As technology advances, so do our designs. In the past, creating icons was a time-consuming process. Icons were traditionally created using bitmap images, which were then exported as SVG. This process was slow and difficult. As of 2023, however, creating icons from SVG is much faster and easier. In this article, we’ll take a look at the process of creating icons from SVG and discuss some of the advantages of doing so.
What is SVG?
SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is a type of vector graphic that can be used to create icons, logos, and other graphical elements. Vector graphics are composed of paths, rather than pixels, which makes them scalable and easy to edit. SVG is an XML-based file format, and as such, it can be opened with any text editor. It is also supported by most modern browsers.
Advantages of Using SVG
Using SVG to create icons has several advantages. First, SVG files are much smaller than bitmap images, so they take up less space on your computer or server. This makes them ideal for use on websites and in web applications. Additionally, SVG files are resolution-independent, meaning they can be scaled up or down without losing any quality. This makes them ideal for use on high-resolution displays, such as those found on mobile devices. Finally, because SVG files are text-based, they can be edited or modified more easily than bitmap images.
Creating Icons from SVG
Creating icons from SVG is a straightforward process. First, open an SVG file in a text editor. Then, add the desired shapes and/or text to the file. This can be done by hand or with a vector graphics editor such as Adobe Illustrator. Once the shapes and/or text have been added, the SVG file can be saved and exported as an icon.
Optimizing SVG Icons
Once an SVG icon has been created, it’s important to optimize it for use on the web. To do this, certain attributes must be set. These include the width, height, and viewBox attributes. Additionally, the SVG code should be minified by removing unnecessary characters and whitespace. This will reduce the file size and improve the performance of the icon.
Using SVG Icons
Once an SVG icon has been created and optimized, it can be used on a website or web application. SVG icons can be added to a page using the HTML tag. Alternatively, they can be added using CSS, which allows for greater control over the icon’s size and position.
Conclusion
Creating icons from SVG is a simple and effective way to add graphical elements to a website or web application. SVG files are much smaller than bitmap images, and they are resolution-independent and easy to edit. By setting certain attributes and minifying the SVG code, SVG icons can be optimized for use on the web. Finally, SVG icons can be added to a page using HTML or CSS.