In the modern age of digital design, the ability to create scalable vector graphics (SVG) with Illustrator is a must-have skill. After all, SVGs are the perfect solution for creating images that look good on any device or screen size. But before you can create an SVG with Illustrator, you need to make sure that you create it safely. This article will provide you with the steps and best practices for creating safe SVG with Illustrator.
1. Choose the Right File Format for Your SVG
The type of file format that you choose for your SVG will play a major role in how safe it is. When it comes to creating an SVG with Illustrator, the safest file format is SVG 1.1. SVG 1.1 allows you to create an SVG that is compatible with all modern browsers, and it also allows you to control the size and quality of your SVG. If you are creating an SVG for a website, SVG 1.1 is the best choice.
2. Check the File Size of Your SVG
The size of your SVG is an important factor to consider when creating a safe SVG with Illustrator. If the file size is too large, it can slow down the loading time of your website or application. On the other hand, if the file size is too small, your SVG may look pixelated or blurry. To ensure that your SVG has the optimal file size, you should use the “Save for Web” feature in Illustrator. This will allow you to adjust the size and quality of your SVG without compromising its resolution.
3. Use the Right Color Mode for Your SVG
When creating an SVG with Illustrator, it is important to choose the right color mode. The safest color mode to use is RGB. RGB is the most widely used color mode, and it is supported by all modern web browsers. It is also the best option for creating SVGs that look good on any device or screen size. On the other hand, if you are creating an SVG for print, you should use the CMYK color mode.
4. Optimize Your SVG
Optimizing your SVG is an important step in creating a safe SVG with Illustrator. Optimizing your SVG will reduce the file size and make it easier to load. There are several tools that you can use to optimize your SVG, such as SVGOMG and SVGO. These tools will reduce the file size of your SVG without compromising its resolution or quality.
5. Test Your SVG
Once you have created your SVG, it is important to test it to make sure that it is safe. The best way to do this is to use a web browser compatibility checker. This will allow you to check that your SVG is compatible with all modern web browsers. It is also a good idea to open your SVG in different web browsers to make sure that it looks the way you want it to.
6. Add Fallback Images for Older Browsers
If you want to make sure that your SVG is safe for all browsers, you should consider adding fallback images for older browsers. Fallback images are images that will be displayed if your SVG is not supported by an older browser. This ensures that your SVG looks the same on all browsers, regardless of their version. You can create fallback images with any image editor, such as Photoshop or GIMP.
7. Choose the Right License for Your SVG
The license that you choose for your SVG is an important factor to consider when creating a safe SVG. If you choose the wrong license, you may be subject to legal penalties. The safest license to use is the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (CC BY-NC-ND) license. This license allows you to share and modify your SVG, as long as you give credit to the original creator.
8. Keep Your SVG Up-to-Date
When creating a safe SVG with Illustrator, it is important to keep it up-to-date. This will ensure that your SVG is compatible with the latest versions of web browsers and other software. You should also check for any security vulnerabilities that may be present in your SVG. To do this, you can use a service such as Adobe Scan or VirusTotal to scan your SVG for any security threats.
9. Store Your SVG in the Cloud
Storing your SVG in the cloud is a great way to ensure that it is safe. Cloud storage services, such as Dropbox and Google Drive, provide secure storage for your SVG files. They also make it easy to access and share your SVG with others. If you are creating an SVG for a website, you should consider hosting it on a secure server.
10. Protect Your SVG with a Password
If you want to ensure that your SVG is safe from unauthorized access, you should consider protecting it with a password. You can do this by using a password-protected file or by using a service such as LastPass or 1Password. These services will encrypt your SVG and allow you to set a password for it. This will ensure that only authorized users can access your SVG.
Creating a safe SVG with Illustrator is an important part of creating digital designs that look good on any device or screen size. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make sure that your SVG is safe and secure. You should also keep your SVG up-to-date and protect it with a password to make sure that it is safe from unauthorized access.