In the past few years, SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) icons have become incredibly popular on the web. SVG icons are small, lightweight, and easy to scale, which makes them perfect for responsive designs. They can also be animated, giving them an extra layer of interactivity and engagement. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the process of creating SVG icons in Illustrator 2023.
Creating SVG icons in Illustrator is surprisingly easy. All you need is a basic understanding of the software, and you’ll be ready to go. Here’s what you’ll need to know before you get started.
Choosing the Right File Type
When creating SVG icons in Illustrator, it’s important to choose the right file type. The two most common options are SVG and SVGZ. SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics, and is the most commonly used file type for web graphics. SVGZ is a compressed version of SVG, and is often used when file size is a concern.
SVG is recommended for most projects, as it is the most widely supported file type. SVGZ is best for projects where file size is a priority, such as websites with a lot of graphics. Keep in mind that SVGZ files are not supported by all browsers, so it’s important to test your icons in as many browsers as possible.
Creating the SVG Icon
Once you’ve chosen the right file type, you can begin creating your SVG icon. In Illustrator, create a new document and draw the icon using basic shapes and lines. Make sure to keep the design simple, as complex icons can be difficult to animate in the web. Once you’ve finished your design, you can save it as an SVG file.
Optimizing the SVG Icon
Now that your SVG icon is complete, it’s time to optimize it for the web. SVG icons can be optimized in two ways: by reducing the number of elements and by reducing the file size. To reduce the number of elements, delete any unnecessary shapes or lines. To reduce the file size, use the SVG Optimizer tool in Illustrator. This tool will reduce the file size without sacrificing the quality of the icon.
Animating the SVG Icon
Once your SVG icon is optimized, you can animate it using the SVG Animation tool in Illustrator. This tool will allow you to create basic animations, such as fading in and out, rotating, and scaling. Once you’ve created your animation, you can save it as an SVG file and upload it to your website.
Adding Interactivity to the SVG Icon
If you want to add extra interactivity to your SVG icon, you can use JavaScript. JavaScript is a powerful programming language that can be used to create interactive web experiences. With JavaScript, you can add hover effects, mouse interactions, and even animation triggers. To get started, you’ll need to learn the basics of the language.
Using SVG Icons in WordPress
If you’re using WordPress, you can easily add SVG icons to your website. First, upload your SVG icon to the Media Library. Once it’s uploaded, you can insert the SVG icon into your WordPress posts or pages using the “Add Media” button. You can also add your SVG icon to any widget or sidebar using the “Image” widget.
Conclusion
Creating SVG icons in Illustrator is a great way to add interactivity and engagement to your website. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you’ll be able to create SVG icons that are optimized for the web, and can be easily animated and interacted with. With a bit of practice, you’ll be creating stunning SVG icons in no time.