be Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw. Both tools have a huge fan base but usually the advantages tilt in the favor of CorelDraw. Another tool quickly becoming popular among users is known as Inkscape which is completely free to use and is an open source software. However it may lack the advanced tools of the non-free Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw, still, it's a great piece of software for anyone who wants to jump on the vector graphics design bandwagon.

What file format is used to save Vector Graphics?
The .svg format is used to save Scalable Vector Graphics. Adobe Illustrator may save its files in another format called .ai whereas CorelDraw will save its files as .cdr. However .svg file format is a universal file format for all vector graphics design software.

I'm excited, but where do I go next?
Here are some useful links to get you started:-

• CorelDraw X4 - The latest version of CorelDraw is X4 at the time of writing this article
• Adobe Illustrator CS3 - Adobe's supreme vector graphics design software!
• Inkscape - Draw Freely!

I just got my favorite software which is *beep* but I'm stuck! How do I use it?
The internet has a wealth of free tutorials my friend. Say hello to the following tutorial websites:

• Pixel2Life - A huge database of awesome tutorials for a whole range of software including CorelDraw, Illustrator and Inkscape!
• Tutorialized - Over 180 Illustrator tutorials and counting!
• InkscapeTutorials - A nice blog featuring tutorials for Inkscape!

I might need some inspiration before I get started...
Don't worry, here is some...


Drawn in CorelDraw X3
Made by: ~kenpoist from Deviantart



Drawn in Adobe Illustrator
Made by: ~igorshmigor from Deviantart



Drawn in Inkscape
Made by Michael Grosberg

Tags: svg, "scalable vector graphics", inkscape, coreldraw, illustrator, adobe