SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a text-based vector graphics format that can be directly embedded in HTML to achieve high-quality graphics display. 1. SVG is stored in XML format, and defines shapes, colors and positions through

The <svg></svg> element is a way to embed vector graphics directly into your HTML. Unlike images like PNGs or JPEGs, SVGs scale without losing quality, which makes them perfect for icons, logos, and illustrations that need to look sharp on any screen.

What Exactly Is an SVG?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics . It's an XML-based format, meaning it's made up of text that describes shapes, colors, and positions. Because it's text, you can edit it with a code editor or even write it by hand.

When you use the <svg></svg> tag in HTML, you're essentially drawing directly on the page. You don't just embed an image—you define what's in it.

For example:

 <svg width="100" height="100">
  <circle cx="50" cy="50" r="40" stroke="black" stroke-width="3" fill="red" />
</svg>

This draws a red circle with a black border.

You can also include more complex shapes using paths, rectangles, polygons, and more.

How Do I Embed SVG in HTML?

There are a few ways to put SVG on a web page:

• Inline SVG : Paste the full SVG code directly into your HTML file inside the <svg></svg> tags.
• Using the <img src="/static/imghw/default1.png" data-src="image.svg" class="lazy" alt="What is the element, and how do I use it to embed vector graphics?" > tag : Just like a regular image: <img src="/static/imghw/default1.png" data-src="image.svg" class="lazy" alt="What is the element, and how do I use it to embed vector graphics?" > .
• Background image in CSS : Set background-image: url('image.svg'); in your styles.
• Object or iframe : Use <object data="image.svg"></object> or <iframe src="image.svg"></iframe> (less common).

Each method has pros and cons. Inline SVG gives you the most control—you can style elements with CSS or add interaction with JavaScript. External SVG files loaded via <img alt="What is the element, and how do I use it to embed vector graphics?" > or CSS can't be manipulated this way.

Why Use SVG instead of Other Image Formats?

Here's why SVG shines:

• Resolution independence : Looks sharp at any size—perfect for responsive design.
• Small file sizes , especially for simple graphics.
• Editable and searchable , since it's text-based.
• Supports animation and interaction using CSS or JavaScript.

If you're working with charts, icons, or logos, SVG is usually the better choice over PNG or JPEG.

But it's not always best for photos or very complex images—those are still better handled by raster formats.

Tips for Working with SVG

A few things to keep in mind when using SVG:

• Always set width and height attributes or use CSS to avoid layout shifts.
• Make sure accessibility is covered by adding <title></title> and <desc></desc> tags inside your SVG if needed.
• If you're embedding as an image, test how it scales across devices.
• Use tools like Illustrator or free online editors to export SVGs optimized for the web.

And remember, you can inspect and tweak inline SVGs right in the browser dev tools—just like HTML elements.

Basically that's it.

The above is the detailed content of What is the element, and how do I use it to embed vector graphics?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!