You’ve probably heard of PNGs and JPEGS already and recently you came across SVG files and you were wondering what they are

In this article;

What is an SVG file
How SVG files work
Uses of SVG files
Importance of SVG files
How to upload SVG files to a Cricut machine

What is an SVG file?

[Sample of an SVG file. See more at SVG HUBS]

Scalable Vector Graphics [SVG] which is an XML based vector image format for two dimensional graphics which support interactivity and animation unlike PNGS and JPEGS.

Vector files store images as a set of points and lines between points unlike raster files [PNGS and JPEGS] which are pixel-based making them less of a joy to work with since they cannot be resized without losing quality like the vector files.

SVG files have gained popularity because of their interactiveness among web designers in the recent years making them superior to raster files.

Their other advantage of being written in XML code [meaning they store information as literal text rather than shape] allows search engines to read their graphics for their keywords.

How SVG files work?

SVG files can be opened on any browser or image tool like Photoshop

These browsers processes an SVG file, takes it in the XML information, processes it then displays it as a vector image on users screen

Remember they are written in XML markup language used for storing and transferring digital information

The XML code in an SVG file identifies all of the shapes, colors and text that formulate the image

Uses of SVG files

SVG files are altogether multifaceted as PNG and JPEGS

The following are most of their common uses

Logo design
Illustrations
Animated elements
Charts and graphs

Importance of SVG files

Resolution

Its biggest advantage

SVG files can be resized without losing image quality

They retain the same quality no matter what screen or size they are being at

Helpful when creating responsive websites

SVG files can be scaled up and down to accommodate the changing size layout needs

Editing capabilities

SVG files can be edited in graphic editing programs like Sketch as other images and even in a text editor where the markup can be modified directly

file size

Compared to raster images [JPGES, PNG, GIP] SVG has a size advantage since it does not need to be created bigger to accommodate big screens

styling control

One can comfortably add SVG directly to the HTML of a page which is known as inline SVG

It has a benefit since graphics are literally drawn by the browser, there is no need for HTTP asking to get an image

You can style inline SVG with CSS

animations

Because of the advantage of styling inline SVG files with CSS, you can use CSS animations on them as well

CSS transforms and transitions are two easy ways to add life to SVGS

interactiveness

SVG files are super interactive unlike raster images

You can work with them however you want to

How to upload SVG files to a Cricut machine

What is a Cricut machine?

It is an electronic cutting machine that can cut all sorts of materials ranging from vinyl to wood.

How to upload SVG files to a cricut machine

Step one

Open a zip file containing an SVG file recently downloaded then right click on the SVG file inside and copy and save it directly to your PC

Step two

Open the cricut homepage on your PC and click the bottom at the top right saying ‘Design’ which sends to a landing page containing images of featured projects. Click the green button at the top right that says ‘New project’